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.

[amsurferoceanbeach]

Brad
Do you buy your spike stringers or make them,
and if you buy them, where?
I think you could control a spike faster and easer
than a game clip.
Paul

[madscientist]

I was demo-ing it for Jack Graham (the grip twist guy). Not sure if he ever went in production. It's basically a vinyl coated 300lb spectra (like the spearos use) with heavy ass swivels on either end through which the carbiners go. The spike is aluminum pipe cut in half lengthwise and trimmed to a dull point. Works great as a bottle opener/cat food can hole-puncher as well. I like it because I can put multiple fish on it if necessary and the clips make for quick and easy attachment and release. Todd had showed me a similar idea with rope and bamboo for halibut, also works great.

[amsurferoceanbeach]

Thanks Brad
I don't always trust the game clips.
You gave me some ideas on making one.