In-Shore Fun!

I got an opportunity to fish with Tim Boyer on his 26 foot Striper along with his son Chris and friend Jack (Thanks Tim). We launched at Dana Point Harbor around 8:30 Friday morning. The launch ramp is across from Dana Point Jet Ski and Kayak Center which Tim owns and operates. We picked up a half scoop of well cured sardines first then headed out of the harbor towards the power plant.

Weather was cool and overcast with water temps of 62 degrees. It was a short 15 minute trip to the fishing grounds. We set up our halibut rigs while Tim put the boat in place for a drift. We were in 20 to 30 feet of water. Gradually the sky cleared and we had full sun.

Tim

Jack and Tim

Tim hooked up first on something that took a long fast run and broke his 65 lb. spectra. We never saw the fish. Jack hooked up next on a sandbass which he released. We made several long drifts occasionally bringing back raked baits.

Tim pulled out fixins for some great make-your-own sandwiches. As Jack was eating his pastrami sandwich, Chris yelled, “Jack, you’re bit!” Jack put down his sandwich and landed a halibut just short of legal. Jack rebaited and set his rod in the holder and grabbed his sandwich. Again Chris yelled, “Jack, you’re bit!” Another short halibut.

Jack with his first Halibut

Jack's Second Halibut

Chris

Chris measuring his halibut

Chris with his halibut

I threw some loose change overboard (to appease Neptune) in an effort to get bit. Chris got bit next and he landed and released a short halibut. Tim hooked up next and caught the only legal halibut of the day.

I was truly enjoying just being on the water which was fortunate. It was late in the afternoon without a hooked fish when I got bit. It was heavy, big enough to require a gaff. We were sure it was a nice halibut - until it got to the surface and we saw the tail. A big, beautiful Skate!

Skate

It was after 3 pm when we headed back to the harbor. We found the calm waters we fished in were not what we would encounter going back up the line. Chop and spray all the way, but who cares. We had a good day on the water.