to trap hook? or not trap hook?.. that is the question. - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

GregAndrew · 04-29-2012, 05:31 PM

If you are getting taps, the tail is chewed up and no hookups it is probably Lizzardfish. Small Halibut usually hit baits very aggressively which will not feel like a tap. If your baits are coming back without clear vertical wound lines, where it struggled to get free from the clamped jaws, that can also indicate Lizzardfish. I have seen them shred up Sardines nearly as long as they were.

As far as Trap hooks, the answer is based on how you are going to fish them. If you sit still or move slowly enough that you are not in constant contact with your sinker, I would not recommend a trap hook. I would also not recommend it if you like to let your fish eat your bait. Besides sub-legals there are other species that can become foul hooked, given enough time, even when using large baits.

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04-29-2012, 05:31 PM	#8
GregAndrew Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 2,384	If you are getting taps, the tail is chewed up and no hookups it is probably Lizzardfish. Small Halibut usually hit baits very aggressively which will not feel like a tap. If your baits are coming back without clear vertical wound lines, where it struggled to get free from the clamped jaws, that can also indicate Lizzardfish. I have seen them shred up Sardines nearly as long as they were. As far as Trap hooks, the answer is based on how you are going to fish them. If you sit still or move slowly enough that you are not in constant contact with your sinker, I would not recommend a trap hook. I would also not recommend it if you like to let your fish eat your bait. Besides sub-legals there are other species that can become foul hooked, given enough time, even when using large baits.