Surf Fishing Halibut - HOW and WHEN to Catch [Lucky Craft]

[@troywilliams6291]

Hi Benji. I’ve only been surf fishing for a few months now with no luck! Today I fished Seal Beach twice. In the AM I caught a Seagull (sucked but good fight. Lol) and at sunset I was having no luck again and remembered “the slower the retrieve the better” I gave it a shot and right away a small Hali minutes later something else maybe a Mackerel, it was to dark to tell but I lost my surf fishing virginity today. Big thanks!

[@theoldsurffisher1943]

You always fish that same exact spot/rock your halibut rock garden. Love your vids... educating and enjoyable and always a lucky craft!!!

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Thank you Ron, I appreciate it!

[@theoldsurffisher1943]

@@BenjieKimFishing Something that separates you from many other "Utuber's" is the % of questions posed to you that you follow up with good/complete answers. You care about helping out your followers to be successful fishers.

[@BenjieKimFishing]

@@theoldsurffisher1943 I appreciate that Ron thank you. It can be overwhelming at times but I sincerely do my best to be helpful.

[@amefocus]

Nice one Benjie! Two Butts and a yfc is a good day! I don’t if everyone watched til the end, but ol Benjie got dunked a bit! 😂🤙🏽

[@BenjieKimFishing]

I face planted man. Lol. I’m a total pro 😩

[@Pestingandfishing]

Dang I wish I caught fish like this more often! I caught a 25” halibut out of the surf not too long ago thanks to your tips!

[@csmats5374]

Great video as always. My son and I are going fishing tomorrow and would be happy top have a day like yours. We've been using bait a lot lately, both live and cut, but for tomorrow I've decided on LCFM, probably start with Super Glow Sardine with Super Glow Cherry Berry in reserve, and a drop shot Zoom Super Fluke on a second rod. Kind of targeting Halibut but as you note the same set-ups will yield many species.

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Thank you and tight lines today. Honestly you can’t beat live bait but getting one to go on the jerk bait is a pretty cool feeling. Wishing u a great day of bonding with your son and hopefully some good results! Would love to hear how you do! 🤙🙏

[@csmats5374]

@@BenjieKimFishing I got skunked but I stuck with my plan to target halibut for the whole six hours we fished. Actually, I did catch a rock. Yes, a rock. A walnut-sized irregular gray rock with holes in it that caught on the rear treble of my LCFM. I think it was the fishing gods laughing at me, hopefully as a prelude to taking pity on me and sending a nice hali my way shortly. My son used live lugworms to catch a couple perch, a nice yellowfin croaker, and a baby leopard shark. If there's one thing positive about the covid, it's that him being home from college and doing online classes allows us to fish a lot together. Tight lines and I can't wait for your next video.

[@BenjieKimFishing]

@@csmats5374 thank you so much for the report. Your son did well! Throwing the lc is a grind. The good days are AMAZING and make the hard days worth it - it’s definitely quality over quantity. It might be harder to catch a rock than a fish so we’ll take that as a win!! 😜 Thanks so much for your support, it is truly appreciated. 🙏

[@csmats5374]

@@BenjieKimFishing I don't know if you monitor replies on a thread this old, but in case you do I went fishing with my son to Bolsa Chica again this weekend, and this morning (Sunday 11/15) at about 7:15 am I caught a 26" halibut. Far off from the jetty, too. Around the same time my son caught a 17 1/2" and a 14". He was using LCs,. I was going to do the same but since he was using them I used a 1/2 oz white bucktail with a white Zoom Super Fluke Jr as a tail. Besides the hali I got two nice sized rays and I felt more than a few hard hits, but the bucktail only having one hook and therefore me needing a better hook set on those tough mouths explains why I didn't capitalize (at least that's my thought on the matter).. In any case, that set up attracted a good amount of attention this morning. The rest of the day (and weekend) saw various croakers and perch in the mix. I let the hali go, although we discussed keeping it and going right home. But I'd only been fishing for about an hour by then and I wanted to fish more. A lot more. Even if we had an ice chest big enough for it, I think I'd still let it go. I'm happy that big ol' fish isn't dead. I'm happy that I have the memory of it swimming off in a splashing dash.

[@BenjieKimFishing]

WOW, congrats on an amazing day spent with your son. And major kudos on the release! Nothing wrong with legal take but if we all do our part in practicing moderation, our fishery can continue to thrive! Pretty cool, I recently connected with your son on Instagram, he messaged me about his dad catching a 26" halibut and I connected the dots and figured out it was you! Really, really awesome stuff...you 2 remind me of what this is all about so thank you!

[@squidwardedsquid4553]

Another great video full of tips! CaliCovers work well to store jerkbaits too. Be extra careful moving around on those rocks!

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Thank u for the positive vibes and suggestion! 🙏🤙

[@rubennavarrete5865]

As always great video. 1 question if that’s ok. When fish are making a run do you walk in the direction of the run or stay in you spot ?

[@Electrician-Fishin]

Ruben you want to walk with the fish. Try to keep your line in front of you.

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Exactly what jay said, similar to when ur boat fishing, follow your line and keep it in front of you. Unless ur standing on a rock 20 yards from shore in open water like me 😜

[@dam13n]

Do you tie the LC directly to your line? Like no rig or added weights going on?

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Hi Damien, I like to remove the stock split ring and attach the LC directly to line with a 50 lb Tactical Anglers Clip. There is a modification that I like to use where I attach weights to the belly (kzbin.info/www/bejne/gnKkemaknZxkqZY) but that is an optional technique for fishing deeper waters.

[@franktan142]

Just learning surf fishing. Can you tell me which state beaches should I try?

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Hi Frank, if I had to pick 1 beach in OC to start out at, I would pick HB City....work north of the pier all the way to the inlet at Bolsa Chica. The structure changes quickly so anywhere along that stretch can be very good. Winter fishing is slower but can still be productive on the right day.

[@michaellim2744]

Great stuff Benjie!!! Great tips and comments. Like the beat of the music!!!

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Thank you Michael! Let me know if u ever wanna test out that rod. Wishing u a great day!

[@catim]

Good idea with the tubes. I have Calicovers but ive notice that the treble sometimes gets hung up on the little notch they cut out. Great vid

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Thank you, good to know about the calicovers. 🤙

[@jodycormier1145]

I'm taking a well deserved week long camping trip in the beautiful coastline of Nova Scotia,Moose Island,in the Bay of five island.And I will be using your method of shore fishing for halibut.and will be using a 100' set line for flounder and mackerel, maybe cod. But I'm realy looking forward to hooking a Mako shark on the shore of moose island,and release of course

[@4dafish42]

Nice fish what pound mono do you use ?

[@BenjieKimFishing]

On this day I was using 12 lb fluoro leader 🤙

[@4dafish42]

Sweet thank you 🙏

[@randysmith2740]

Love your videos brother keep em coming!

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Greatly appreciate that Randy, thank you!

[@FourRing8p]

What size rod and action? Great vid by the way. Yet to catch a hali, but I have a feeling the fam will b eating one soon !

[@BenjieKimFishing]

8'6" medium fast. Go get em brotha, they're out there!

[@TG-uc8tv]

What is a parallel cast? Do you mean you cast parallel to the beach?

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Hi Timothy, yes parallel to the beach. Sometimes there will be a long trough that runs close to shore. It can be beneficial to cast up (or down) that trough ie parallel to maximize the time your lure is in that particular strike zone. Hope that makes sense!

[@MyWayFishing]

Nice Halibut~ so much fun~ I can hear your big smile~ tight lines~

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Thank you! Haha my voice is very loud and excitable 😬

[@samuelbalderas9397]

Awesome Video Benjie Great Work!! Very Entertaining

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Thanks Samuel, it was good to see ya on Jimmy’s live the other day brotha! We will fish together one of these days! Ru down in sd?

[@samuelbalderas9397]

@@BenjieKimFishing man that would be an honor!! Yeah I’m down in the San Diego area brotha

[@alexl9959]

Hey buddy, Make a video about fish cooking too, alot people don't know how to cook fish. Thank you

[@BenjieKimFishing]

thanks for the suggestion, I'm not good at it either but hopefully I can get better!

[@Ryan-pg7uo]

Great video benji! Just wondering do you ever like to throw out some bait or sandworms for hallis? Do you ever throw out some bait with one rod and use the lucky craft with the other?

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Thanks Ryan! No to both questions but I’ve considered it all just haven’t done it. Frankly, the easiest way to catch Hali is live bait (smelt) but I find it so much more rewarding to get em to bite on artificial. Might do the long rod bait and wait thing while chucking the lc one of these days. 🤙

[@HouseHunterLA]

What made you take a dunk at the end of the video?

[@BenjieKimFishing]

haha dang if I remember correctly, I stepped into a little hole. Thanks for reminding me which video that was, I couldn't remember which video it was and I might want to make a reel making fun of myself lol

[@Intheknow373]

Cool Video Benjie!!

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Thanks Derick! And also for helping me save my car from those vicious winds! 😩

[@Intheknow373]

@@BenjieKimFishing Haha, no worries buddy!

[@Victor_Delgadillo]

are you fishing straight braid?

[@BenjieKimFishing]

I had to look back to check this video and it looks like I've got a fluoro leader on there this day. But I go back and forth, I'll fish 20-30 pound straight braid often. I like the added casting distance and even moreso, the added sensitivity w/ straight braid. I DON'T like the lack of stretch when fighting fish, as well as its tendency to saw off on rocky structure.

[@Victor_Delgadillo]

@@BenjieKimFishing thank you for the reply!

[@BenjieKimFishing]

@@Victor_Delgadillo np 🤙

[@andrewcpham]

Nice going Bro! Haha...I would be angry too with a hook in me. Was this recent in Nov? What kind of fish bite now through end of year in OC around HB? Too cold?

[@BenjieKimFishing]

This was end of October. Fall/winter is great for halibut. Less bites but better quality. This applies for the entire SoCal coast. We’ll also see better quality perch this time of year.

[@andrewcpham]

@@BenjieKimFishing thanks Benjie, so there’s still hope for me:)

[@SvenGoesFishing]

Fantastic video as always haha, that was a nice sized YFC you first caught. Those are always fun as skunk breakers c: YFC always has a special place in my heart for that reason. Nice halibuts as well, close to a legal one. Beautiful day and beautiful fish! We gotta fish soon :) Tight lines!

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Thanks brotha, definitely agree with u about yfc lol! They used to annoy me cuz I’d catch em instead of beans but now I’m grateful anytime one decides to hit. They’re a lot of fun!

[@Drago286v]

Nice Vid Benjie!! Thanks for all the info!!

[@BenjieKimFishing]

I appreciate that, thank you!

[@myotherlinefishing]

Thank you for the video. Learning the art of catching halibut in Carlsbad. Not easy 😂

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Def not easy BUT time on the water will absolutely be rewarded AND cbad is a great area to target them 😉

[@ogoe_joeoutdoors1088]

I notice you don't do a typical hookset. What's your reasoning for it? I've always thought of it as a means to drive the point deeper into the fish's jaw when you pull back to set the hook. Edit:in the drink...lol Been there

[@BenjieKimFishing]

With the jerk bait I try to keep the line tight and just apply pressure by raising the rod. The fish seems to do the rest. Especially when I’m fishing heavy structure, a halibut strike sometimes feels like I struck a rock so I want to avoid snagging until I feel a head shake. But for whatever reason, I don’t set the hook in open water either. Tbh I don’t know the “right” way, this is just how I’ve always done it. Would be interested to hear how others do it. Thanks for sharing what works for you. Haha, and that dunk came out of nowhere...it was all flat but I stepped into a hole 🤣

[@kathingbalap]

Nice info brooo This video is very useful for my inspiration in fishing

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Thank you, tight lines 🤙!

[@CastNreeL82]

Awesome video ~^^ Feel like I’m fishing by you lol 30” next time haha Thanks for sharing Have a blessed day ~

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Haha thanks Tony!! Always appreciate your positivity and support 🙏 So by 30” u mean 2 x 15” right 😜? I’ll get that no problem!!

[@CastNreeL82]

@@BenjieKimFishing I mean 3x10 lol Hahaha

[@jwestfishing3229]

Right on brotha! Another great vid!!

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Thanks Jason, I hope ur well brotha!

[@FOE_RUNNER]

Great video! Keep em coming!

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Thank you!!! Can’t stop won’t stop!

[@vertstang123]

Love your videos, very informative. It's the end of November now, what is the best bet for catching halibut now and going into winter?

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Hey there, this is actually my favorite time for hunting halibut, seems like the bigger models come in close to play. But as always, it's just a matter of finding them and getting them to play.

[@pescandoconmannylima1242]

Hi when u going to have another event

[@throwluckfishing5785]

I’m going to have to hit Michaels for a few of those test tubes haha

[@throwluckfishing5785]

Also, I added this to my personal fishing playlist so I can remember all these quality tips !

[@BenjieKimFishing]

The test tubes are great man, really makes things efficient!

[@DUNGSTA]

Nice dive 😁👍

[@BenjieKimFishing]

😂😂 🤙

[@QuangNguyen-vf7ov]

Good job, I like it.

[@franktan142]

Which beaches in OC?

[@devin8215]

it's crazy seeing you fishing the same spots i do and you're catching fish but i skunk every single time even if i'm out there casting for 8 hours. i keep trying, and keep failing over and over man. it's super discouraging but your videos give me a little bit of hope. i think going at a lower tide might be the trick. i don't wanna give your spot away but the initials are S.O. right there where it's a super rocky area right? I always try fishing there and end up having to cut my line even when i use a weedless jig. i'm too scared to try and use a lucky craft because of all the rocks but it doesn't seem like you get caught very often on them which is crazy i thought they would dive down far enough as soon as they hit the surface, no? anyway if you could give me some help and advice with this particular area i'll take it ! I keep trying and trying and still haven't caught a single fish from the beach and feel absolutely defeated every time. i must be doing something wrong.

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Hey devin, message me on my ig benjiekimfishing or email me at [e-mail]. 🤙

[@Chadwick805]

The end 😂😂💪🎣

[@BenjieKimFishing]

LOL, I forgot what it was so I looked back. FACE PLANT!! 🤣🤣

[@catim]

Your reeling seems pretty fast LOL

[@BenjieKimFishing]

I’d like to say it’s relative to the incoming surge but you’re probably right. I reel as slow as I think I possibly can, but maybe I can slow it down more.

[@PHARRAOH]

IF, Geo had a dog or cat, what would it be? A ja ja ja Geo / Geo pet.

[@BenjieKimFishing]

🤣😜

[@donniedarko1345]

Nothing like hearing the drag go zzzzzzzzzzz!

[@BenjieKimFishing]

One of the best feeling for sure!

[@zenoc3345]

Hookup.......

[@BenjieKimFishing]

🤙🤙