Wombat911 Loc: Grass Valley, Ca

Where might be the best places in Northern California to fish for Halibut from the shore?

saw1 Loc: nor cal Windsor

I've heard Berkley and the Alameda rock wall are pretty good places.

Papa D Loc: Mantweeka, Ca

Went out to Alameda Saturday 4/22. The Rock Wall was packed (there's not much room that doesn't require hopping the large boulders). Saw 7 keepers landed in the 4 hours that I was at the end of Ballena and heard the stretch down by the circle was hopping too.

Best time to fish is low tide plus/minus 2 hours.

Below are where I go--1st is an overview -- the rest are details listed in order of preference.

The only other places I've caught halibut have been from piers. Take a look at this link for the ones near you.

https://www.pierfishing.com/oyster-point-fishing-pier/

Hope this helps!
PapaD

Overview


Ballena Blvd Beach (park across from the cafe)


End of Ballena Blvd (parking lot)


Crab Cove (park at Robert Crown Park)


North end of Bay Farm Island (park at Shoreline Park)

JTsao Loc: San Rafaeĺ CA

Starting now through September you'll catch keepers from several locations throughout the SF bay-Point San Quentin, Point Isabel, Point Molate (Richmond Rod & Gun Club, Richmond Bride (Marin Rod & Gun Club), Berkeley Marina and the Alameda Wall as already mentioned on this post. Swimbaits in lighter colors work as well as anchovy/herring. You can throw a cast net for baitfish and have a field day with halibut now that they shut down salmon season. Tight lines-

JTsao Loc: San Rafaeĺ CA

Great post PapaD-thanks! Have you fished along Marina Bay off 580? Very nicely maintained residential area plus an interesting facility for the Mare Island Naval Shipyard with a hip bar/restaurant. Not sure if fishing's good but looks like a nice area. Also have you fished out by the old Black Pirate BBQ marina, or the Richmond Rod & Gun Club location? Been there on a scouting trip but didn't see anyone fishing. Wondering if there are any water quality issues around Richmond because of the Chevron refineries.

Papa D Loc: Mantweeka, Ca

Never fished Marina Bay.

Back in January I was out at Black Pirate (AKA Point San Pablo Harbor) and I talked to one of the residents. He that told me that he has seen quite a few halibuts landed there.

It's on my short list to try but only if I'm up that way. Alameda is a lot closer especially with commute traffic.

On the way, I would check out Point Molate Beach Park. It also looks like it might hold halibut.

Pt Pinole, either on the pier or on the adjacent shoreline can be good too. However, the last time I checked the shuttle was shut down (due to COVID, I think). If it isn't running take a bike or a cart -- it's a long walk when you're carrying gear and your catch.

The shoreline adjacent to the Berkeley Pier is also pretty good.

JTsao Loc: San Rafaeĺ CA

Thanks-all good suggestions. Yeah, I've been meaning to load up my bike and pedal out to the pier at Pt. Pinole. Especially excited about Bllack Pirate/Pt San Pablo Harbor because it's secluded and quiet. I think one of the residents put a couch out at the water's edge so you can take a nap! Too bad the bbq restaurant closed down-the owners started a new place in Pt. Richmond called the Baltic Cafe I want to check out. All good stuff.

Jchident

Hi papa d,
Thanks so much!
I’m new to halibut fishing but eager to try. I’ve read that ppl recommend swim baits . What setup do you suggest? For ex, what kind of jig head size and type would you use along with what kind of swim bait?

Any factors to consider while fishing in alameda? Thanks!

JTsao Loc: San Rafaeĺ CA

I'm a newbie myself but my friends at the Marin Rod and Gun Club advise the best bait is live anchovies right now, and the bite is on down south at Oyster Point and Candlestick Park because the salinity is way down in the north bay. Otherwise a 4 inch yellow or yellow/white swim bait on a 3/4 oz jig head with a healthy smear of anchovy paste should do the trick. I've also heard line through swim baits are effective in terms of securing the bite as well as preserving the bait.

Papa D Loc: Mantweeka, Ca

Live anchovies work great but unfortunately are a pain to buy (as far as I know, the only place you can buy them is the pier in SF) and extremely hard to keep alive without a large live well.

You can also try catching bait using a throw net or a sabiki rig off the rocks.

Frozen bait (whole anchovies, herring, or sardines) works fairly well off of Alameda (accounts for about 20% of the catch) but you'll have to change bait frequently due to the jacksmelt. I usually cast it as far out as I can let it sit for a minute then reel it in a few cranks, let it sit--repeat, repeat, repeat... Halibut are primarily lay-in-wait ambush feeders so you'll want to cover as much of the bottom as possible.

Most of the fish (80%) are caught on swim baits. Some guys whip out small ones on steelhead size rods. I use lead-headed paddle tail in shad or sardine colors. You can also use the 4" Storm Wildeye in pearl or shad pattern but you may need to add a sliding egg to get it down to the bottom.

I've also thrown bucktails (with plastic) and heavy kastmasters.

I'll try to post some pictures of my terminal gear in the next couple of days.

Also follow my other "Open invite--05-JUN--Alameda shoreline fishing for HALIBUT" post since I'll be putting information and pictures up there.

Jchident

Awesome thanks so much!

JTsao Loc: San Rafaeĺ CA

would a one oz sliding egg be enough at the Alameda wall or at Oyster Point?

Papa D Loc: Mantweeka, Ca

In front of a swim bait, yes.

For soaking bait fish you'll need up to 6 oz to keep it from dragging with the current.