halibut fishing tips - California Fishing

CaptLurch · 02-26-2004, 01:10 PM

Halibut Fishing Tips
Fishing from a boat

These tips are just my opinions from what I have seen working on boats. If you have other methods that have worked for you feel free to comment.

1) Sinkers-
I have found that using a stationary torpedo sinker works best. It keeps you bait close to the bottom where you want it.
Lots of people like the sliding sinker method either using the plastic clips that you can buy or using swivels to let you line run freely threw the sinker. The down side of this is that you do not know where you bait is. It could be swimming up on the surface and you would never know. On a crowded party boat this means only one thing TANGLES!

2) Trap rigs-
Using a trap rig will increase the numbers of halibut you catch. Any one who has fished halibut before has almost certainly had the bait shredded from just above the tail. The trap rig will help you hook those short bitters.
When making your trap rigs make sure it fits the size bait you are using. You want the front hook to be in the nose like normal. The second hook (a treble hook) you want it to be placed just behind the anal fin with not to much slack in-between. Don’t make it to short either or your bait will curl up and not be able to swim.

3) Setting the hook-
When you get bit do not be in to big of a hurry to set the hook. Many times halibut will bite it and just sit there, if you are to quick on the hook set you will rip the bait out of there mouth. One method I have found to work well is to slowly lift you rod and pull the bait from the fish. It will think it is trying to get away and when it hits again it will usually get the whole bait in its mouth. Then set the hook. (They may come back three or four times before actually eating the bait.)
This takes a little bit of practice to get the feel for when they really have a good hold of the bait. (It will feel like dead weight on the end of you line) Once you get the hang of it I think you will find it works very well.

4) Big bait-
Halibut can eat very large bait. Do not be afraid to throw out the biggest sardine you can find. You may not catch as many fish doing this but the ones you do get will be big. I have caught a 32lb halibut on a 13 inch mackerel.

...to be continued.....

Wahoo! · 02-26-2004, 01:44 PM

Great info Capt! I can't wait for the rest of it!

fishingbeast · 02-26-2004, 02:43 PM

Thanks for that informnation. It was very nice reading about tips from someone that spent alot of time on the water. Looking forward to reading more infor in the future.

DementedFish · 02-26-2004, 02:51 PM

i know great info! im always asking questions on halibut fishing! Guess the trap rig really is the best rig after all.......

sadism · 03-15-2005, 03:51 PM

Hi guys,
Any tips on hot halibut spot?

tunakid · 03-15-2005, 07:28 PM

sadism r u gunna be fishing from shore boat pier or wat. give use some more info and we will be able to help u out

cst · 03-15-2005, 07:34 PM

those are some great tips captlurch thanks!

spring2q · 03-15-2005, 08:23 PM

Call Capt. Hooks, and ask if New Blue Fin is fishing Halibut this year sometimes they target them at the islands.

PlatinumHooks · 03-16-2005, 02:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaptLurch

Lots of people like the sliding sinker method either using the plastic clips that you can buy or using swivels to let you line run freely threw the sinker. The down side of this is that you do not know where you bait is. It could be swimming up on the surface and you would never know. On a crowded party boat this means only one thing TANGLES!

Good post Lurch. I would just suggest to keep a short leader when fishing Hallies