FISHING : Local Tagging of Halibut Helps in Study of Fishery

The Department of Fish and Game has released results of its halibut tagging program.

According to biologist Ray Ally, 3,500 halibut were tagged between September, 1990, and December, 1991.

Ally said most of the 25 tagged halibut that were caught were located in Santa Monica Bay and less than the 22-inch keeper size. Most of the fish had moved an average of 15 miles from the tag site, although one was recaptured 32 miles up the coast.

The department, with outside help from Robert Lavenberg, plans to continue its study of the migration habits of the halibut fishery. Lavenberg is a scientist with the Natural History Museum and Edison Hatchery projects.

John Bourget, who runs the Santa Monica Halibut Derby, issued tagging kits at the April 4-5 derby to anglers for use on undersized fish.

Lavenberg said more research is needed to answer questions about the halibut’s spawning patterns. He noted that when halibut are 2-3 three inches long, they live better in warm-water conditions. That would help explain why there is an improvement in the fishery during an El Nino effect.

Several South Bay sportfishing landings and clubs are distributing Bourget’s tagging kits. He expects as many as 2,000 kits will be distributed by the end of the year.

Since the derby, 476 halibut have been tagged. Four tagged fish have been recovered, all within 48 hours of their initial release.

Lavenberg said the importance of the study will depend on anglers’ cooperation in recording the data and following instructions in the kits. Information: (310) 450-5131.

Update: Because of the curfew, overnight South Bay sportfishing boats remained at their docks until Tuesday.

Three-quarter-day boats and half-day boats did get out last weekend, but there was a marked decrease in the number of anglers on the trips.

Redondo Sport Fishing’s Seaspray worked Rocky Point and anglers caught five white seabass. The jackpot fish was landed by Redondo fisherman Norm Chibana, who caught a 30-pound white seabass.

Although only five anglers were aboard the L.A. Harbor Sportfishing boat Pacifica, the group caught five white seabass. San Pedro fisherman Marc Spartacus caught a 35-pound white seabass and a 10-fish limit of calico bass.

Sonny Benett of Marina del Rey Sportfishing reports that the boat Del Mar has been working the area off Rocky Point, where anglers have been catching calico bass and white seabass.

Mike Shane of West Los Angeles was the jackpot winner with a 29-pound white seabass.

Fishing off Mexico’s Socorro Island aboard the Red Rooster 111, Tony O’Connell of Santa Monica caught a 251-pound 2-ounce yellowfin tuna.

South Bay catches: Harry Friedman of Long Beach, aboard the Reel Special off Catalina Island, used a sardine to catch the whopper of the week--a 40-pound white seabass.

Chun Kang of West Los Angeles, aboard the Spitfire off Ocean Park Reef, caught a 35-pound halibut.

Nick Couarbias of Torrance, aboard the Mustang off Catalina Island, caught a 25 1/2-pound white seabass.

Joe Samkin of El Segundo, aboard the Pacifica off Catalina Island, caught a 21-pound halibut.