How to Catch HALIBUT Surf Fishing in Socal

In this episode of how to catch Halibut while surf fishing in Socal, I cover the importance of (1) Identifying structure and (2) Identifying the current to pinpoint where fish are most likely holding. Many times, Halibut and other predatory fish will stack up at the edge of holes where the current meets the drop-off, as they wait for bait fish to be pushed their way.
Big thanks to my friends Kaipo and Beyond the Trail 365 for allowing me to share some time with them on the sand. Thank you to Kaipo for sharing some of your knowledge with me and allowing me to pass that knowledge along on to YOU on this channel.
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While I do my absolute best to create value for you by being a member, please consider joining only if you want to support this journey and help me to keep creating content. Thank you!
Please check out Beyond the Trail 365 for amazing Halibut content - / amefocus
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Gear/Equipment that I use (Anything purchased through the following affiliate links helps keep me fishing!)
SPECIAL EDITION LC110's - amzn.to/35er1bm​
LCFM110 Super Glow Cherry Berry - amzn.to/3kwLEoI​
LC FM110 Super Glow Sardine - amzn.to/2ZhUBcY​
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LCFM110 Super Glow MS Cherry Dine - amzn.to/32vMvz9​
LCFM110 MS Ghost Jack Smelt - amzn.to/3nl2APP​
Rod - 7'8" Phenix M1 MH
Rod - 7'3" Dobyns Sierra MH
Reel - Daiwa Saltist (3500 to 4000 series) - amzn.to/31EMQP0
Reel - Daiwa Tatula CT HS100 7:3:1 - amzn.to/2yVBJpX
Reel - Daiwa Tatula SV 103 7:3 amzn.to/2tIYziz
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Line - Daiwa J-Braid (20 lb to 30 lb) - amzn.to/33KqFt9
Reel - Daiwa Fuego LT 2500 (Great bang for buck) amzn.to/2WzS6T3
1 oz Torpedo for Drop Shot - amzn.to/2UuZ5tL
Z-Man 4" Jerk Shadz for Drop Shot (Pearl/Smelt/Shiner are best patterns) - amzn.to/2vNm6ji
RinseKIT affiliate link [not Amazon] (what I use to wash off my gear after every session) - bit.ly/2YnCYLp
Backpack w/ Rod Holders - amzn.to/2ysh3pE
Waders (Budget priced/Great Performance) - amzn.to/3aUgB22
Water Shoes (If not wearing waders) - amzn.to/2JykEEA
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#Luckycraft #halibut

[@Ilyagonefishing]

Dude, I've honestly watched this video like 5-6 times. I'm going to continue trying to target these elusive fish! After my first accidental Hali, you know I've been hooked on getting a keeper

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Took me almost 2 years of obsession before I got my first legal lol. Yours will happen sooner for sure. Just keep working the spots you’ve caught or know they hold. Location is key and no doubt you’ll get the right one soon.

[@drewjames7791]

People wonder why I fish for surfperch and corvina, well it’s because I can keep and eat them💯

[@andrewcpham]

Smart man Drew! Happy eating dude!

[@zachsnyder2199]

Sweet catch. Always love to get more insight on how to target those Hali

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Thanks Zach, I appreciate it. Alllllways so much to learn man. Which is why I am so lucky to fish with friends who got it dialed in!

[@jamiesontomas3492]

Damn what a sick video @BenjieKimFishing. I love that slow mo release. I had the pleasure in meeting Kaipo about 3-4 weeks ago and he is an awesome dude! Gave me some good pointers and I appreciated it so much. Thanks for the share CSA brother! #CSAstrong #WeAreCSA 🤙⚡️🎣

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Thanks jay!!! Yea man, Kaipo is the man for sure. I hope things are good for ya man, I haven’t hit the sand in 3 weeks or so and I’m going crazy! 🥺

[@ogoe_joeoutdoors1088]

Thanks for the great info. This is something that is completely logical and yet, I never thought about it. Subscribed!

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Thank you for the positivity and the sub, it is greatly appreciated 🤙!

[@adamsfishingchannel514]

Great video benjie! Very informative!

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Thanks Adam! I appreciate you man!!

[@humboldthigh4269]

Good presentation and fishing tips. Just what we look for.

[@BenjieKimFishing]

I appreciate the positivity, thank you!

[@alexmorataya9122]

That was a great informative video! I’ve always heard of “finding structure” but didn’t know what that meant and to then add the other piece of the puzzle, the current, brings everything together.....only thing to know is tides....but need to get out to know my beaches better like my lakes Thanks Ben!

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Thanks again for the thoughtful comment! What lakes do fish? I suppose the surf is the same thing as lakes...it’s a bit trickier cuz of the aforementioned conditions that are constantly changing and the structure can move overnight too. Most folks say 2 hours before and after high but I think it’s more about which structure you can hit regardless of tide. Which is why some beaches are better at low and others better at high.

[@alexmorataya9122]

Benjie Kim Fishing I mostly go out to Malibu, or head south Santa Monica, Marina del Rey and palos verdes but caught nothing big....most of my butts come from Long Beach

[@joshcompton484]

Man this was super helpful and educational. I have not caught anything on the surf yet, but legal Halibut is my #1 goal so I can eat what I catch.

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Thank you so much, finding legal hali is a challenge, but a proper grind does eventually bring results, as long as you put the time in the water, it'll happen!!

[@Intheknow373]

Perfect Video!! Beautiful scenery as well!!

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Thank you Derick, I appreciate the support man. You’ve pretty much been supporting me from day 1, so very grateful for you!

[@Intheknow373]

@@BenjieKimFishing of course buddy!!

[@rudycarreon3199]

Great vid, love your explanations super simple, but very detailed. keep it up.

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Thank you very much Rudy, hopefully it can be of service to some. I appreciate your positive vibes man, I hope you’re well!

[@fastheartmartvideos]

Another great video Benjie Kim!

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Thank you for the comments brotha, I appreciate it!

[@getfurtherfaster]

Another banger! Thanks for the info!

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Thanks so much man!! 🤙

[@mikebowhunter6029]

Nice job explaining structure, great Hali

[@BenjieKimFishing]

I appreciate the positive vibes mike, thank you!

[@gregk9387]

Good information, good teacher of u, we will follow and try, thanks a lot!

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Thank you, I appreciate the positive stoke. Good luck out there!! 🤙

[@mgumm123]

So awesome man! I have been watching a few of your videos and they are incredible. Super nice guy and great family. I just started surf fishing a few months ago, I live in the Valencia area. I have got some shovel nose sharks and a big blue lingcod! Would love to meet with you guys one time and enjoy a SoCal day of fishing.

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Hey Michael thanks so much for the positive vibes man! Really appreciate it. A ling cod is my bucket list!!

[@kellyfoster9703]

Thanks for the excellent video. Very informative. I learned a lot. I have never caught a halibut but I will be making the 2.5 hour drive to the beach this summer until I catch one.

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Thank you so much, and I LOVE your attitude. Stick with it, persistence is without a doubt a part of the halibut equation!

[@PureSurfClips]

great vid..loved it

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Thank you very much!!

[@jwestfishing3229]

Another good instructional video! Fun fun fun!!! Thanks for sharing. I sure hope to get back out there soon!

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Thanks Jason, yea brotha have you been fishing at all lately? Hope you're well!

[@jwestfishing3229]

@@BenjieKimFishing I went fishing today! Had a great time! Even though I got skunked. It doesn't happen often but it guess it was my turn.

[@BenjieKimFishing]

@@jwestfishing3229 awww man. It’s all part of the game and even the great ones have off days 🤙

[@jwestfishing3229]

@@BenjieKimFishing a bad day of fishing beats a good day of anything else!😄 I don't mind. I just love being out there. Much needed R&R. Besides, I hadn't been skunked in a while, I was due. My friend managed to cacth a wall-eyed surfperch. Can't wait to get back out there again! Tight lines!

[@jumbug11]

awesome video brotha...... be safe and tight line

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Thanks Eli, you too bro, stay safe and blessings to you and your family.

[@shervinghannadian9651]

Thx for the vid and explanations bro love it!

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Appreciate the positivity man, thank you!! Let's get em!!

[@RodneyMarquezFishingChannel]

fantastic explanation !

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Thanks Rodney!

[@losthorizonfishing107]

Great video!! And... congratulations on passing the 1K subscriber mark!🎣😃

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Thank you Dan!! How are you doing these days? I’ve been going crazy the past 3 weeks. I fished a few times when this all started but decided to shut it down.

[@losthorizonfishing107]

Benjie Kim Fishing we are doing great, staying healthy and getting plenty of exercise. I haven’t been fishing much here lately, but I’ve been taking my kayak out three times a week and using the kayak paddle instead of the Hobie Mirage Drive. I’m trying to get my arms in shape so I’m ready when I’m finally able to pick up the new offshore kayak, hopefully later on this month! How are you and your family holding up?

[@BenjieKimFishing]

That’s great to hear, thank you for the update. We are doing good, cooped up outside of a daily walk but everyone is in good spirits. Thankfully we aren’t affected financially, there’s food to eat, and everyone’s healthy so no complaints! But I can’t wait to get back out there!

[@TripFishingMyLife]

Nice fishing.. 👍

[@axelddfmixvlogs9169]

Awesome..... Great fishing video bro..... 👍👍👍Fish on 🐟🐟🐠🐠

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Thank you! Much appreciated! 🤙👍

[@axelddfmixvlogs9169]

@@BenjieKimFishing yes sir....I already visited & clicked to your channel... DONE👍👍👍..... How about my channel?

[@TheReefRobber]

Thanks for sharing! Great info! New sub here from Oregon!

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Hey thanks so much for the sub. Oregon!! Would love to fish there one day 🤙

[@TheReefRobber]

@@BenjieKimFishing you’re welcome. And come on!

[@apieceoftoast188]

Great job

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Thank you, much appreciated! 🤙🤙

[@joselindo3016]

Look really good Benji

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Thank you Jose!

[@calif-fisherman8285]

wow nice fish & skill!!! just subscribed! keep it up new episode!

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Thank you, I subbed to your channel, I see that you are friends with Opaleye! I had the chance to fish with him on his boat last year, it was AMAZING.

[@calif-fisherman8285]

@@BenjieKimFishing you met opaleye and fish with him!? wow!!! I went to fish with him couple times and we went 2021~2022 lobster opener on Oct 3rd!. Let's go fishing togeather sometime soon!!!. and can you share your halibut rig? I tried several different way but I had no luck =(

[@FishingwithUncleDandan]

Dope info brother!

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Dude thank you so much bro! I hope ur doing well man, I stopped fishing about 3 weeks ago or so and I’m going crazy!

[@FishingwithUncleDandan]

Benjie Kim Fishing me to my friend! My bass thumb is all healed up 😆. You know it’s been awhile when the braid on your reels have fully dried 😢.

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Lol that thumb needs to get tore up again! When it’s clear for us to get back out there, the fish are gonna be in big trouble!!!

[@tai9499]

Nice catch! Do you ever use a weighted hook (like ones for swimbait) or just the long shank hook only on drop shot?

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Thank you. I've never used a weighted hook. Out of curiosity, what is the benefit for that on the drop shot? To be honest, I'll use a size 2 mosquito and nose hook most of the time. But the long shank is a secondary option I utilize as well.

[@unknownunknown8927]

hi Benjie great video. where us this place at?

[@cosmic1788]

Nice catch, what beach is this?

[@teambennett3060]

Will this work for fishing I alaskan waters from the beach?

[@luisb3786]

What lb test do y’all use for this type of fishing

[@pescadeportivacardumen]

Buena atrapada bro! .... saludos desde Perú

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Thanks so much brotha, appreciate the comments!

[@jaydavis0927]

Small halibut but sweet video!

[@MohammedMiara]

How come i missed this awesome video? I just found it 3 months later 😂

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Haha 🤷‍♂️. People are actually watching this one too 😜

[@lifeofeels8271]

Nice catch Benjie! So cool and awesome that you guys can catch halibuts from the surf in your area. If you don't mind me asking, what kind and size hook are you using with the swim bait?

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Hi Q and thank you! It’s easy for me to get fomo watching huge perch and stripers being caught up north but its good to remember we have a pretty cool fishery down here too. I believe I was using a 1/0 gamakatsu straight shank. I’d say this is at least close to recommended when dropshotting for hali in the surf or bay. Most of the time tho I use a size 2 owner mosquito and nose hook my swimbaits. Partly cuz I like the action it provides but mostly cuz I’m lazy and it’s easier to swap out swimbaits 🤣. Hope that helps!

[@lifeofeels8271]

@@BenjieKimFishing cool, thank you so much! 😊

[@fishpiana890]

When was young growing up near the beach I would often step on fish in the little wade gut or the little drop off as you head out to swim. I bet they were halibut

[@chrisjoslin2052]

i know right!?!? same hear

[@tclures]

Is Kaipo back in San Diego? I used to sight fish for corbina with him, miss that dude....

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Yup! Only got to fish with him once but it was an honor. Such a solid person man. He says the same for you. 🤙

[@jacobcastillo6765]

How do you determine where the holes are?

[@lewisputnam4971]

Just saw your fishing for halibut in Southern California love your show and how you presented how you were fishing can you tell me what beach in southern California you were catching the halibuts at would love to do that myself been a freshwater fisherman all my life I've got that down just learning surf fishing for halibut though and corbina

[@BenjieKimFishing]

If you're decent at catching green bass and trout, then it shouldn't be any problem getting on the hali and beans. The main adjustments are identifying ever changing structure and fishing the various tides. You can catch hali from sd all the way to ventura and beyond. I live in orange county and hali can be caught at Huntington Beach (city & state), bolsa chica (the inlet is a popular spot), sunset beach, seal beach, and long beach (belmont shores and cherry). These beaches are all pretty much connected and cover miles and miles of water but they are all known to hold hali. Its not easy, but they are out there.

[@lewisputnam4971]

Thank you really appreciate your info man I'll talk to you later

[@lewisputnam4971]

PS been watching a lot of striper fishing up Northern California where can we catch him out here in Southern California that's probably a hahaha

[@Thebign1g]

What beach were you fishing at?

[@100pitbulls]

What beach was this in So Cal ?

[@brucedrukker1195]

Great video bro, I learn something every time. I just want to clarify something. So the current is going south and you’re casting in the same direction right? Then you retrieve your lure against the current trying to swim it in front of them, am I getting that right? Thanks for sharing your knowledge!

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Correct. Imo the most important part of it is identifying which side of the hole they’re piled up. I prefer to work my lure up current as it’s easier for me to maintain preferred action. But getting it to the edge of the hole where the current is running is the key. Hope that helps!

[@brucedrukker1195]

Benjie Kim Fishing Yeah, I get it. That makes sense, thanks bro!

[@Vengeance0117]

Quick question, what’s the ideal mono lb test for those lucky craft minnows? 12lb teat is too much right?

[@BenjieKimFishing]

12 - 15 lb is good. I’ve gone as low as 8 but it’s not something I recommend as it’s so easy to break off on rocks or other structure.

[@frankcalcagno8109]

question for you. Is it location specific or day specific as to the amount of lettuce in the water?

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Hi Frank, unfortunately all my info is anecdotal and based on my experience only...seems to be totally random to me as every single beach I've fished has had random bouts of salad. With that said, some beaches seem to consistently have more salad than usual and those locations seem to be more enclosed with adjoining coves. The incoming and and outgoing seem to have some influence as well as at certain tides the salad gets pushed in while at other swings it is sucked out and less of a hindrance. These are just my observations but I haven't put enough time into it to know more than that. Tight lines.

[@Vengeance0117]

Do you rig up the lucky craft minnow drop shot aswell?

[@BenjieKimFishing]

I do not. Not sure if that’s a thing but I’ve never done it. I exclusively tie fluoro leader or straight braid to a 50 lb tactical anglers clip, remove the ring on the 110 and clip on.

[@Vengeance0117]

Benjie Kim Fishing can you show me a picture of that? Plz

[@amefocus]

Brotha!!! That was a great video! It was cool to finally meet you too! Yes, I told you the stories are true! Kaipo aka The Hawaiian Fish Magnet is a slayer! 😂 Cant wait to get back out there with you once things clear up. 🤙🏽🤙🏽🤙🏽

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Thanks jimmy, ALWAYS much love to ya brotha! And never doubted Kaipo for a second. But first cast 24”? Come on!! 🤣🤣🤣

[@alldaytony2751]

Is it better to use baitcasting or spinning setup on the surf?

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Whichever you’re more comfortable with, dealers choice. Pros and cons to both. In theory baitcasters give u distance but imo it’s basically negligible unless ur pretty experienced. For sure they give you control and efficiency (click/cast/retrieve compared to open bail, hold line, cast, close bail). But baitcasters don’t hold up as well in the salt and require more routine maintenance to keep em humming. At the end of the day, it’s what you prefer and enjoy. 👍

[@bajadan6441]

Find a reel that is water proof/ water resistant - thank me later ...

[@christianbroome7913]

Anybody know of any good halibut beaches in the San Diego area??

[@jammerramz3031]

Where exactly your fishing at?

[@Shaniloka369]

What fish rod you using and which fishing rod you recommend that strong and cheap? What you mean not legal?

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Legal size for halibut (in order to keep) is 22”. The rod I’m using in the video is a Dobyns Sierra 7’3” medium. If you’re chasing halibut you’ll want a rod that’s medium to medium heavy. If you’re just starting out and looking for a decent bang for your buck, maybe consider an 8 to 9 foot ugly stick gx2 medium. It should be about $50-$60. You should be ok soaking bait, throwing hard baits, or utilizing the drop shot with that. I hope that helps.

[@Shaniloka369]

@@BenjieKimFishing I was hoping something cheaper maybe half if the price to start out with.

[@rwwplumbingplumbing9097]

Where can I buy the measuring tap you used ?

[@BenjieKimFishing]

It is the official measuring device of the Halibut Surf Derby and it comes with the membership kit (around $30 I believe). The derby starts each February so i don’t recommend joining until then. U can sign up thru crystalwaterstackle.com I believe there is a similar measuring device from rapala on amazon as well.

[@rwwplumbingplumbing9097]

@@BenjieKimFishing thank you very much is the derby in the Orange county california area ?

[@DrTenaCulo]

What beach is this? I want to try my luck there

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Hey Ricky, I don’t specify beaches on here but it was in S.D. county. Look for high structure areas....rocks and holes. So many good places to fish down there! 🤙

[@bootayyshakin]

Great video, very informative! What size hook were you using?

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Thank you very much! I was using a size 2 owner mosquito. I think most folks use long shank hooks but I prefer nose hooking. But that’s just me 🤙

[@michaelcourt6602]

what fishing line are you using?

[@BenjieKimFishing]

This was awhile ago and I wish I documented it but can’t remember exactly. My guess tho is 12 pound seaguar tatsu.

[@justicesketchworld894]

I always end up catching halibut but I never know where I can catch a giant halibut over 30 inches

[@BenjieKimFishing]

If you're catching the smaller ones, the bigger ones are nearby for sure. I've spent over 5 years hunting the big one and only recently broke the 30" mark.

[@VincaniTV]

Yooo random question. What kind/size of hooks are you using?

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Not random at all, I use Owner size 2 mosquitos and nose hook my swim baits. I believe a lot of folks like to use size 1 or 1/0 straight shanks but this is just how I like to do it and what works for me. 👍

[@kaseelisha9155]

I guess Im asking randomly but does anyone know of a trick to get back into an instagram account..? I was dumb forgot the login password. I love any tricks you can offer me.

[@emerybryant2698]

@Kase Elisha Instablaster ;)

[@kaseelisha9155]

@Emery Bryant Thanks so much for your reply. I got to the site on google and I'm trying it out now. I see it takes quite some time so I will reply here later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

[@kaseelisha9155]

@Emery Bryant It worked and I now got access to my account again. Im so happy! Thanks so much you saved my ass :D

[@suflakipirate1908]

What beach is this

[@BenjieKimFishing]

I don’t specify beaches but this is in S.D. county. 🤙

[@devin8215]

chill on the background music fam hahaha but nice vid.

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Lol good feedback brotha thank you. I’m gonna work on that.

[@devin8215]

@@BenjieKimFishing hey man i said that on the first video i watched of yours now i'm on about the 12th so obviously it didnt end up being a problem hahaha. learning lots from you! i've lived in socal my whole life and just started surf fishing and your vids are super informative. hopefully i see you out there sometime!

[@BenjieKimFishing]

@@devin8215 lol dang my bad brotha, I guess I didn’t learn. But hopefully the second comment will be the charm 😜. Appreciate the honest feedback AND the positive stoke. Very rare to get both from one person so thank you.

[@devin8215]

@@BenjieKimFishing i'm sayin it was NOT a problem my man!! all positive! you're good i was wrong on my first comment.

[@BenjieKimFishing]

@@devin8215 🤣 oh shoot gotcha!

[@JigJigPow619]

That’s what’s up my dude! Legal or not, love me some butt. As an angler, we always need to be open minded and keep learning.

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Thanks Dino 🙏. I def agree man, always gotta be willing to learn. It’s easy for me cuz I have MUCH to learn but hopefully that mindset will never change even with increased experience.

[@jimvalim1567]

You're willing to lose a lucky craft at 18 to 20 dollars a pop? I don't know about that! That's crazy!

[@BenjieKimFishing]

This is just for me, doesn’t have to be for everyone. My catch rate went way up when I stopped worrying about losing lures. Thankfully, I don’t lose too many lures, lc’s included. 🤙

[@cash_8113]

Using a baitcaster?!?!