Capt. David Bacon-Charter Captain/PCS Senior Editor
The Opening Act
Apr. 22 2009, 11:07 AM
Apr. 22 2009, 11:07 AM
While most open-party boat action of late has targeted lingcod and rockfish, a few of the party boats and many private boats are now beginning to target halibut and white seabass. When the glory fish won’t respond - or when limits are reached - rockfish and lingcod come through in a big way with limit-style fishing for reds, chucklehead, bocaccio, honeycomb, chilipepper, blue rockfish, and, of course, lingcod the size of your leg, at the deeper areas (250 to 360 feet). Shallower structure spots are giving up good numbers of sheephead this season, along with ocean whitefish, sculpin, cabezon, and brown rockfish. Some of the best bottom-fishing right now is between Santa Cruz and Santa Rosa islands and off of the north side of Santa Rosa Island.
Bounce-ballers are responsible for the best halibut counts, but that is because the best of the best bounce-ballers are out there, working hard. Drifters working live baits are picking up their share. Channel Islands hotspots include Smugglers Cove, Chinese Harbor, Christy’s, and Bechers Bay. Kayakers and float tubers working inside the mouths of our Ventura and Santa Barbara County harbors are beginning to score halibut frequently enough to keep them pumped with enthusiasm.
White seabass seem elusive just yet, but good quantities of squid coming at the Channel Islands are bringing in the white ghosts. On the backside of Santa Rosa Island, anglers are scoring WSB with live squid on dropper loops, dead squid on leadheads, and white jigs worked just a few feet off the bottom. Bechers Bay is another prime location, as is the backside of Santa Cruz Island.
We are finally beginning to spot the first few thresher sharks along the coast from Ventura to Summerland. So far it is mostly visual sighting, with very few hooked. That will change over the next few weeks as more anglers target the long-awaited longtails.
www.wavewalker.com
Help Capt. David Bacon provide at-sea education, skill building and self esteem to the disabled, impaired, victims of abuse, frail elderly and youths-at-risk. Visit www.softininc.org and support the good works.
White seabass seem elusive just yet, but good quantities of squid coming at the Channel Islands are bringing in the white ghosts. On the backside of Santa Rosa Island, anglers are scoring WSB with live squid on dropper loops, dead squid on leadheads, and white jigs worked just a few feet off the bottom. Bechers Bay is another prime location, as is the backside of Santa Cruz Island.
We are finally beginning to spot the first few thresher sharks along the coast from Ventura to Summerland. So far it is mostly visual sighting, with very few hooked. That will change over the next few weeks as more anglers target the long-awaited longtails.
www.wavewalker.com
Help Capt. David Bacon provide at-sea education, skill building and self esteem to the disabled, impaired, victims of abuse, frail elderly and youths-at-risk. Visit www.softininc.org and support the good works.
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