We've been getting a few halibut out of the surf in Santa Barbara on small plastics (Worm King AA) and Krocodiles. I got a 25.5 incher last weekend on a light spin rod with 6 lb. test - great fight! When the halibut aren't biting we've been able to tie into some perch at high tide.

When do you fish for Halibut's, on the low or high tide? Also, where exactly is a good place to fish them in S.B? I heard stories of some place called East Beach and Goleta Beach. I have never caught a Halibut and would like to get away from these Ventura perch so I could press my luck with a flattie.

I've only fished them from the surf right next to Stearn's Wharf (about 100 yards on either side) and from the rocks on the western side of Goleta Beach (toward the University). But I have heard that East Beach and Leadbetter Beach are also good spots. I like areas that have little or no kelp, a nice sandy bottom, gentle slope, and small waves (the smaller the better). The tide doesn't seem to matter for the halibut like it does for the perch. I've caught them at high and low tide. Small plastics (worm king AAs and 3 inch Fish Traps) and light jig heads (3/16 to 1/4 oz.) or Krocodiles (1/4 oz.) seem to be working good. I got a nice hit while experimenting with a Rat-L-Trap two weeks ago.<P>Be sure and read Rob's page on halibut fishing with plastics on this site.<P>Please don't injure the shorts!!