Thanks for the heads up!

Stuck on live bait...
 

So if I want to try a Rapala on the bottom for halibut, what kind do I use, and how do you rig a lure for the bottom? Jorge?

Janine

Greg, do you use a Bounce ball setup, or something similar? I've used 2 different setups and like them both, but the Bounce ball variation seems to be more successful to me.

My personal opinions on your questions are based on my experience, and the fact that I fish a leadered hook(as opposed to Drop Shot or Dropper Loop) .
1) The clearer the water, the more I will lean toward Fluoro and or lighter test (20# min). Most harbors will not matter though.

2) Whichever hooks you can keep from foul hooking the bait, and will stay in the bait. However, I don't use Circle hooks because the fish needs to be swimming away from you to properly set them. My experience is that this will not always happen before the fish loses interest for some reason. I also do not prefer treble hooks for a leadered setup either. I believe they can feel them in their mouth, and picky fish will spit them out if they have the chance to (which a leader can do).

3) Bait is kind of tricky, because it involves keeping track of what is available at the time. If live Squid is around, especially on the bottom, there is nothing more effective. Don't be afraid of doubling or tripling it up either. In the absence of this, I would want either Greenback Macks or large to jumbo Sardines. Next down the list would be Smelt, Spanish Macks or Croaker. Then Lizzard fish, if they are the only bait around, they can be very effective. Generally, live bait of any tier is better than dead bait of the tier above. But, that does not mean to keep checking your bait every 5 minutes (keep it down in the "zone").

4) I believe that Halibut can feel irregularities like Trebble hooks and dragged sinkers, so the less you can use to stay on or just above the bottom the better. I have seen a lot of swallowed baits get spit right back out on video for no other apparent reason. And this only using 2/0 - 3/0 wire hooks and usually 4 - 6oz sinkers.

That said, I know that Tony does very well with an unleadered setup with heavier sinkers and Trebble hooks. So go figure?

I don't fish a bounceball, although my camera setup would be close except for the actual bouncing. But that is only my preferred setup for taking video, not fishing.

Right on Greg! This should be printed in a book I tell'ya!

There is no #1 bait for all situations. I know the so called "#1 bait" has been printed and talked about before, but if you don't have that squid pinned on, on a squid bite...your not going to catch sH**.

If your starting out trying to catch halibut, best advice I can give is to just to get out there as much as possible. In time you will learn the technique that works best for you, and you will also meet people that will help you on your way. We're all still learning how to catch these things...and will be probably forever, and that's part of the fun.

So you're not using trap rig?
Thank you!
45

As you can see there is no true 'halibut rig'. Be it artificials vs live bait, torpedos vs bounce balls, j-hooks vs circle hooks or drop shot vs 3-way swivel........they all seem to work. I think the key thing to this rigging question is that you have to go with What you like and What works for you.

Bingo!!!

I use two single hooks on my trap rig.

I use trebles on my trap rigs, heavy wire, J hook the whole deal. It's funny we all fish differently but we all still manage to catch halibut frequently.

That was my guess!
Ok so it may sound stupid but what size hooks do you use?
I know that there's not one method that works but I believe you copy from the experts and you can't go wrong. I mean that's what learning is all about right? :D
Thank you again!
45

hook size and type is at your discretion, generally I would not use one that's too big or too small for your bait.

don't over think things...it's really not that complicated.

Thank you guys for all the info :cheers1:. I have always considered myself a breast man. But I am really feeling the urge to get my hands on a big BUTT!

Got ya!
Thank you!
45

I switched to single hooks due to catching a nice Sand Bass a year ago that took the main hook in the jaw, but the trebble stuck in the outside belly part of the fish. Any time you use a trap hook you run that risk, but less chance of it with regular bait hooks.

I'm no pro, but that's what works for me, and like you said, use a rig setup that your are comfortable with and works for you.

This thread has some great information for halibut rigs. I'm curios as to why the torpedo sinkers is preferred over the cannonball sinkers? Does the shape of the sinker affect the presentation of your bait? Thanks for sharing.

Personally I find that the torpedo sinkers don't snag as much, also something I have done is if the weight you are using is not enough, you can connect another weight to the bottom end of the torpedo weight.

DON'T cast!
DON'T let your bait drop to fast!........ AND
DON'T let too much line out once your at the bottom!


I know these things may sound overly simplistic but they will really help with your bait presentation and save you a lot of headaches with your rig getting tangled up.

Just a few tips I picked up from some of these BUTTheads!

Thanks for the reply.
So you just drop, let it sink slow and drift?