Float tubed "The Cove" today from about 10:30 to 1:30 pm. The water looked good but fishing was slow. We tried going out a little and fishing the kelp off of the main beach (near the U.C.S.B. Marine Bio building) for some calico and/or white seabass but couldn't buy a bite. We started back in where I thought I'd give the inshore area a shot for halibut. I cast the 3 inch swimbait over a bunch of kelp that was laid down by the current and just reeled it over the top and got slammed. After a nice fight on my light setup (8 lb.) I land a 3 lb. calico. Tried that technique a couple more times for nothing. Then I started fishing the kelp lines (where the edges of that kelp bed met sand) and picked up a couple of short halibut.

The sad part of the day was later when we were at the beach we saw a couple of free divers come in with what I am pretty sure was a short white seabass. My best guess was that it was not be more than 26 inches at the most.

that really is sad and that is the very reason that i keep the DFG Cal Tip number programmed into my cell. there are no excuses for poaching as far as i am concerned.

FYI DFG CAL TIP 1-888-334-2258

Pete,

Sounds like a nice fishing day......

Very sorry to hear about the short WSB being speared. Just pitiful.

Wanted the let you know that the custom rod you built for me some years ago has held up immaculately and has lieterally caught more than a ton of fish. Would love to have you build me another rod if you are still in the business.....

Eric

Eric,

Thanks. I am glad to hear the rod has served you well. Unfortunately since I dove into the tackle business (Big Hammer) all of my time has been eaten up and I haven't built a rod in years. I pretty much only use Shimano factory rods at this point. If you need help choosing something I could probably help you out.

Pete