halibut rod

[GregAndrew]

IMO the most important considerations are a rod that will maintain a bend throughout the headshake while maintaining not too much pressure on the hook. You need a rod that can flex with the pull part of the headshake while already under pressure. But it should also be able to snap back quickly on the return part of the headshake (fast action). Too stiff a rod and they can pull the hook out on a headshake. Too light a rod or light the tip action, and they can create slack (using your sinker against you) and shake the hook free. A reel with a good drag system is probably just about as important.

[GregAndrew]

If your budget is around $100 I would check out a Shimano Teramar, $170 GLoomis BBR series, a Phenix is gonna cost you at least $220.

[MVC]

I have a Shimano Tallus 7 foot 14-25 that I would like to sell. They retail for $119 and I would sell it for $60.00. I have caught alot of Halibut and rock fish on this rod. I have gone to Seeker rods on both of my halibut set ups. The good thing about Shimano is if you break it just go to Shimano in Irvine and they will replace it no questions asked.

[jorluivil]

Originally Posted by GregAndrew

If your budget is around $100 I would check out a Shimano Teramar, $170 GLoomis BBR series, a Phenix is gonna cost you at least $220.

^^^^^^What he said^^^^^^

Personally, I think the Sealine 20 is a little heavy for halibut fishing, more so if you're going to hold the rod in your hands while fishing. Currently, I'm using Teramar rods and I love them for this type of fishing, they have super fast reaction and have the bend that's needed to control the head shakes that Greg mentioned.

When I started halibut fishing I was using gear that I knew was to heavy for that style of fishing but because that's all I had I didn't have a choice, I gradually worked my way down to lighter rods but what helped most was the fact that I switch to smaller reels. One thing to keep in mind when you're halibut fishing is that they will not run like a wsb or a yellow, they will simply fight their way to get back to the bottom where they feel safe, if they make a run they won't spool you.

Anyway, here's what I use.


Reel:Shimano Cardiff 400A
Rod: Teramar
TMC-X76MH
Power: Med Heavy
Action: Extra Fast

Shimano Castaic CA-200...this is a bass reel but it works great for hali's
TMC-X76M
Power: Medium
Action: Super Fast

Whatever you use....good luck!

[William Novotny]

Thanks for all if your input and experience guys. On the reel, I'm currently using a shimano Calcutta 250 and its great for halibut. The only reason for the switch was because I wanted to double this setup as a rockfish setup and the line capacity on the Calcutta sucks.I've never been fatigued from holding my rod all day but you guys have given me some things to consider. I have a medium fast action Fenwick but its only 6"6'. My other Fenwick is 7"6' but fast action and the one I'm currently using that is a bit stiff for my . Maybe I'll try the shorter rod for now till I can put some more cash together. The terimar sounds like its got a good following and I love shimano.

[William Novotny]

Thanks for all if your input and experience guys. On the reel, I'm currently using a shimano Calcutta 250 and its great for halibut. The only reason for the switch was because I wanted to double this setup as a rockfish setup and the line capacity on the Calcutta sucks.I've never been fatigued from holding my rod all day but you guys have given me some things to consider. I have a medium fast action Fenwick but its only 6"6'. My other Fenwick is 7"6' but fast action and the one I'm currently using that is a bit stiff for my . Maybe I'll try the shorter rod for now till I can put some more cash together. The terimar sounds like its got a good following and I love shimano.

[andrewtp]

I like the teramars too, I fish a 7'6" m. Also consider the Graftech inshore at turners, great rods that can handle I have a 8 ft M but would be a H in most other brands, you might want to look at the Light power. Guys at turners have pulled in yt and school size tuna on the M.

[kayakhunter]

Sent you a PM William.

[William Novotny]

Got it Brian.