Took my float tube out to Goleta Beach this weekend. Went to my top secret spot and started dragging my favorite bait (live goldfish) around and got bit immediately. If you keep live goldfish in an aquarium and slowly over the course of 10 years add salt they will be tolerant to saltwater and not die when you use them for halibut. You must use a trap rig setup with goldfish. A size 6/0 hook through the lips, then 1 inch of 60 lb. flourocarbon to a 1/0 treble hook near the tail. The first fish turned out to be a 47 incher. My trusty lightning rod was bent over and the line on my Cardinal spinning reel was smokin'. I use my spinning reel upside down so I can control the drag pressure more easily. I let the first fish go as I'm always trying to catch those ultra-yummy 15 to 18 inchers. After three more pesky legals I finally hooked into a keeper. A perfect 16 incher. Immediately bashed it over the head and threw it in the backrest of my tube. I take the bladder out of my backrest because it makes a perfect place to put fish and the DFG never checks it. Ended up with 5 legals and 3 keepers. Stopped to pee on the beach on my way back to the car and didn't get busted. Great day!

Here's me with a nice tasty keeper

http://www.mindspring.com/~petenjen/images/halibut_god.jpg

HALIBUT GOD
Bow down and pray you will ever be as good as me!