Halibut rig question

[45user]

So I am determined to land a legal halibut from the yak this year and need some help from all. I've been using Carolina rigged (1-2oz egg sinker) live bait rig with power pro main line and short 20lbs mono leaders with no success.(however hours on the water is probably a big contributor for my bad luck)
Anyways I would appreciate it if you can share with me what kind of rigs you use for halibut.
1. Lines- mono, flouro etc? What pound test?
2. Hooks- circle hooks? Trap rig? Regular live bait hook?
3. Baits - I used all kinds .. As whatever I catch on my sabiki
4. Sinker size?
And whatever else I am missing

Thank you for your help!
45

[Dannowar]

Reverse dropper loop with an 8oz weight gets em every time for me....

[45user]

Originally Posted by Dannowar

Reverse dropper loop with an 8oz weight gets em every time for me....

How deep are you fishing?
Thank you!

[GregAndrew]

Where are you going to target them 45?

[45user]

Originally Posted by GregAndrew

Where are you going to target them 45?

I was mostly fishing in NpH but I think this year I'm going to try DP more often
But most of the times I will be at NpH, marina del Rey, long beach in that area
And getting ready for the islander trip in May!
Thank you,
45

[jruiz]

I personally don't fish any less than 4oz if targeting halibut. More commonly I'm using 6-8oz depending on the current, wind, and drift. I hear it over and over again, if your bait isn't on the bottom then your not targeting halibut. 1-2oz may not be enough.

[jorluivil]

1. Lines- mono, flouro etc? What pound test?
Rig 1:
65lb PowerPro to a 6-8 foot mono leader to a drop shot with an 8oz sinker

Rig 2:
65lb PowerPro to a 3-way swivel. Hook line has a 1-2foot mono leader and sinker side is 3-4foot mono line with an 8oz sinker

2. Hooks- circle hooks? Yes, I use nothing but circle hooks

Trap rig? Always

Regular live bait hook? As in a j-hook? is so, never.

3. Baits? Lately, I've been starting my day with dead macs and will try to make bait, once I make live bait I will use one of whatever I have on each rig until I get an idea on what they want to eat. Sometimes its lizard fish, sometimes its dead macs, sometimes.............

4. Sinker size? I always use 8oz........always.

And whatever else I am missing

Did you check you PMs'

[Raskal311]

Can I jump in with a question

If my trap hook is constantly getting caught up on something does that mean i'm fishing in the wrong place?

[45user]

Originally Posted by jorluivil

1. Lines- mono, flouro etc? What pound test?
Rig 1:
65lb PowerPro to a 6-8 foot mono leader to a drop shot with an 8oz sinker

Rig 2:
65lb PowerPro to a 3-way swivel. Hook line has a 1-2foot mono leader and sinker side is 3-4foot mono line with an 8oz sinker

2. Hooks- circle hooks? Yes, I use nothing but circle hooks

Trap rig? Always

Regular live bait hook? As in a j-hook? is so, never.

3. Baits? Lately, I've been starting my day with dead macs and will try to make bait, once I make live bait I will use one of whatever I have on each rig until I get an idea on what they want to eat. Sometimes its lizard fish, sometimes its dead macs, sometimes.............

4. Sinker size? I always use 8oz........always.

And whatever else I am missing

Did you check you PMs'

Thank you for the help!
So what pound mono leader are you using?
I'm checking my PM now
Several people kindly PM me with tips and I really appreciate all your help!
45

[45user]

Also do you use 8oz sinkers at all depth?
Thank you again!
45

[WildernessWanker]

http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwevb/s...ht=bounce+ball

A great read and something I've been trying to implement, especially with using live bait on one rig and a Rapala on the other to increase my hookups while minimizing maintenance. I like the idea of constantly having a rig in the water even when checking bait, plus if they're not in the mood for live bait then perhaps that lure looks appetizing. I figure there's a ton of different ways to rig and you can't really go wrong using any of them, it just may take longer to land that keeper with some than others. I will drag 2 Rapalas if I don't have any bait and want to cover ground between fishing spots, works well for all sorts of species including Hali's. Just my $0.02, and everyone has their own opinion with rigs

[jorluivil]

Originally Posted by 45user

Thank you for the help!
So what pound mono leader are you using?
I'm checking my PM now
Several people kindly PM me with tips and I really appreciate all your help!
45

I normally use 30lb test. Right now I'm using 40lb test because that what I have on my shelf, once I run out of that I will switch back to 30.

8oz sinkers in all depths. Some guys switch depending on the depthas but I always keep it at 8, this way I know I'm always at the bottom.

[45user]

Originally Posted by jorluivil

I normally use 30lb test. Right now I'm using 40lb test because that what I have on my shelf, once I run out of that I will switch back to 30.

8oz sinkers in all depths. Some guys switch depending on the depthas but I always keep it at 8, this way I know I'm always at the bottom.

Thank you! So do you paddle to drag your rig or let the current takes you-drift?
I usually don't paddle. I cast, let it sink , once it hits bottom I put reel in gear then I then drift with current
45

[alanw]

Yea I put my reel into gear too while the pole was in the rod holder, until a big ole ray hit it and nearly tipped me over

Now I'm sure to leave it in bait clicker mode

[DanaPT]

Originally Posted by jorluivil

1. Lines- mono, flouro etc? What pound test?
Rig 1:
65lb PowerPro to a 6-8 foot mono leader to a drop shot with an 8oz sinker

Rig 2:
65lb PowerPro to a 3-way swivel. Hook line has a 1-2foot mono leader and sinker side is 3-4foot mono line with an 8oz sinker

2. Hooks- circle hooks? Yes, I use nothing but circle hooks

Trap rig? Always

Regular live bait hook? As in a j-hook? is so, never.

3. Baits? Lately, I've been starting my day with dead macs and will try to make bait, once I make live bait I will use one of whatever I have on each rig until I get an idea on what they want to eat. Sometimes its lizard fish, sometimes its dead macs, sometimes.............

4. Sinker size? I always use 8oz........always.

And whatever else I am missing

Did you check you PMs'

Jorge likes & gets big butts!

[jorluivil]

Originally Posted by alanw

Yea I put my reel into gear too while the pole was in the rod holder, until a big ole ray hit it and nearly tipped me over

Now I'm sure to leave it in bait clicker mode

my rod is always in gear but I never have the clicker on. Personally, I don't think you need the clicker when you fish on a kayak......you'll know if you're on. I always setup my drag so that it will set the hook but will also allow the fish to run.

[45user]

Thanks all for your help and valuable information that you all shared!
I will post up my result...hopefully soon!
45

[stephenG]

If you decide to try Dana point soon I suggest you make a few drifts just off Doheny beach using live bait from the bait barge.

[45user]

Originally Posted by stephenG

If you decide to try Dana point soon I suggest you make a few drifts just off Doheny beach using live bait from the bait barge.

Thanks for the tip!

[alanw]

Watch out for OC waters right now, there's lots of poo out there!