Captain David Bacon, pictured above and well known and respected captain and owner of the Wave Walker charter boat and Hook, Line and Sinker Bait and Tackle shop in Santa Barbara was the guest speaker at the MDR Halibut Derby Fishing seminar. The Fishing Seminar was hosted by MDRA on May 10. A room full of avid anglers listened closely to the tournament winning techniques presented by Bacon. Notes were copiously made on the various gear and techniques to target halibut, white seabass, calicos and big ling cod. This year the derby has expanded the eligible species to include these and other fish and Captain Bacon is a top pro with acclaimed expertise with all of these species.

This year's 36th Annual Marina Del Rey Halibut Derby is scheduled for June 9th and 10th 2012, so mark your calendars and plan to join the party.

Captain David Bacon is a beacon to all Southern and Central California anglers. He is Staff Writer for Western Outdoor News, Senior Editor for Pacific Coast Sportfishing magazine, Columnist, Noozhawk on-line news service, a frequent guest personality and speaker at regional fishing conventions, club meetings and radio and TV talk shows and the owner and captain of Wave Walker Charters and owner of Hook, Line & Sinker Bait & Tackle in Santa Barbara,.

Bacon reviewed the old school and new school technique and gear for bounce balling for halibut admonishing anglers to watch their rod tips with laser focus, strike whenever there is any stop in the pulsing action of the rod tip and NEVER, EVER put their rod down. Did I say NEVER!!!! Repeat, NEVER, EVER!!!! Bacon's current new school bounce balling technique suggests the optimal set up is as follows: 40" of braided line from swivel to a size 0 dodger in size 0, a 14 inch piece of 25-40# flourocarbon connecting a hoochie to the dodger. Be willing to vary this last short line from 12 inches to 18 inches until the fish show you what is most attractive. Attach your 2 pound round sinker to a snap swivel with 18 - 24" of heavy line or braid to an in-line sliding swivel unit, letting it slide freely above the dodger unit. This will allow the halibut to pick up the business end without feeling the heavy weight.

When bounce balling troll at 2 knots "through the water" (ie assuming zero current). Ignore your GPS speed and focus on the correct speed through the water. Your rod tip should demonstrate a nice steady pulse revealing the action of your terminal gear. Pound sand, i.e., lift and bounce your 2 pound sinker every 30 seconds, to attract the attention of all halibut in the neighborhood. David also suggested using a trap hook system and pinning fresh or frozen anchovies on the forward single hook and a couple more on the trap treble hook, simulating a small school following your dodger. Big Halibut will go crazy.

Bacon also reviewed tips and techniques for swim baits, plastics, fishing along the surf line and drifting baits for halibut and then discussed the best ways to target white seabass, calicos, and monster lings. He showed us his special new hybrid jig called the Ling Slayer that is out catching any other jig on his charters and seems to be getting more of the bigger models. If you want some contact him at (805) 895-3273 or captain@wavewalker.com.

"David really knows is stuff," stated Joshua Gerson, MDRA President. "He is the most engaging speaker in the fishing industry I have ever heard, and we were extremely fortunate to have him as our derby seminar speaker. His legendary success and eagerness to share his knowledge are combos that are critical to anglers wanting the best possible results at the MDR Halibut Derby or during their regular fishing outings."

Keith Lambert, MDRA's Vice President wanted to immediately sign up for a Wave Walker charter. "Captain Bacon is always leading his anglers to trophy halibut, white seabass, calicos and bottom fish," stated Lambert. "He is generous with his hard earned knowledge on how to fish more successfully in derbies and tournaments. Bacon knows how to prepare for, target and land big fish and I want more of that knowledge and wisdom."

The derby has been moved to June to take advantage of better probable weather and better numbers of fish in the Santa Monica Bay. The last couple of years has seen enormous volumes of bait and a resurgence of game fish in the Bay. Last year's white seabass schools and catches reflect a recent historical high and bodes well for the future of the species, the local fishery and the MDR Halibut (and other species) Derby.

"We expect a great turn-out this year," said Gerson. "Tell all your friends, organize your teams and tail gate parties and come out and have a blast. Local anglers are always looking for an excuse to get out on the water, and this will be the perfect opportunity to kick off the summer fishing season, catch some fish, win some awesome prizes and have a ball."

The derby will continue the new tradition of including additional species in addition to the beloved halibut and will also provide weight bonuses for caught and released fish. All derby entrants will get a limited edition derby shirt, discount membership to the MDR Anglers as well as some nice goodie bags which alone will make the derby worth their while.

Sign up information is live online at Halibut Derby Sign Up. You can also register at the Marina Fest event (May 19th & 20th) and at the last minute sign ups in Burton Chase Park on Wednesday through Friday, June 6,7 & 8, from 4:0PM to 9:00PM.

Marina del Rey Anglers is a fishing and conservation group and a non profit 501(c)3 organization. The money raised from the derbies has funded the club's well known and respected MDRA Youth Fishing Program, its White Seabass Pens in Marina Del Rey and various other critical marine environmental and conservation programs. It hosts over 500 children from at risk environments and future anglers to fishing trips each summer and has released nearly 100,000 white seabass from its WSB grow out pens in Marina Del Rey. It also sponsors fun fishing charters and welcomes new members and donations.