California Halibut fishing Humboldt Bay (Page 2): I have used bullheads (stag horn sculpin) for halibut and ling cod bait for years. I keep a stainless wire cutter on board just to...

bapabear Loc: Blaine, Washington

GinaBermudez wrote:

Went out fishing on Humboldt Bay and caught this 2... (show quote)

I have used bullheads (stag horn sculpin) for halibut and ling cod bait for years. I keep a stainless wire cutter on board just to clip off the stag horn spines. Once removed the fish is as harmless as a gold fish. Just be sure to immediately throw the stag horns overboard as they will get you even if dried out (Ouch). I hook them just below the dorsal so that they can swim. On large ones, (9-12 inches) I clip off about half the tail. I believe that sends out a stress single, as well as reduces the pull on the line. That is just a guess. I do the same thing with greenling for lings and halibut.

stag horn sculpin also called bullhead Typically 4 to 15 inches

stag horns. they have spines all the way up the back of the horn.

greenling Typically 10 to 20 inches but can grow larger. They are in the ling cod family and have different color meat

greenling. the photos just show two color phased. There are many more.

bapabear Loc: Blaine, Washington

GinaBermudez wrote:

Went out fishing on Humboldt Bay and caught this 2... (show quote)

Just a hint: If the halibut has a lightly digested (skin gone are partly gone fish in it's stomach or puked up, put it on your hook. I did that only with puked up fish guiding, due to logistic practicality on my charter boat. But the success rate must have been near the 90% range.

GinaBermudez Loc: Eureka, CA

Jarheadfishnfool wrote:

Awesome Gina ! Don't forget the cheeks ,tasty morsels !👍😋

Yes halibut cheeks are good.

GinaBermudez Loc: Eureka, CA

bapabear wrote:

I have used bullheads (stag horn sculpin) for hali... (show quote)

Thank you for that info. We can't fish for lings or greening from boats anymore only from land.

bapabear Loc: Blaine, Washington

GinaBermudez wrote:

Went out fishing on Humboldt Bay and caught this 2... (show quote)

I have never seen a basackward or reversed eye Pacific Halibut in all my years of guiding. Maybe that is a California Halibut thing, or you caught a very unique fish. Thank you for that photo. I am never to old to learn something new.

bapabear Loc: Blaine, Washington

GinaBermudez wrote:

Thank you for that info. We can't fish for lings or greening from boats anymore only from land.

Wow !! I complain about our regs., but like the saying goes "the grass is greener on the other side -NOT I guess you better enjoy the halibut while you can. You might also consider those bullheads for stripers. If all goes down the tube, bullheads are very good eating. A twelve incher will produce a nice 1 by 3 inch filet.

K Krew Loc: Woodland, Ca

Nice catch, I caught 2 large rockfish last week and they spit up sculpin as we brought them onboard

GinaBermudez Loc: Eureka, CA

bapabear wrote:

I have never seen a basackward or reversed eye Pacific Halibut in all my years of guiding. Maybe that is a California Halibut thing, or you caught a very unique fish. Thank you for that photo. I am never to old to learn something new.

These are California Halibut. Pacific Halibut are more diamond shaped and eyes are only on the right. Tight lines.

GinaBermudez Loc: Eureka, CA

bapabear wrote:

Wow !! I complain about our regs., but like the saying goes "the grass is greener on the other side -NOT I guess you better enjoy the halibut while you can. You might also consider those bullheads for stripers. If all goes down the tube, bullheads are very good eating. A twelve incher will produce a nice 1 by 3 inch filet.

I'll keep that in mind. Thank you.

GinaBermudez Loc: Eureka, CA

K Krew wrote:

Nice catch, I caught 2 large rockfish last week and they spit up sculpin as we brought them onboard

When are they closing rockfish fishing where you're at. Up here it wsa the 21st.

trower

nice i speared one once you look at the sand and they fluf thier fins mine was 8lbl yours look great

GinaBermudez Loc: Eureka, CA

trower wrote:

nice i speared one once you look at the sand and they fluf thier fins mine was 8lbl yours look great

They taste great too.

Gardener47 Loc: SF Bay

Anybody fishing SF Bay? Looking to take my daughter out and would like to know where they are right now!

PaulFish Loc: Southern California

I'm back down south but you go girl, and you are easy to look at, just saying.
I sold my boat when I was in Loleta as my brother in law didn't need anymore property ornaments.
The end of an era. But it is all good. The boat and I have fished all over the western US.
Go get em girl!??
Steve is not doing well and is on his way out. I hope to see him on the other side!

Djsowards Loc: Roseburg OR

GinaBermudez wrote:

Went out fishing on Humboldt Bay and caught this 2... (show quote)

“Eureka”…the origin of this word comes from an Ancient Greek word meaning “I have found it”….which you have obviously accomplished Gina…I’m on a charter boat tomorrow (The Prowler, out of Bandon, OR.) chasing blacks and ling cod…don’t be jealous! 😎🦀🐟