LEGAL HALIBUT was only the beginning... [SoCal Surf Fishing]

[@steved6947]

Benjie, I love your fishing channel and live vicariously through you. It's obvious you love fishing, but you prioritize your children. My advice, enjoy your children while they're still young. They grow up so fast. Your son will have his driver's license soon and you will rarely see him. Keep fishing and keep us all motivated. Tight lines!

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Thank you so much for the beautiful comment Steve. Thank you for sharing your wisdom, I'll definitely take it to heart. Tight lines!

[@PatriotCoinRings]

@@BenjieKimFishing My kids all grown up, I know that one all too well. Take them fishing with you as often as possible and you'll never have regrets about any of it 😍 p.s. Remember to take a lot of pictures and video. I absolutely love looking at them now!

[@Dockstalkr]

Oh man, such a great bite !!!! Good stuff Benjie !

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Thank you so much, just grateful to have the chance to be out there. Some days they bite, some days the don't. Being able to be out there and cast is the gift. Tight lines!

[@chili1593]

Thanks!

[@Osidecoffee]

Sick session Benjie! I was laughing with each successive bite at the end, truly shows how croaker like to school up, and how fun it can be if you’re in the right place at the right time 💪

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Thank you so much Adam, you have it 100% correct...right place at the right time. The obsession is trying to narrow that window of when that happens and replicating it at a higher rate compared to just randomly going and hoping. For me, that's a big part of what I love about fishing. Appreciate you bro, tight lines!

[@rockers7889]

Thanks mr Benjie for the cool video , I mon used to surf fish Bolsa Chica beach in the late 70s to 90s and catch 2-3 ft corbina in early summer and serf perch too . In winter December and January the spotfin croakers came in with the high tides . When fishing was good i would land 10 in 2 hrs . My wife was my girlfriend at the time and sat in a chair rooting me on not to lose a fish 🐟

[@manamike13]

Nice session out there Benjie.. You definitely make it exciting to watch.! Those YFC are so much fun to catch and I haven’t seen a bite session like that in a while.. lol you might wanna re hook that 110, those miss hooks had me pulling my hair out.😂 Tight lines.! Can’t wait to get back to Cali now.. Thanks for all you do for surf fishing Benjie.. 🤙🏽

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Thanks so much always Mike! lol, yea man, that LC is getting brand new hooks before I try throwing it again hahaha. Tight lines brotha!!

[@Strawhatfisherman]

Felt that scream at 13:35 many times while fishing 😂 I’ve been on a waiting list at my local tackle shop for my M+, still waiting on it 😭 cant wait to try out the lucky crafts 130 too! Nice catches as always benjie 😊

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Dude RJ you're a good example of how awesome social media can be. Been super rad to meet you a few times after interacting on ig and yt. Keep in touch brother and keep up the great work, getting out there and chasing that bite!

[@Stellarbaits]

That’s a Sik bite. The good sessions always come when you got to go or run out of space on your SIM card. Sik action. Always some great tips and intel to pick up if you’re looking for it. 😉🔥🤙🏻

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Thank you, it was a lot of fun and am grateful to have been out there. You know how it goes....fire days and slow days but no bad days! Tight lines!

[@holokai21]

Great to see that you did the catch and release.Thrill is in the catching,not the eating!!!!!!!!.

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Thank you, that tends to be my sentiment as well. Everyone's different though and one is entitled to keep a legal catch if they so choose. I do keep on occasion but like you said, the thrill is in the catching for me personally. Tight lines!

[@holokai21]

@@BenjieKimFishing I have in the past kept a legal fish for celebrations and nothing else!!!!!!!.

[@ccruz3]

Killing it like always. Found a huge trough at my preferred beach over the weekend and caught countless perch including back to back PBs! Still looking for my first striper and more halis, but after what felt like a very slow and undesirable conditioned December/January, the surf has become so full of action!!

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Oh man, thanks for sharing your session....huge congrats man! And totally agree, my zones were pretty challenging for most of 2024 but yes, things have been looking much better recently. Tight lines!

[@copperflux]

Thank you so much for releasing that fish.They are nearly all gone

[@Fcalvochannel]

Love it my friend. This vid makes me want a surf setup. Gonna have to do it.

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Francisco!! So rad to share the stoke with you almost 30 years after our Elmo days. The days are short man. Happy to help out if you wanna get into the surf game, just let me know. And I think you left a comment on another video, but would be stoked to try a session on your boat some time. Tight lines!!

[@AlexMorataya-d8f]

That’s awesome! As always great content! Time to get out and hit the surf

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Thank you so much Alex, really appreciate it. Hope you get out there and slay em. Tight lines!

[@RollinRollinReelin]

Great video Benjie. Hope you are well brother. Tight lines!

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Hi John, always great to see your comments, thank you so much! I hope and trust that you are well 🙏. Tight lines!

[@d3meetsbobo]

Dude! What a session! Gotta get out there!

[@johns8091]

Amazing day Benji!!that was awesome:)

[@Fishing_detailing]

Caught my third Hali past Friday, two legal one at 24 and a 22 getting n early start this year. Thanks for all the content you put out Benji. 🤙🏼

[@juliohurtado6015]

Any recommendations to inshore for hali ??

[@halibutman_fishing]

Third Hali ever or 3rd keeper ever? In socal that would be a good outcome

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Wow excellent job getting out there and getting it done! Incredible start to the year and definitely wishing you many more in 2025!

[@Fishing_detailing]

@@juliohurtado6015 I only do surf fishing. 🤙🏼

[@Fishing_detailing]

@@halibutman_fishing 21’’-24’’-22’’ 2 keepers. Early start

[@outherefishing]

wow... what a day!!

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Thanks Captain! I hope you're well, would love to take you out some time if you want!

[@Smallaut]

Ooh Cali covers! You fancy boy!

[@BenjieKimFishing]

They get the job done!

[@chichenlo1663]

Wow!! Epic looks fun, nice job slaying. 😃

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Thanks for the kind words! Tight lines!

[@grelybonar6651]

props to you for being able to respect the time while fishing, I’m a ONE MORE CAST type of guy and I need to work on that cuz it can land you in some sticky situations especially in the evening, anyway great vid benji 🫶❤️

[@BenjieKimFishing]

haha this is the truth. I got out of there and made it to my son in time. But I haven't been so lucky in the past lol. And I can def relate to the sticky situations hahaha. Tight lines!

[@xino1one]

One more cast usually turns into 2 more hours for me 😂😂😂😂

[@Kettakelly]

Halibut bite has picked up for me ! I caught my first legal this month ! On a keitec swimbait

[@halibutman_fishing]

In socal or more central?

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Excellent job, congrats! Wishing you a whole lot more to come in 2025! Tight lines!

[@dougheckathorn3925]

Great day of fishing!

[@chrisnakaishi]

Epic session Benjie!!!

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Thank you so much Chris! It was great to see some life in the water. Tight lines!

[@marcomunoz7453]

Looks like a blast!!

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Grateful to have the chance to just be out there. Sometimes it works out. Appreciate you so much Marco!! I'll be spooling up that Tesoro sooooon!

[@kvang84]

Great catch. I've still been trying to get my first hali off surf.

[@VincentKearney1967]

I can't wait for the bite to get good here in New Jersey .Temps are 20 to 30 F . Love the videos, but I do get a little envious ,😢 Keep up them vids coming !

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Oh my goodness 20 to 30?? It's actually fairly cold here (for SoCal anyways haha) too, like in the 40's in the morning. Hopefully some warmer weather and solid fishing time coming for you soon. Tight lines!

[@JoeD.294.]

The croaker bite sure came alive in the 2nd hour.

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Yea for sure, it was pretty cool to things change so quickly in the same zone. Always makes me think and analyze why things switch on like that out of nowhere. Tight lines!

[@sebastianc1720]

Really good conditions this week for surf fishing!

[@coldpinguen1394]

Cant wait to get out there again!

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Conditions have been pretty favorable recently, if you get the chance, there could be some good opportunities. Tight lines!

[@CurrentJAM]

Have been using the 10.6 St Croix Seage Surf rod I won from the giveaway you hosted with BD outdoors. Paired with a Saltist MQ 4k. So dam light, I can use it all day.

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Whoa dude, that's so awesome that you were the one that won that rod!!! That sounds like a super sick combo, glad you love it!!!

[@SALTYWOLF23]

Thanks for the video brother

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Appreciate you Greg, thank you so much always!

[@SALTYWOLF23]

@BenjieKimFishing It's Victor benjie

[@I_am_archie]

What you're saying is ... fish around and find out 🤠👍🏽

[@fishermansdream36]

When you caught that big Kroger in the eye, it looks like a UAP cruise in from the left to the right and then disappeared. Check out that video. It was pretty cool. 🛸🛸🛸🛸🛸🛸

[@Smallaut]

That’s a chunky croaker!

[@BenjieKimFishing]

You're a chunky croaker! 😜

[@dustin06969]

Super stoked to get a surf set up and get out there and try. Any recommendations around lbc area?

[@Mithros69]

It would be helpful if in the description or in the notes you put specifically which beach you are fishing. It would be much appreciated.

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Hello! Thanks so much for the comment and I see that you’ve been a channel member for the past couple months…thank you so much for your support! I’m not sure if any of this will make sense to you but I’d like to try and explain where I’m coming from. "Spot Burning" (the act of revealing fishing locations publicly) is an industry term that has existed forever in the fishing world. In my opinion, it's extremely inflammatory and divisive regardless of which side of the fence you stand. There is no winner in this debate in my humble opinion. When I first started getting serious with this 6 or 7 years ago, I had no idea...especially when it came to the surf. Who cares? There's sand everywhere! But the deeper I got into it, and the more people I met along the way, the issue of spot burning is indeed alive and well in every form of fishing whether it be local ponds, bigger lakes, offshore tuna fishing, etc. There's 2 main reasons why I don’t disclose locations in my videos or on my other social media platforms. First, it's because I'm no longer new to this world and I've spent many, many miles walking, skunking, failing, and figuring out what works for me along the coast. That process and that journey is my favorite part of fishing. Catchings cool too don't get me wrong haha, but while I'm not a great fisherman by any means, I'd like to think that I've put in the time to learn and get better on my own. Many old timers have taken me under their wing over the years and helped me with the "how"...but never has anyone told me "where." And I've never asked. I try my best to teach based on my own experience, and I want everyone to experience the rewards of their own process and journey. The most hardcore side of the spot burn police won't even share with you what they're using and how they're using it. That's where I draw my line...I'll teach what works for me down to the very detail. Believe it or not, one of my primary goals is to help everyone catch more fish. Again, I don't expect you to agree with me here...I'm just sharing where I'm coming from. Secondly, and this is by far the most significant reason why I do it how I do it, is that there are many, many "old timers" ie guys that have fished way longer than me, that are way better than me, who have walked the same sand that I've been lucky to walk. It is my way of showing respect to them for their years of effort and time on the water. Don't get me wrong, some of these guys are downright mean...I hear stories of old school guys slashing tires from people who burn spots. And as a KZbinr with a growing audience, I've got a big bullseye on my back from some of these guys. I don't agree with that mentality, but it is what it is. So maybe there's an element of fear there for me too. But there are also a LOT of incredible old school guys who are extremely kind...who have taken me under their wing, and taught me so much about our wonderful sport. I do this to respect their years of experience as well because I want to be a proper ambassador of the older generation (I'm actually old now too though lol). I'm in a lose-lose situation with this regardless. If I choose to disregard the fishing industry and culture that comes with it, I will be black balled from that community...especially from those who have spent the most time in it and have spent their lives in that world. If I choose to respect the "rules" of spot burning by not disclosing locations, then I get flamed by angry people who call me selfish (generally those who are more casual fishermen or are newer to the sport). I'm actually very liberal in giving out information from those who take the time to respectfully message/email me privately. Because while I know I'm not giving you what you want here in my videos, I'd like to think I understand the struggle of work, family, etc. Not everyone is able to fish freely whenever they want and time is super limited. Trust me, I have a job too...I don't make very much money doing this, and I've got 3 kids. Making the time for me to get out and film is not an easy task. Again, I don't expect you to agree or understand. But I wanted to at least attempt to explain my position and where I'm coming from. Please feel free to email me at [e-mail] and I’m happy to continue the conversation there if you’d like. Tight lines.

[@CatchnAvibe]

I know that was tough having to leave fish biting

[@jtuck682]

Benjie, I received some advice from an angler at Island Tackle about drag settings. He caught a 60 lb Bluefin on 25 lb flouro. The kicker is that he only used 6 lbs of drag. I know circumstances differ, but I learned an important lesson that I think helped me land four tuna over twenty lbs.

[@BenjieKimFishing]

This is an amazing comment, thank you so much for sharing. I do get my fair share of comments from folks flaming me for my drag settings. Totally fine to do it however one likes, but I do tend to fish with lighter drag personally.

[@RollinRollinReelin]

Reel! Reel Benjie Reel! LOL

[@theoldsurffisher1943]

Nice catches BK!! It sounds like catching has been tough. Those 130 lures are heavy and should cast well. They are deep divers too. Would perch go for them?

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Thank you always Ron! Yes, the 130's absolutely get the perch...almost no difference from the effectiveness of the 110 in my experience. They are surely heavier and sinking. However, it has the same bill as the 110 so it is categorized as a 1 to 2 ft diver but since it is sinking, you can fish a much wider water column.

[@FishFNR]

Sick Videos Benjie ✌️I have seen a ton of your vids but this beach looks almost familiar! Do you know where it is?

[@BenjieKimFishing]

thanks so much for watching and the support. Unfortunately, I don't disclose/specify locations on social media but this was in SD county. Tight lines.

[@FishFNR]

@ ah ok! Probably for the best! Thanks for the reply. Keep up the vids 🎣🎣🎣

[@BenjieKimFishing]

@@FishFNR really appreciate your understanding. Thank you so much 🙏

[@ham5765]

hwaiting!

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Big thank you always Francis!! Hope to see you again at the local ponds. I'm gonna try and get out there a few more times!

[@theyangsta]

Nice catch benji! When do you throw the 130 over the 110 and vice versa?

[@surphvision]

Dope!

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Tight lines!!!

[@randydelabarcena4988]

That’s the biggest privately stocked fish pond EVERR

[@HouseHunterLA]

Awesome

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Appreciate you always Warren! I hope you are slowly adjusting back to something close to normal with everything that's happened. Blessings brother.

[@BananaAfterlife]

How often do you catch fish when you go surf fishing? like percent wise?

[@BenjieKimFishing]

I don't keep a log or anything but as an estimate I'd say that if I go out 10 times, I'll skunk maybe once or twice. Then out of the remaining 8 or 9 times I caught fish, maybe 5 to 7 of those times I'll catch anywhere from one to three or four. Then once or twice I'll have a session where it's really active and I'll catch five or more.

[@Hesh44]

I had no idea you could catch a halibut with a crankbait :O

[@nangsei7211]

Mantap vidio nya,👌👍❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Thank you and tight lines!

[@JEM133]

Fresh or salt,always fish the pressure change,,,,,ALWAYS!

[@chinito6715]

Hope your son aced that test!

[@BenjieKimFishing]

He didn't ace it but he passed lol!

[@marvinlicudine608]

Hi Benji, where are you fishing at?

[@alexeyvoko]

Where in SoCal?

[@soodlenoup9300]

looks like torrey pines area

[@BubbaGum619]

The beach

[@monkrph]

Torrey by rocks

[@SALTYWOLF23]

Let's go benjie

[@BenjieKimFishing]

tight lines!!!

[@beansan11]

Awesome video man, how are you liking the 130 vs the 115? The most important question, did your son pass his test? Lol

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Thank you Werner! So I don't fish the 115 but between the 110 and 130....man I still like the 110 for just how sensitive it is and how used to it I am but the gap is getting really narrow. Both get bit really well!

[@beansan11]

Sorry I’m an idiot I meant the 110, which one can you cast more accurate with?

[@legitbetterthanvinny9725]

Are there any good lucky craft beaches in North OC or is it all South OC and San Diego county

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Plenty of places in NOC...HB and LBC can be very, very good. In and around inlets/rivermouths are a good place to start.

[@meymkatt]

what pound line do you use?

[@BenjieKimFishing]

20 lb fluoro leader with 20 lb braid. should be 30 lb braid with that leader but haven't taken the time to swap out my braid yet.

[@calebshrewsbury3913]

Are you fishing San diego?

[@kennethaltamirano6729]

what conditions would you throw the 130 vs the 115?

[@BenjieKimFishing]

So I actually don't throw the 115....for me it's between the 110 and the 130. The 110 is optimal when fishing shallower water columns as it's a suspending 1 to 2 ft diver. Terrific for targeting negative tide reefs. The 110 casts really well but as it's only 17 grams, even a weak wind can affect optimal casting. So I'll change to the 130 if it's windy. The 130 is much more flexible as it's a sinking lure but still a 1 to 2 ft diver, making it possible to fish both shallow and deeper water. At 25 grams, it's definitely better for casting overall. They both feature the same tight wobble that I love from the Flash Minnow lineup. The 115 is a surf pointer so it has a different body and a much wider action. Very valid and effective but not one of my go-to's. Just personal preference here.

[@kennethaltamirano6729]

@@BenjieKimFishing I wasn't expecting a reply, awesome thank you for your input. Will definitely be purchasing some 130s to add to the arsenal. Great video also , hope your son passed his test!

[@thanhnguyen-ry8nf]

Nice halibut where is this at ? Thanks

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Hey there thanks for the comment. I don't disclose locations but this was in San Diego County. Tight lines!

[@Letsgooutdoors2]

Where in socal do you usually fish

[@BenjieKimFishing]

I don't specify locations on social but I fish pretty much up and down the SoCal coast from south San Diego through Ventura as well as into Santa Barbara.

[@Letsgooutdoors2]

@ thank you

[@bruhman8005]

You should do a collab with Banana Boy Fishing

[@gonzasteve]

What beach is that?

[@vincentdiaz2803]

You think the strippers or in marina/ monterey/ santa cruz yet? Or still to early ? Any info will help

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Ahhh man so sorry, I'm down in SoCal so I'm not really in tune with how the bite is up there.

[@homeimprovement8119]

What’s the difference between a halibut and fluke?

[@randywise8788]

Long Beach?

[@fredhuang9223]

I dont believe fishing in so cal beach this good this time if year ...

[@noahshields507]

Im everybody finna be gatekeeping but im tired of fishing Santa Monica for batrays what are good beaches for lucky craft? I don’t really see much action at HB OR SB either

[@Gator55-t9u]

Why is it so hard to find the 115s

[@rosythebigragu2486]

Where exactly are you ? By what city?

[@jeffcalidrone5931]

Awesome video. I love surf fishing I’m in Huntington Beach. What beach are you at here?

[@blkaudiofan]

Bro you let go of a legal Hali what’re you doing?! lol come on man!

[@deandee8082]

release a $200.00 line caught wild halibut? not me!

[@BenjieKimFishing]

haha definitely dealers choice, I've kept a handful over the years but nowadays I release almost everything. I do enjoy keeping one here and there but that is not my primary motivation when fishing from shore. Sport boats is totally different though, if it's legal, it's going in the bag haha. Tight lines!

[@topcatseriosblack8396]

What area are you at . Ive never seen a stripper caught in southern cali i need that for my vest .

[@christianchilee]

Replace the treble hooks with inline hooks to reduce harm to the fish and minimize the chance of snagging, ensuring a fairer game 🤙🤙

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Greatly appreciate the suggestion/advice. Not ready to switch to inlines yet but it's something that's been suggested before. Tight lines!

[@CalicoChris]

2025 Lets gooooo

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Yes sir Chris!! Tight lines!!

[@hectorcamacho5565]

Alot of foul hooks. Wonder why?

[@Smallaut]

First

[@BenjieKimFishing]

You da man brother

[@abrahamjoseph6707]

One more fish one more cast bengji. Bro why you keep loosing fish. I need to get me lucky craft. Asians doesnt like croakers?

[@BenjieKimFishing]

haha yea I've been on a pretty decent roll of losing fish. This session was my fault...hooks were old and I didn't adjust fast enough. It's cyclical for me it seems...I'll go months without losing a hookset and then I'll lose 10 over a couple sessions. Just gotta keep getting better. Tight lines!

[@hawknives]

sharpen your hooks

[@johnmorganjr769]

Mandatory.

[@BenjieKimFishing]

or swap to new ones. Which I clearly didn't.

[@josegalaviz3121]

This is an old video 😏😏

[@rkcsuram]

Old? I think by only a few days... that's pretty quick.

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Not sure what you're getting at but this was recent.

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Correct. Very recent. Tight lines!

[@southbaygladiator7748]

Do you eat these in socal?

[@BenjieKimFishing]

You absolutely can. Good eating. Just be sure to follow regulations for legal take. Tight lines!

[@esalgado133]

What beach is this?