Talk about a newbie question

[madscientist]

I use a spike (to slide through the gills) on a cord with carbiners but game clips work fine too. I have heard of them popping open with violent thrashing. The main thing is you want to get the fish secured quickly, as Tyler said. I try to keep 2 points of attachment until the fish is well under control. I don't remover the hook or gaff until it's stringered, and I have double stringered trophy fish just in case. It is particularly important with big halibut since they can flop off a gaff or out of a boat in a heartbeat.