In Burton Chace Park on May 10th 2012
Halibut Derby Fishing Seminar and MDRA club meeting in preparation of the MDR Halibut Derby.
Be sure to Sign up in time at www.HalibutDerby.com for the June 9th and 10th Halibut Derby.
Joshua called the meeting to order. MDRA Directors in attendance were: Dreger, Gerson, Govea, Godfrey, Lambert and Topal.
2012 HD Chairman and MDRA President Joshua Gerson
This was our annual "how to fish the Derby" seminar. Capt Dave Bacon was the guest expert speaker.
Minutes of the 3/8/12 meeting were read and approved. The Secretary also asked Brian Daltron, Richard Somers and Sherwood Kingsley to pick up their trophies
Capt Mike talked about the Betty-O's special Halibut Derby package for $200, call 310 600-3069 for details.
Keith Lambert and Steve Santen discussed halibut restoration/management issues. We have appealed to the you to write letters to DFG supporting the need to take a pro-active stand on halibut. The DFG needs more definitive data on halibut stocks before a restoration plan can be started. A motion was made by the Secretary to spend up to $4,000 on equipment to support the necessary halibut data collection. After discussion the motion was approved and Steve Santen is authorized to work with DFG to obtain measuring boards and a scanner.
Vic Jedlicka suggests the Club put together a plan for halibut data collection and submit a grant request to SMBRC. This is a good next step for the new Halibut Rescue Team of volunteers in MDR Anglers.
Guest Speaker &
Halibut Fishing Seminar
Captain Dave Bacon
with Wave Walker Charters
and Hook Line and Sinker Tackle Shop in Santa Barbara
Capt Dave Bacon operates boat and a tackle shop in Ventura. The tackle shop specializes in kits of tackle specific to the target fish ie; halibut, calico etc. Capt Bacon recommends bounce balling for halibut with a reel only 2/3 (300 yds) full of braided line. Drag tension should be just enough to prevent slippage and the rod must be held in your hand not in a rod holder. Boat speed is whatever it takes to keep the sinker bouncing (1.5 to 3kts). He says when the ball stops bouncing "Set the Hook". Two rigs are recommended; the first uses a three way swivel tied to the braided line. One 18" leg is used for the sinker the other has 40" of leader tied to a dodger flasher and then 14-18" of 30 lb flouro to a hoochie with a rat trap hook. The second rig is more traditional and uses a sliding sinker on the main line then a swivel then the leader with dodger same as I. Bait fish may be added to the rat trap hook set up. For white seabass he recommends an 8-9" white jig TL68 tipped with squid. For Ling Cod he showed us a double lure. The top piece is a hammered chrome jig with the hook removed and in place of the hook a big lead head covered by a red grub swim bait. He says when you jig this rig it make a sound that attracts the big kings.
Read more on how to Bounce Ball for Halibut
MDRA Members attending this meeting received their new Club T Shirts and Membership Cards. Next months meeting will feature Brad Schnair of HighTide Lures, a local maker of articulated lures and irons. We will continue distributing shirts, cards and the 2012 Year Books.
Review and Meeting Minutes thanks to Bob G.
Note: The 2012 MDR Halibut Derby was a big success. Read more here
