Best Halibut rig?

[Yakin]

Been getting screwed on the halibuts lately
I think it is my rig that is screwing me up
Any ideas or advice for trolling for the trash cans

[jorluivil]

What rig are you using?

I've had success with the drop shot, three way swivel, and Carolina rig.

[Yakin]

Originally Posted by jorluivil

What rig are you using?

I've had success with the drop shot, three way swivel, and Carolina rig.

a three swivel with a 1oz sinker and about 1 foot of leader to my hook

[Gigafish]

Don't forget the trap hook. Big baits

[jorluivil]

Originally Posted by Yakin

a three swivel with a 1oz sinker and about 1 foot of leader to my hook

I always use an 8oz sinker, its a lot more weight than the average halibut fisher tends to use but I use it because it will stir up more of the bottom which in turn will attract halibut. Additionally, it will hold the bottom much better when the current is moving against you and I always setup two rods, both with different rigs until I see which one gives me more action. Whatever you do don't be afraid to experiment, try different rigs, leader lengths, mono, floro and different size hooks until you find something that works.

[fishingfiend]

I made it to the Long Beach Pot of Gold Finals 3 times and I'm a believer in a big bounce ball setup. I haven't gone hali drifting on the yak yet, but when I do the big 8oz plus cannon ball on a 3 way swivel will be my preferred setup with a trap hook of course. There is something to be said about a big 8oz cannonball kicking up a bunch of sand and attracting the right kind of attention. I also believe in using the lightest fluro line possible. I've used as low as 12# fluro for those tough days! The cannonball should be attached with less weighted line to ensure the lead will break off in a hangup situation. Replacing the lead is quicker vs retying the trap rig. Otherwise, pretty much what jorluivil said.

[taggermike]

In shallower water I like a sliding sinker rig. 1/2 to 2oz in front of a swivel then 24" of fluoro and a light wire circle hook that matches bait size. If I'm deeper I like to use a dropper loop set up. I'm with the other posters about using plenty of lead. If you're not on the bottom you're not really hali fishing. I have found that I caught more shorts while using a trap hook. I don't use trap hooks at all, ever, any more. Mike

[jorluivil]

Originally Posted by fishingfiend

Replacing the lead is quicker vs retying the trap rig. Otherwise, pretty much what jorluivil said.

I agree but I would rather loose a circle hook and treble hook before I loose an 8oz sinker.