Took a ride out of Captain Hooks Sportfishing on the New Bluefin ($52 and well worth it) . We left at 4 am and were at Arch rock at 5:30. Had a great crossing with no wind or swell and set up for our first drift with about 3 other boats in 80 feet of water. I took my mother with me because it was a sure thing and we had a "weather window". I heard the captain mumble something under his breath about how she was going to get bit first and sure enough Blamo. I set her up with my best rod and reel, a calstar and a pro gear w/ 40 lb test. Her fish was a healthy 24 lbs and about 40 inches long. Then it was my turn, about ten minutes later I hung a fat 23 lber. The whole boat limited by 6:15 and we were off to Santa Cruz to fish Halibut for the rest of the day.
The boat ended up catching 5 halibuts to 25 lbs, a couple bat rays, and a hand full of barracudas and I managed to stick a couple Calicos when we drifted in close to the island on plastics. I think the boat ended up losing at least 5 fish that were absolute monsters. Whatever they were they were breaking off 20 and 30 lb, and they were not barracudas. I was fishing the bow and the captains rod went off so I grabbed it and fought a big fish for a couple of minutes until he took the rod back and instantly lost what he figured to be an 80 lb + BSB

It was a great day, the boat is very cool, the captain was very fun, and dedicated to his career. We had the pleasure of having Flatty Matty as our Galley cook/Deckhand. Super cool guy and a wealth of information. This boat catches big fish only and is the perfect platform for our islands. And it is only $52 for a full day of fishing.
I got some great pics and will post later. (thanks for reading)