Fishing in Half Moon Bay in October can feel like you’re pushing the limits of the season, especially when you’re out there hoping for some halibut. The weather was cool, with highs in the low 60s and just enough wind to make the kayak situation tricky. Winds in the area were hovering around 7 mph, not bad enough to call it a day, but enough to make live bait fishing a bit of a balancing act.
I set out early, with the typical fall chill in the air, hoping to land some halibut. The rockfish season is closed, so any of those that come up are going right back down. But the target was halibut, and we had our smelt and live bait ready to go. Despite the conditions being a bit tough, I was still optimistic as I fished along some familiar sandy patches and nearby reefs.
New to this spot? Check out our full guide, complete with Google Maps, top gear recommendations, and insider tips.
Out on the water, things weren’t easy. There were some big anchovies this morning, but we know how that goes: the smaller fish often get to them first. What we really needed was a decent-sized smelt for bait, and after a few casts, we finally got what we were looking for.
As the day went on, it became clear that halibut were going to be hard to come by. We kept fishing the same sandy drop-offs that have produced in the past, but only one or two bites came through. However, one of those bites was solid. I hooked into what felt like a good-sized halibut, and after a few solid pulls, we had it up near the kayak. Not the biggest fish, but a respectable 34-incher — definitely a nice catch for this late in the season.
If you’re serious about halibut fishing, the Okuma Convector reel is a top choice for the job, offering smooth drag and reliable performance for handling big fish. Whether you’re fishing sandy bottoms or working near reefs, the precision and control of this reel make it ideal for live bait fishing. Its strong drag system helps manage the weight and fight of halibut, giving you the confidence to tackle these fish, even in challenging conditions.
The fishing was tough. The wind didn’t help, but I worked through it, switching up tactics and hitting a few different spots that I’ve marked on Navionics from previous seasons. These sandy-bottom areas, adjacent to the reefs, tend to hold halibut even as we push deeper into the colder months.
For anyone still trying to get in on the halibut action, now’s the time to do it. The bite gets tougher the colder it gets, but it’s not impossible. You can catch halibut year-round here, though the frequency definitely drops as winter sets in. If you’re looking to make the most of the late season, live bait is the way to go — just be ready to put in the time and grind through some slow periods.
While this wasn’t the most productive day in terms of numbers, it was great to get back out in the Bay Area with my kayak. We’re planning more local trips before the year’s out, so stay tuned for more reports.
That’s all for this one — remember, if you’re gearing up for some halibut fishing, check out our full guide and don’t forget to stock up on those smelt!
