Event Report: MdR Halibut Derby

Capt. David Bacon delivers the beefy info at MDR Halibut seminar Western Outdoor NewsPublished: May 15, 2012

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MARINA DEL REY — Captain David Bacon, well known and respected captain and owner of the Wave Walker charter boat and Hook, Line and Sinker tackle shop in Santa Barbara was the guest speaker at the MDR Halibut Derby Fishing seminar. The Fishing Seminar was hosted by MDRA on May 10.  A room full of avid anglers listened closely to the tournament winning techniques presented by Bacon.  Notes were copiously made on the various gear and techniques to target halibut, white seabass, calicos and big ling cod. This year the derby has expanded the eligible species to include these and other fish and Captain Bacon is a top pro with acclaimed expertise with all of these species.   This year's 36th Annual Marina Del Rey Halibut Derby is scheduled for June 9th and 10th 2012, so mark your calendars and plan to join the party.    Bacon reviewed the old school and new school technique and gear for bounce balling for halibut admonishing anglers to watch their rod tips with laser focus, strike whenever there is any stop in the pulsing action of the rod tip and NEVER, EVER put their rod down. His current new school bounce balling technique suggests the optimal set up with a 40-pound line from swivel to dodger of  braid, the dodger in size 0, a 14-inch piece of fluorocarbon connecting a hoochie to the dodger. Be willing to vary this last short line from 12 inches to 18  inches until the fish show you what is most attractive.  Troll at 2 knots "through the water" (assuming zero current).  Ignore your GPS speed and focus on the correct speed through the water.  Your rod tip should demonstrate a nice steady pulse revealing the action of your terminal gear.   He also suggested using a trap hook system and pinning fresh or frozen anchovies on the forward single hook and a couple more on the trap treble hook, simulating a small school following your dodger.  Big halibut will go crazy. Lift and bounce your 2-pound round sinker every 30 seconds to attract the attention of all halibut in the neighborhood.      Bacon also reviewed halibut tips and techniques for swimbaits, plastics, fishing along the surf line and drifting baits and then discussed the best ways to target white seabass, calicos, and monster lings. Bacon can be reached at (805) 895-3273 or captain@wavewalker.com.    "David really knows is stuff," said Joshua Gerson, MDRA President.  "He is the most engaging speaker we've ever had…his legendary success and eagerness to share his knowledge are combos that are critical to anglers.”     The derby has been moved to June to take advantage of better probable weather and better numbers of fish in the Santa Monica Bay.     “We expect a great turn-out this year," said Gerson. "Tell all your friends, organize your teams and tail gate parties and come out and have a blast. Local anglers are always looking for an excuse to get out on the water, and this will be the perfect opportunity to kick off the summer fishing season, catch some fish, win some awesome prizes and have a ball."   The derby will continue the new tradition of including additional species in addition to the beloved halibut and will also provide weight bonuses for caught and released fish. All derby entrants will get a limited edition derby shirt, discount membership to the MDR Anglers as well as some nice goodie bags.    Sign up information is live online at www.HalibutDerby.com. You can also register at the Marina Fest event (May 19 & 20) and at the last minute sign ups in Burton Chase Park on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, June 6,7 & 8, from 4: p.m. to 9 p.m..