If the waves are approaching the jetty from the right, a natural eddy will be generated on the jetty’s opposite side (left side). When approaching the base of the jetty, where it meets the sand, look out to sea and make note of the direction of approaching waves and swells. But there are some subtle differences to also look for when fishing along a jetty. As with open-beach fishing, it’s always smart to cast along the edge of rock where it meets sand to find the fish. The California coast is littered with man made and natural jetties that provide structure and habitat for halibut. Jetties also offer some great opportunities to catch halibut. Halibut commonly lie-in-wait along these edges Find where the sand meets the rocks and fish along this area. Open beaches that have a rocky point adjacent to them are also great areas to target fish. Cast over and drag your bait across these troughs to entice halibut to bite. One trough will form outside where the waves break farthest out from the beach, another trough will form where the waves break (during high tide) near the shore. These troughs are easiest to find at low tide and run parallel to the beach. Halibut also congregate in the offshore troughs that are built just below the waves. Once you spot these areas, cast your bait or lure along the edge of a rip tide, structure or where rocks meet sand–this is where fish will be waiting to ambush bait. Another area to target is offshore structure including holes, kelp beds and reefs. Because surf fish congregate near areas of jumbled or foaming water look for small rip tides that form just off shore. When you reach the beach find a high spot near the water’s edge and look up and down the beach for signs of fish. Open beaches offer a challenge when looking to target halibut. Some of my favorite places to fish for halibut are along the open beach, around jetties and near estuaries and river mouths. A “legal” halibut is one measuring over 22 inches and is considered one of the most sought after catches in the surf.īoat fishermen love to target halibut but fishing for them from the surf is also productive. In the spring, summer and fall halibut come into much shallower water in both the surf and just offshore, to feed and spawn. In the winter most halibut swim into deeper water to feed and prepare for winter storms. These fish live in a depth range between 2 and 100 feet. The state record 58lb 9oz halibut was caught at Santa Rosa Island. Fortunately, halibut fishing has been exceptional this year from San Francisco Bay to the Mexican border with many three fish limits the rule.Ī non-migratory fish, the California halibut grows to over 60 pounds. And it seems like I’m not alone.Ĭalifornia Fish and Game Department has stepped up their monitoring of halibut fishing this year in response to concerns about over fishing–All the result of so many anglers turning to halibut because of the closure of salmon fishing along the West Coast. Well the truth is, I release all of my fish back into the water with one exception-the occasional legal halibut. I’m asked all the time what is the best tasting fish from the surf.