Central CA Saltwater Fishing Report

White seabass and halibut show up at the Channel Islands, halibut and salmon along the mainland BY CAPT. DAVID BACON/WON Staff WriterPublished: May 14, 2012

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SANTA BARBARA — Squid spawns began at the Channel Islands and their predators were not far behind. First, commercial fishers found halibut by bounce-balling in areas where they metered squid and the recreational anglers were not far behind. Salmon continue at a slow-to-fair pace along the mainland coast where male halibut are showing in good numbers in the surf zone signaling the beginning of their spawning season. Professional fishers found squid spawns with halibut under them at Santa Cruz and Santa Rosa islands, especially towards the eastern ends of both islands where conditions are more benign that at the west ends where the winds and seas rage. White seabass began showing up in the squid spawn areas over the weekend. That did not do the commercial fishers any good but recreational anglers took quick note. Thus far no large fish have been reported, but large is a relative term and halibut and white seabass over twenty pounds have come up. Rockfish and lingcod action is on fire along the front side of Santa Cruz and Rosa islands as well as off the north side of San Miguel Island. Squid strips and Gulp! baits are common for reds and copper rockfish to 8 pounds. Various jigs proved effective for the lingcod but the Lingslayer - available at Hook, Line & Sinker in Santa Barbara -accounted for large lings capable of taking a jackpot. Along the mainland coast, male halibut showed up thick and surf fishers casting Lucky Craft lures are scoring on sub-legal and just-legal flatties. Leopard shark are sharing the surf zone and some large females were hooked with squid and anchovy baits at Goleta Beach, Butterfly Beach and near Rincon Point. Barred surfperch continue to bite, though not at the pace enjoyed a month ago.