Show your support by donating any amount. (Note: We are still technically a for-profit company, so your
contribution is not tax-deductible.)
PayPal Acct: 
Feedback: 
Donate to VoyForums (PayPal):
| [ Login ] [ Contact Forum Admin ] [ Main index ] [ Post a new message ] [ Search | Check update time ] |
| Subject: Jul-14-03, 08:11 PM (PDT) "Hints on fishing Malibu Pier (Targeting Halibut)" | |
|
Author: chuam |
[
Next Thread |
Previous Thread |
Next Message |
Previous Message
]
Date Posted: 17:32:41 08/21/04 Sat "Hints on fishing Malibu Pier (Targeting Halibut)" Malibu Pier is a great place to fish and you have a wide vairety of fish to target from this historic pier. As far as species go the main fish that is targeted off this pier is the California Halibut. It is prized for its table fare as well as its great fight. There are many ways to target these fish so we will start with the easiest. Live bait (anchovies, sardines, smelt or small perch). You have two options on how to get your live bait. You can bring it with you from one of the landings south of the pier or you can "make" bait at the pier. I would not recommend bringing your own bait unless you have a large 5 gallon bucket or larger container and a very good aerator. The easiet way to make your own bait is to catch it from the pier. The easiest way to do this is to use a sabiki rig. This is a piece of fishing line with 4-6 hooks on it. The smaller the hook size the better. You can get these at your local tackle shop and they can explain how to rig it and use them. You will want to keep your bait alive so I recommend a 5 gallon bucket and an aerator. If you cannot get an aerator then I would suggest bringing a second bucket as you will need to change the water to keep your bait alive. You will also need a long rope to tie to the bucket handle so you can get water from the ocean while on the pier. Once you have caught some live bait you have several options on how to fish it. A simple way is to use a 1-2 oz. egg sinker and attach it to your line above a swivel. Attach about 2-3 feet of leader (10-30lb) to the swivel and your hook at the other end. I suggest a number 2 size thin wire hook. Attach your live bait to the hook (usually by nose hooking it) and let the whole rig straight down. I like to fish live bait straight down between the pilings as the bait stays alive longer and you also have the chance to catch other species that call the pier home. Let the line out until your sinker hits bottom and then wind it up about a foot. You need to keep an eye on your line to make sure you do not get tangled with kelp or the pilings. The second way to fish with live bait is to use a dropper loop. I like this method when you want to fish away from the pier. For this I like to use at least a 3 oz. pyramid sinker. Tie the dropper loop and position the sinker at the bottom and the loop about 2-3 feet above it. If you do not know how to tie a dropper loop go to google.com and type it in and you can find a variety of websites to teach you fishing knots. Once again nose hook your bait and then cast away. I would not recommend going for long distance casts this way as you risk losing your bait on hard casts. Once it is on the bottom tighten up your line and wait for the bite. If you don't like sitting there while fishing this last way will be for you. I like to use a 1/2 to 1 oz. egg sinker and set my line up the same was as the first technique. I then toss this rig straight out and begin a slow retieve back to the pier with the baitfish in tow. If you can't make bait then you also have the option of using dead bait. Any of the above techniques will work whether you are using dead squid, anchovies, sardines, etc. A final option for fishing is to use artificials. These range from metal spoons to soft plastic lures. With these I would suggest casting them out and slowly retrieving them in. As far as favorites go in this category I don't really have any. I have seen halibut caught on a multitude of lures. I hope this helps you catch a "halie" Marcus P.S. Please observe all DFG regulations. Halibut must be a minimum of 22" to be legal. Also if possible please practice catch and release. [ Next Thread | Previous Thread | Next Message | Previous Message ] |