Shallow halibut?

Pilar · 05-04-2003, 11:50 PM

What structure do you look for in the less than 30 fathom fishery? I heard some interesting theories at the strategy session onboard Julie Rose III on Saturday night.

I realize no one is giving up their spots but where do you even look?

[ 05-05-2003, 08:40 AM: Message edited by: Pilar ]

RKB · 05-05-2003, 12:12 AM

John
Don't you ever sleep!!!!!!!!
Ron

Joe Schwab · 05-05-2003, 06:54 AM

John, Look for a gravel bottom. Often just a slight hump. Another clue; they love greenling.

05-05-2003, 07:31 PM

Listen to the Captn. Gravel and depth changes.

Mr. Fisherman · 05-05-2003, 11:49 PM

So who's been working the quaries in shallow and how do we find them? :whazzup:

Nofish · 05-06-2003, 03:42 AM

Ray,
Marine charts will show what kind of bottom is "down below". I believe gravel is abbreviated as "G". Nofish

05-06-2003, 05:58 AM

The only way to locate small structure is to be on the water running your sounder. Find a good looking spot and try feeding the fish.

Threemuch · 05-06-2003, 07:24 AM

There are some interesting reefs north of Nehalem bay that are just inside the 30 fathom line. There are some bottom fish and lings there, but the bottom is not too snaggy, which to me says gravel, small rocks. I have only fished it a few times, no incidental flatties yet. I have never targeted halibut in this location (BIG BAIT) but I am very interested to give it a try.

The one time I tried to fish it with bait, we had a hard time getting herring past the silvers to the bottom.

If I only had a boat...

Martin85 · 05-06-2003, 07:39 AM

Me and love2fish have been going out of Newport on good days getting our bottom fish and then trying to hook up with a flattie over what we think is a gravel bed in about 70' of water just north "X" amount from Newport. love2fish had something really really big break his 50 lbs. line last week over the spot. If we ever get one up to the boats and prove it s a Hali then we will share the #'s in a private e-mail to you guys on salty dogs. You guys have helped us a bunch on this board.

Threemuch · 05-06-2003, 08:00 AM

BTW, I have also seen two halibut caught by salmon trollers right out in front of Nehalem Bay and I think he-who-cannot-be-named-on-this-board said he got one last year too.

KB

[ 05-06-2003, 09:01 AM: Message edited by: Threemuch ]

blast and cast · 05-06-2003, 08:23 AM

I have caught halibut off the mouth of the Nehalem but not in a few years. Last year I watched a gentleman hook a fish in the middle of the Tillamook bar during salmon season. After I took the time to troll all the way out to the red can and back, he still has the fish on- dead in the middle of the jaws. I pulled up next to him and watched. Over the next 20 minutes this guy lands a 60+ pound halibut. Got it on salmon gear trolling herring.

[ 05-06-2003, 09:24 AM: Message edited by: blast and cast ]

Fishmstr · 05-07-2003, 07:08 AM

I've got a cool GIS map of the bottom off of Newport I would be willing to share. I'll be Camping out at the marina this week. "Avocation" is the name of our boat (21' striper).
steve