Any guide lines on colors to use for halibut? I have read the olive is good, but given different lighting (morning vs. mid-day)must call for color change.

I have been out 3-4 time this past week, between goleta and campus point with limited success, a couple of shorts. Always at sunrise for a few hours. I have found that squid teaser helps with the number of hits but can't always tell what hitting it. Shreaded plastic indicates a halibut tail strike. Any technique/advice you are willing to share would be greatly appreciated.

thanks

I like the natural bait colors. Try sardine ,chovie and smelt or grunion. It seems to me smaller is better if you are not getting that much action. The small taps from the squid are probably not halibut.
I like fishing on the pier or the rock point at the end of the parking lot. You want to fish parallel with the beach. Try going out on the pier about 1 to 2 pilings past the breaking surf, cast far out and bounce it or swim it pretty darn slow, following the surf line.
I believe that the deepest so-called pools are about ten to 20 feet directly out from the biggest breaking waves. I do not use scents anymore but I do believe they will increase your odds. And once you get bit, stay in that area for a while.

The best IMO is the rainbow trout pattern, then smelt.

Good luck, tell us how you did.

For halibut, I've had best luck with the big hammer clear with red flake, fish trap channel isl. chovy, and olive brown bait with red belly. Sometimes matching up colors to whatever live bait is in the water works, other times there's no telling what they'll hit. Best to get out there and see what works for you. As far as finding the fish, I've found working the edge of the kelp produces. Sandy areas next to structure (rocks, eel grass, kelp) is usually an ambush point for these fish.
Best of luck.
Jonathan

Fishtrap: Green Sardine, Channel Islands Chovie, Black Back/Clear Belly with Red Flake, and Keylime.

Big Hammer: Olive/Red Stripe, Keylime, Rainbow Trout, Clear/Red Flake

I agree - the hits you felt with the squid strips were probably not halibut - most likely white croakers yanking on the squid.

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You can't catch tomorrow what you kill today - please practice catch and release.

Most of you guys know my opinion.
Fishtrap 4inch green sardine on 1/2oz head. In 20 feet or less of water this is "THE" swimbait for halibut in my opinion. Try them out, if you don't catch any then I'll ... we'll I don't know what I'll do but I'd be worrying about something other than the color of the swimbait :-)

Thanks all for the feed back! Went out yesterday and tried 6-inch shad (black over silver) "saltwater assasin" and got shreaded! No legals but 3 shorts all around 20-21.5 inches. Many larger followers. The 21.5+ was tempting but I want fish I don't have to measure (25"+) I am new to kayak fishing and every time I am out I realize I needed something else from the garage. Where can I get a game ring (big keychain for fish)??

I purchased mine at Sport Chalet in the diving section.

Any local Dive shop should have them too.
Another Brian

Believe me you do want the 25+ inch fish. The 22 and even the 23 inchers are hard to measure accurately in the tube or kayak. Remember that when the DFG measures them they lay them on a flat board with a ruler on it. It doesn't work to stretch the tape over the top of the fish as this will add a half an inch or so. I just don't want to see anyone get nailed by the DFG unless they deserve it.

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You can't catch tomorrow what you kill today - please practice catch and release.