Halibut fishing is incredibly popular and challenging and there are thousands of different techniques that you can learn. However, there are a few standard tips (ok maybe not so secret) that will help you land that halibut, whether you're fishing from a boat, the dock or even the side of a lake. If you want to start really bringing in the fish, these tips will make a big difference in your success rate.
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The key is the bait.
Halibut are a tough fish to bait, and the best way to keep them interested is to keep changing your bait. We recommend changing every ten to fifteen minutes. It is a lot of work, but it will really pay off. Try rotating out your different types of bait. Once you land one, chances are that bait won't work again for a little while, so dip back into your rotation for more variety.
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Use the right kind of bait.
As you may have guessed, halibut are picky eaters. We recommend the use of the following baits for the best success: Octopus (if you can find it - squid will also work) Halibut Skin (only use the white side of the skin) Salmon heads, Mackerel innards, crab or cod. It's best to have as many on hand as possible so that you can rotate them frequently as mentioned above.
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Use the right kind of lures.
Once again, we're dealing with a pretty crafty fish here, so you're going to need to step up your game. We've found that Zzingers work very well, as well as lead heads. Your lures should be pretty big and it's a great idea to really try out several different ones while you're fishing. Often, it's the right combination that will lure them in, and knowing when to change things up. The lures can work very well if you've found that the above baits just aren't getting the job done.
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Use the right tools.
Halibut require a pretty strong line, so try to get somewhere between 80 and 120# test lines. Your pole should also be powerful and should be very quick on the reel in. Try practicing your technique off the water for the best results.
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Keep trying the same location.
While many people like to move around, this can actually reduce your chances of catching a halibut. If you're on shore, make sure you stay in about the same spot and cast deep. If you're on a boat, drop anchor and sit there for awhile. It may take a lot of patience, but you will land a halibut.
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Don't be afraid to get a little smelly.
The best secret to attracting halibut is to scent your boat and the water around you. It's a bit nasty but it works. Chum scent works the best and will make a big difference in the amount of fish that you catch. Just remember that if you store your boat in your own garage, you're probably going to want to wash it well before bringing it back home.
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Categories:
Fishing, Halibut, Tips and Tricks
Tags:
fifteen minutes, fish, Fishing, game, Halibut, job, location, mackerel, octopus, picky eaters, right combination, right tools, Salmon, squid, success rate, test lines
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