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Forum nameSaltwater Fishing in California
Topic subjectWest Beach 3/25
Topic URLhttp://www.calfishing.com/dc/dcboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=4&topic_id=11719
11719, West Beach 3/25
Posted by Ojos_raros, Fri Mar-26-04 10:22 AM
Got down there about 430: incoming tide, light winds, no weeds, prefect. I was tossing swim baits from shore - my first time doing so. Sure enough, on the 2nd cast i hooked up. Felt like kelp, I set the hook and i was on... for about 10 seconds. Crap! Five minutes later and three feet from my legs, wham! felt like kelp again, set the hook a little harder this time and I was on... for about 10 seconds. Damn!!! I think it was the same fish. Felt like a nice sized Halibut. Any suggestions on why he came off... twice?! I know they have bony mouths, but the hook was very sharp. What gives?
11720, RE: West Beach 3/25
Posted by Dan, Fri Mar-26-04 10:41 AM
I cant say for sure but these fish may have been leopard sharks. Lately there have been alot of them cruising around in the shallows and if you run your swimbait over their back you can snag them. Alot of times if you put any pressure on them the hook pops out. If they where halibut its just bad luck. My only advice is dont swing right away, reel tight into the fish and let them turn a little away from you and then swing. Good luck.
PS. was that AM or PM
Daniel
11721, RE: West Beach 3/25
Posted by Ojos_raros, Fri Mar-26-04 11:00 AM
Hey Dan, they were definetly Halibut. I saw them surface, then turn. When I set the hook, the line was not slack. The drag very well set, I kept pressure, etc.

PS 430 PM
11724, RE: West Beach 3/25
Posted by BigBassn, Fri Mar-26-04 12:16 PM
What size line and swimbaits were you using?If your using the 3" swimbaits you may want to try using the Fishco Darter wire lead heads you'll get better hook penetration with light line.