California Halibut-
Hands down one of the best table fare species you can catch from the surf. The California Halibut can be found from Baja CA, all the way up to the Quillayute River in Washington. Halibut aka Flatty’s, are ambush predators and are known to lie on sandy bottoms waiting for their prey. If you catch one keep fishing that spot because they are known to hangout in schools.
Recommended line for Halibut-
When it comes to the California Halibut either Monofilament or Fluorocarbon line works just fine. The halibut isn’t necessarily line shy and you can getaway with a heavier pound test. Back your halibut reel with braid and a heavier Mono or Fluoro leader. We’ve had success with 15lb Mono and as light as 8lb Fluoro.
Rigs For Halibut-
There are many options that can work when you’re fishing for halibut. It all depends on what bait or lure you’re going to be using. Our preferred rigs to fish for halibut is the drop shot rig. We also like using the luck craft flash minnow tied straight onto our lure.
Recommended Bait/Lure and how to fish Halibut-
There are many different methods you can use to hook a California Halibut. Live bait, swimbaits, spoons, jerk baits. To catch one you must understand their hunting style. These fish do not move around and search for their food. Instead they will wait on the sandy bottom using its camouflage to ambush their prey.
Our top three artificials for catching these flat predators are the Luhr Jensen Krocodile Spoons. The Lucky Craft Flash minnow 110s and the Big Hammer Swimbaits with a Warbaits Swimbait head. The Lucky Craft and the Spoon can be fished the same way you would fish for perch, see here. You really want to feel the spoon/swimbait kicking in the water when you retrieve it. We also recommend a pause in your retrieve. Let it bounce off the bottom as you wind it in. Switch it up and see what method works for you.
Recommended Rod & Reel for Halibut-
For halibut you want a Rod and Reel combo that has a little more backbone and can support a heavier lure or bait being casted out. We recommend a 7ft medium action rod paired with a high line capacity reel and durable drag system. Here are some rods that work well against Halibut.
Click Here to view our guide on another challenging surf fishing species!
Learn how to catch the California Corbina!