My Top 4 Halibut Rigs for SoCal Surf Fishing

[@slpernie]

This is super helpful. I grew up fishing halibut on the east coast but never fished them from the surf. I got out there today and caught a 20 inch halibut. Still trying to learn how to study the break and find the best spots but always keeping in mind to look for the structure! Cheers 🙌🏿👊🏿💪🏿

[@amefocus]

Great video Benjie! No better feeling than getting a bite on the LC!

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Yes sir brotha! That tug is the drug!

[@mattr7229]

Benjie... you're the man. I am a long time fisherman but never tried the surf before. Your videos have been great in getting me started. Thanks!!!

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Hi Matt, thank you so much, you're gonna adapt and kill it out there in no time!!

[@jwestfishing3229]

Yup! I too have had success with those techniques, minus the 1st lure you showed. It's my 1st time seeing that one. I've also had good luck with various spoons! Tight lines!

[@CastNreeL82]

Yes they’re the top 4 rigs I like too. Specially the swim baits work well for big ones 👍 Awesome video ~!!! Thanks for sharing Benjie 🙏😁

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Thanks Tony! I'm so excited for this season, keep up the GREAT work! Grateful to have met you and looking forward to bigger and greater things!

[@tommybrewer2983]

Oh bro...you just taught me something with the nose hook!!!!! I hadn't even considered that! I'm going North side Scripps pier tomorrow morning, right up against Shark Reef! Gonna give that a try! Thank you for all your vids!!!!!

[@lvscan]

Hello Benji, Thank you for the good information. I learned how to tie the Drop Ship rig with a 4" white Swimbait. Can you tell me what Pole I should be using? I am looking at the 10' Okuma Rockaway currently, but is there something else I should be looking into?

[@ericjensen3662]

I finally got my pole, 30 lb. braided line, Lucky Cradt Minow, my license and misc. accessories. I'm going out to Manhattan Beach tonight. Wish me luck.

[@csmats5374]

Those micro jigs are interesting in that they're small enough for pan-sized fish to take them easily but for some reason they also seem to drive the big ones crazy despite being so small. Can't wait for your videos using them.

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Agreed, I've seen them do VERY well. I'm looking forward to adding this to my repertoire!

[@angelamicay8748]

This is the video of the year Benji. Such good info. My goal this year is to catch legal halibut.🤙🏽 very knowledgeable thanks!

[@BenjieKimFishing]

haha dang, you're too kind Angel but glad it might be helpful for you and others! Legal hali is a great goal man, it can be a grind and I do believe it requires some dedication, but its absolutely possible for you man!

[@Opaleye]

Such a detailed, helpful video :) The halibut season is here again!

[@bluesdawg8014]

I'm near Seal Beach, just retired and want to surf fish since I sold my boat. Good information Thanks man

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Congrats on retirement and thank you for the comment, tight lines!

[@katieb3104]

One step closer to standing on the beach! This video is super super helpful Wow!!!!!!

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Always appreciate you Kate, thank you!

[@350huesos]

First video i see that really explains the use of the drop shot thx

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Thank you, I hope that it can be helpful!

[@JD.California_monkey_mackerel]

Hello happy Tuesday I love Pier fishing I'm from California thank you very much for this video I also love fishing for halibut fish and mackerel fish

[@dougheckathorn3925]

Great video Benjie. Thanks for passing along your insightful knowledge.

[@BLKLS2GTO]

Another much appreciated video brotha!!🤙🏽 Can’t wait to land my first legal Hali!!

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Much love Beto. Oh man, its just a matter of time brotha, its gonna happen!

[@hookzsettv4842]

Thanks Benji appreciate the support

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Appreciate you Alex, keep up that grind and hustle! Hopefully you get a few sales from this. 🤙

[@hookzsettv4842]

@@BenjieKimFishing I sold out right before the release ahahaha today is my Friday for my work week so going to grind them out and add some inventory

[@dominicperalta6041]

Love the videos I just stared surf fishing about a year ago and I’m hooked on it I love the feel of a bite thanks for all the help.

[@BenjieKimFishing]

You're the man Dominic, thank you for the encouragement and tight lines out there!

[@63Bower]

I so much appreciate your advice and explanations. I’m am that new guy who benefits a ton. Thank you for the help!

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Thank YOU for the positive vibes and encouragement. My channel is for folks like you and me. Always learning, always growing. 🤙

[@Secrimsoc]

Way to go Benji!!!! Keep those video churning.

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Thanks so much for the encouragement, it keeps me going!!🤙

[@Enchanted_Adventures505]

Good stuff! I'll be using all your tips this coming weekend, hoping for my 1st Hali🤞......Thank you!

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Awesome man thank you for leaving this comment. How did you do?? Hali fishing can be very hit or miss so if you slayed...congrats!! And if you missed, I just want to encourage you to stick with it!

[@rubennavarrete5865]

Benjie as always great video. Been hesitant to try for some Halibut but going to try it next time out

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Thanks Ruben! It’s been fairly slow this winter but things should be only getting better from here on out. Might be a good time to chase hali from now till the summer critters arrive full force. Wishing u a great weekend brotha!

[@560Roadster]

Benjie is like having a cool fishing buddy.

[@frankvasquez9061]

Awesome video! This year I'm going after my first halibut so thanks for the tips man wish me luck

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Good stuff and good luck Frank! If you stick with it and keep casting, it WILL happen. Tight lines.

[@SoundFishingTV]

Thanks! I'm going to try and target a halibut in the following days. Appreciate all the info.

[@halibutman_fishing]

Thanks benjie, definitely halibutman approved 👍 👌

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Much appreciated and tight lines!

[@nigeldecoster1391]

Benji, how often do you change hooks on your lucky craft 110s? Do you ever use fish attractant on your artificial baits in the surf?

[@BenjieKimFishing]

I change them if I happen to bend any out or if they start showing corrosion. It's not very often. As for fish attractant...no I do not, unless I'm using gulp cams worms which are scented out of the package.

[@bizarroadolfo]

Great video and awesome info man!! Just subscribed! Looking to get into surf fishing. What are some good spots in SoCal to hit for the first time?

[@catchingdinner9316]

Awesome video Benjie! I need to get some of those SurBaits, they look 🔥!

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Thank you! Yes, SurBaits are LEGIT!!

[@Ben-iz2mo]

I imagine this should work fine in NorCal as well? Awesome video!

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Hey Ben, I would say that all of these would work in NorCal but I would make everything heavier. I'm a finesse guy that straddles the fence of too light, even for our calmer SoCal waters. Also, correct me if I'm wrong but surf halibut are pretty rare in NorCal, though abundant in the bays. Tight lines!

[@steveelder5306]

@@BenjieKimFishing it's all about the water temp. once it gets about 58 degrees I start looking for fish in the surf.

[@fishxtrada636]

Great video! So much useful info! Thank you for the feature!

[@BenjieKimFishing]

NP! Now I gotta get some fish on em, I'm looking forward to it. Thank you again!

[@GRUMPY1975]

Excellent video brother 👍👏👌

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Much appreciated, thank you!🤙

[@waddell7354]

Awesome video, I've been fishing for calis in Humboldt bay for years but I know they are in the local surf. Nobody here fishes for them there. So I am going to perfect it. Might even catch a striper while I am at it.

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Hey thank you! I'm not familiar with Humboldt but wouldn't be surprised to if you were to make it happen. And most definitely a striper seems more than possible and would be a pretty dope "bycatch" 😜

[@steveelder5306]

what happened? they been getting them in the surf in Del Norte and even south Curry for awhile. Clam Beach looks like it would be killer!

[@ham5765]

Awesome, helpful vid! I see in the comments below that when using straight braid, color doesn't really matter. How about hi-viz yellow? Also, can you go into a bit more detail about what kind of line/leader (braid, fluoro, mono) and pound test you use for each of the setups? (ie, LC = 20-30 lb straight braid, color doesn't matter, Drop shot = 8-12 lb fluoro leader to 15-20 lb braid mainline, etc) Thanks and hwaiting!!!

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Thank you for the comment! Correct, I haven't seen any dip in bite ratio from standard colors (green, white, etc). TBH I'm not sure how hi viz yellow would affect the bite as I've never tried it. LC - 20-30 lb for straight braid, 12-15 lb for fluoro/mono. Drop Shot - 8 - 12 lb fluoro leader (mainline braid 20-30 lb) Micro jigs (7 to 10 gram) - 6 to 8 lb fluoro/mono (tho I've been testing it on 12 lb because I'm too lazy to swap out leader) Swimbaits - 12 to 15 lb fluoro/mono This is just how I would do it, imo its most important to go with what works for you. I do tend to err on the lighter side so take that for what its worth. Tight lines.

[@ham5765]

Appreciate the thorough response! Keep up the great work! Hwaiting!!

[@LedGuitar1218]

How do you recommend keeping a fish on once you get a bite on the lucky craft. Just keep it tight? Do you set the hook hard?

[@Rocksider2525]

The only issue I have is that darn water is cold Alaska current here in So Cal. Last week my feet turned purple. Waaaa....🙃 Great video.

[@matburn88]

@2:29 that’s my go to for the surf in Newport.

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Absolutely brotha, the LC is tried and true!

[@razalasleba]

Excellent info in this video. I'm excited try fishing the surf. I'm not trying to steal anyone's secret spot but where would you suggest a good place to start fishing the surf? Live in San Diego

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Thanks Abel. San Diego is a great fishery that I'd love to properly explore in the next couple of years. I would explore and get to know Torrey Pines and Blacks. I've never fished Silver Strand, but it seems like there's some good fishing to be had there as well. Hope that helps.

[@robertbailey5051]

Do you only use your modified weighted Lucky Craft or will the regular Lucky Craft Do the Job?

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Hi Robert, actually I primarily use the regular LC110 most of the time as I primarily fish shallow water structure. The modified will work in that setting too but imo not necessary and possibly more prone to snagging. Perhaps the greatest benefit to the modified LC is that you can fish it in deeper columns with greater effectiveness.

[@seanwhite4586]

Excellent and very informative video. Just subscribed to your channel! Looking to land some halis here soon!

[@sergiorodriguez889]

Good stuff brotha 🤙 have you tried the IMA surf jerkbaits? They make a small 90MM that weighs about an ounce.. great baits!!🙏🤙

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Thanks for checking in Sergio! I haven't but that sounds fire!!

[@nqi87]

I was hoping there would be an angler that pick up where Rodney Marquez left off. You are the one sir.

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Haha wow, I don't deserve such a compliment, thank you. Rodney is THE man....nobody makes videos like him and he was definitely my #1 inspiration when I started my channel. The man makes perfect videos! AND, Rodney's been pretty busy but he's definitely not done. He'll be back....SOON! 😉

[@noahraymundo2832]

Thanks so much for the help. What line are you using for the luckycrafts.

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Most of the time I have 30 lb braid with a 12 lb fluorocarbon leader (about 3 yards or so). Hope that helps!

[@noahraymundo2832]

@@BenjieKimFishing Thanks. I’m headed up to Refugio soon so I’m doing a little prep.

[@JS-zo6zf]

Thank you for the vid! What lb leader line do you use for drop shot?

[@BenjieKimFishing]

I use anywhere from 8-12 lb fluoro. I start with 12 but if the bite seems finicky or tough, sometimes dropping down will help. Consensus is halibut aren't line shy but there have been a couple times where its made a difference for me.

[@TattooArtistOC]

Maybe add a white bucktail on the bottom instead of the lead and get 2 hooks in the water?

[@IronBear007]

With the lucky craft. Do you recommend removing the belly or keeping it on the jerk bait?

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Its really dealers choice here, personally I just use the stock hooks until I need to swap em out.

[@AR-do3gj]

When straight braid on the FC you think color matters. If so what color is best for surf fishing ? Great vid. Thx!

[@BenjieKimFishing]

In my personal opinion, I don't think it matters. I've used green and white and didn't notice a difference in strike ratio. Thanks for watching and the support!

[@AR-do3gj]

Went out🎣 to seal beach yesterday and caught just caught a stingray. ...in my foot. 🤦🏽‍♂️🤣

[@joanlynch5271]

Do you eat the halibut or do you sell it? Very interesting videos, thanks.

[@antdev8428]

Awesome video sir, thank you!

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Thank you for checking it out and the kind words!

[@robert039]

Benji, you’ve probably gone through this in another video, but do you not like using bigger pole rods? 11’ 2 piece etc. I know you don’t like hauling a bunch of stuff bc your on the move

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Hi Rob, 9' is the biggest rod I have and I don't feel like I'm missing anything. In SoCal I don't think anything longer is necessary as halibut and other fish are typically within 30 yards. Not saying that anything bigger is wrong, but this is what works for me.

[@Heybat]

I am new to USA and CA, can I keep the fish in California? And is using case nets legal for fishing on piers?

[@donaldpeters5155]

Great presentation, very informative. Peace brother!

[@brycenmiddleton8669]

I am both experienced with spinning and baitcasting. Do you have a preference for the surf?

[@BenjieKimFishing]

It just depends on my mood that day. Both have their merits and imo its just personal preference. Lately I've been using my spinners but again, its just what I've been preferring. Thanks for watching and the comment!

[@derekjenkins1878]

PRO TIP: go scout your favorite beaches at extreme low tide and see where the troughs are. Go back on an incoming tide and cast more parallel to shore trying to keep bait in those zones. The troughs move and change all the time of course!

[@joselindo3016]

Hey thanks Benji looking forward to try this thanks and hope to I could get a legal one this month 😂 see u soon

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Heck yea Jose, the next couple months are prime man, I hope you get one!

[@tonya6105]

Do you use any kind of Spray scent for those swim baits and if you do can you please let me know. Thanks

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Sometimes I'll use procure in the anchovy, sardine, or inshore saltwater scents. I hope that helps.

[@TiagoFranco07]

Thanks for the information bro do you know any spots with Bonita in Long Beach and also I bought some jerk baits that float but they dive about three feet is that still ok to use in the surf for halibut

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Hey bro, I do know the bones run in LB but I don't think they're around in the winter, I'd wait for summertime. I've heard you can catch em from the pier. 3 ft diver should be just fine for the surf, but it really just depends on the beach you're fishing as well as the conditions that day. Try to match dive depth with the depth of that specific water column. Hope that makes sense!

[@TiagoFranco07]

@@BenjieKimFishing thanks man

[@charV123]

Can you review the metal jacker?

[@Imjoshuabailey]

I always used the drop shot in San Diego Bay for spotties. Never really tried it in the surf. Always heard guys used it in the surf but iv never tried.

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Its definitely viable Josh! When I first started hunting hali it was the only way I targeted them. But yea, drop shotting for spotties almost feels like cheating sometimes lol!

[@HouseHunterLA]

What are your thoughts on the pre rigged halibut slider rigs?

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Hey Warren, I do have a couple in my box but have only tried it once from my inflatable. From what I see and understand, they work great and I'm looking forward to putting it to use this year. From the surf, I'm not sure if its necessary (though I'm certain it would work). For those fishing live bait for halibut from shore, they typically use a Carolina rig with a light sinker or a dropper loop and they do really well.

[@Kodakgee]

Great video man. Appreciate this very much

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Thank you 🤙

[@dustybottoms3834]

Great info! Thank you

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Thank you so much for watching and the encouragement!

[@socalangler4082]

Great video!

[@BenjieKimFishing]

As always, thank you for the stoke!

[@izenga606]

Do you fish all of these with the tactical clips?

[@BenjieKimFishing]

The micro jigs and LC yes, I uses 25 to 50 lb TAC. With the drop shot and jig, no I do not use clips. I'll use a connection knot (RP knot) for braid to fluoro and tie directly to the leader.

[@mikeroll9868]

Thanks man good info.

[@fishingnomad1064]

What would be a good first-time surf fish rod?

[@BenjieKimFishing]

For targeting halibut I’d recommend an 8’-9’ medium action rod. You’re not gonna find the perfect rod for every technique, but medium should get close enough for you to get by. It also depends on your budget - I personally like Phenix rods and my current favorites for throwing the lucky craft is the trifecta lite 903 ML and the M1 7’8” MH is my second favorite. A slightly cheaper Phenix rod that will get the job done is the 7’7” feather medium. Regardless of brand, stay close to a medium action and a line rating of 6-12 pounds. This is just my personal opinion but hope it helps.

[@fishingnomad1064]

@@BenjieKimFishing Thank you very much for the info is greatly appreciated.

[@grizzlytroutfishing8472]

Good morning I know it's been a while since the video what size reel would you suggest I was thinking 2500 to 3000 size either the sienna or the Sedona reels what's do you think maybe 15 to 20# braid with a mono too shot of 15 or 10lb test.

[@BenjieKimFishing]

2500 to 3000 is good. Just make sure whatever reel you choose matches up with your rod choice. Light reel - light rod, heavier rod - heavier reel. Hope that makes sense. The Sienna/Sedona line are good budget options. Honestly not sure how they hold up in the salt, my first surf reels were a couple of Sedona's that corroded really bad. But I'm positive that it was because I wasn't rinsing and taking care of it. So I'm guessing it'll be fine as long as you take care of it. The Daiwa Fuego LT for sure holds up pretty decent as long as you take care of it. Solid bang for buck reel option.

[@grizzlytroutfishing8472]

Do use braid like 15 20lb then a top shot or just mono

[@grizzlytroutfishing8472]

I also was looking at the shomano sedona or shimano sienna in a 3000 to 4000 size

[@BenjieKimFishing]

@@grizzlytroutfishing8472 15 to 20 lb braid with about a 2 to 3 ft 9 of 12 to 15 lb fluoro leader.

[@BenjieKimFishing]

@@grizzlytroutfishing8472 4k is fine but depending on the reel (all reels are different regardless of size designation) you’d prolly want to go up on line size to match the reel capacity.

[@blkaudiofan]

Damn got save up for some of these lures!

[@BenjieKimFishing]

They are all great options imo!

[@randalleversole917]

Thank you

[@socalhooligan2544]

Megabass halibut 90 was the best bait ever. Anyone know a good place to get them anymore?

[@lucianolorenzo8395]

I like my Lucky craft cherry berry 110 tag a 30 " halibut

[@i3diamonds]

Link where to buy those Metal Jackers please

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Hey Randy, you can purchase them online here - fishxtrada.com

[@DaleSmith-gx2sy]

anybody know what rig he's using...rod length and line weight? Thanks!

[@drewbox4625]

I need more sur baits!!!!

[@st_x_rry]

Micro rig Lucky craft Jig head Drop shot For anyone wondering 😊

[@stevenalvarez487]

I was expecting 4 luckycrafts lol

[@jushmongogd2617]

by chance, can anybody send the link to the micro jigs. I would love to use them!

[@BenjieKimFishing]

You can order them from fishxtrada.com, I believe I left the link in the video description as well!

[@ipimpyomomma]

Haha yeah ok !!

[@ddemonjjv]

Lot of talk. It's not that complicated. Lures not needed. Imo.

[@trippingonfaith7094]

Surf fishing is horrible ruin your gear,get soaked, walk for miles trust me you don’t want to do it really go fish largemouth. 😂

[@BenjieKimFishing]

haha different strokes for different folks!

[@trippingonfaith7094]

@@BenjieKimFishing I was being sarcastic to keep as many people away from the surf as possible, die hard surf fisherman from my youth!

[@BenjieKimFishing]

@@trippingonfaith7094 lol well now you did it! Cats out of the bag and everyone’s gonna be on the sand 😜 Haha appreciate the clarification brotha, it’s hard sometimes to decipher sarcasm on social media…or I’m just really dense 😂🤙

[@ynellirosas]

Im súper confused and I’m sorry, But you lost all credibility on the first one. “Top 4” but you have never used the first one. How is something you haven’t used on the top 4? 🥸

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Fair enough Nelli, credibility is something that is earned so I respect your critique! Micro jigs are an option that has shot to popularity in recent years here in SoCal and many fish including halibut have been caught using this technique. Check out Castnreel or My Way Fishing as they have plenty of videos utilizing these types of jigs and documenting its success. However, you are correct in that this is not a technique that I've spent a lot of time doing. Thank you for your valuable feedback and wishing you a great day.