Hey everyone, so I've been targeting halibut out of tomales bay, launching at Miller's. Been going 2 to 3 days a week for the past 3 weeks. Halibut are being caught out there, most days I go multiple people are taking butts home. Live bait and frozen bait seem to be the ticket with a few being caught on swim baits. Yesterday was an exception though, fishing was very slow, barely saw any live bait and didn't see anyone taking anything home. 6/22 was really good, saw at least 10 legal sized halibits being taken home by people. I was able to hook up on a 50lb bat ray and caught a spiny dogfish (didnt even know they were in tomales). Kind of bummed, no halibut after 8+ trips out there in the last 3 weeks, but hey, that's fishing.

What exactly do you mean by "read those ledges"? Thanks for the reply!

I echo what Annie said.  Tomales is a tough nut to crack, but persistence is rewarded.  I'll let Eddie reply on the ledges comment, but keep in mind, most of the target species tend to follow the edges of the structure.  It's a lot easier to sneak up on, or lay in wait for, a meal when you are close to structure, versus chasing in open water.  Yes, you will get halibut, stripers and other target species in open water with flat bottom, but watch the guys that consistently get them and where they like to focus their efforts.  Underwater topo maps are your friend..... 

Keep at it!

Norm

Post a hook up and you might get a guest appearance from somebody who can show you around. Like that Eddie guy! Once you figure it out it will get better. Also if you keep trying the same spots with the same baits for no fish then it’s time to either change the area you are fishing or the baits you are using.

I think I fished a whole season at tomales and did t get anything ur not alone....

.... it happened to me a few years back.

Enjoy the beauty of getting skunked on Tomales-there's tons of amazing life to see-Ospreys and Bald Eagles abound.

Couldn't agree more. Pretty special seeing a bald eagle glide across the bay early in the morning. Cant really have a bad day out there. You'll get em drew, just keep it up