to trap hook? or not trap hook?.. that is the question. - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

slobslayer · 04-29-2012, 07:41 AM

Patience is definitely key, but I've tried both rigs and have had better luck with just a single nose hook for some reason. Were your baits coming up with big rake marks on them. Were your fishing circle hooks? It takes a while to get good at halibut fishing. But what do I know my ten year old sister has caught more legals than I have this year.

tasteslikechikn54 · 04-29-2012, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slobslayer

Patience is definitely key, but I've tried both rigs and have had better luck with just a single nose hook for some reason. Were your baits coming up with big rake marks on them. Were your fishing circle hooks? It takes a while to get good at halibut fishing. But what do I know my ten year old sister has caught more legals than I have this year.

Yeah... A few of them came up with some big rake marks. I was using a 4/0 hook with a treble hook at the end on a slider 3 oz sinker... I guess next time ill try circle hooks. I noticed that most of the rake marks were towards the middle section of the bait... I guess its true about being patient.... I'll definitely be hitting that spot more.

seriola_killer · 04-29-2012, 01:47 PM

I've fished both ways, and I prefer just a single hook. The big buts will have no problem inhaling the bait. Sure, I have missed alot of fish, but I'd rather not have to deal with unhooking a treble out of a sublegal. I also think the baits presentation is more natural without a trap hook. Just my $.02, and I know there's some damn good halibut fishermen who swear by
The trap rig.

tasteslikechikn54 · 04-29-2012, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by seriola_killer

I've fished both ways, and I prefer just a single hook. The big buts will have no problem inhaling the bait. Sure, I have missed alot of fish, but I'd rather not have to deal with unhooking a treble out of a sublegal. I also think the baits presentation is more natural without a trap hook. Just my $.02, and I know there's some damn good halibut fishermen who swear by
The trap rig.

That is one thing I didn't consider... That would be a huge pain in the ass trying to getvthe trevle out of a sublegal. Not only that, but from what ive been reading, they could also get tail rot and die... That would be a bummer. I'll be trying again next weekend and ill try the single circle hook. Thank you much for the information, sir...

William Novotny · 04-29-2012, 04:34 PM

I match the hook size to the bait size and single hook. If its a keeper he'll suck it down.

GregAndrew · 04-29-2012, 05:31 PM

If you are getting taps, the tail is chewed up and no hookups it is probably Lizzardfish. Small Halibut usually hit baits very aggressively which will not feel like a tap. If your baits are coming back without clear vertical wound lines, where it struggled to get free from the clamped jaws, that can also indicate Lizzardfish. I have seen them shred up Sardines nearly as long as they were.

As far as Trap hooks, the answer is based on how you are going to fish them. If you sit still or move slowly enough that you are not in constant contact with your sinker, I would not recommend a trap hook. I would also not recommend it if you like to let your fish eat your bait. Besides sub-legals there are other species that can become foul hooked, given enough time, even when using large baits.

tasteslikechikn54 · 04-29-2012, 06:01 PM

I could def. See the rake marks when I brought up the bait... But, as far as the type of fishing we were drifting and soaking the bait... Outgoing current was a pain in the ass, but i noticed the close I got to the shore, the less the current would affect my movement... I know ill be out there again on saturday.

I noticed another beach launch area, almost adjacent to the bait barge, just north of the subs... Anyone happen to know how to get to that launch. I would assume it would cut 30 minutes off the paddle to the flats from shelter island boat launch...

04-29-2012, 01:47 PM	#3
seriola_killer Sled Peddler Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Bonita, Ca. Posts: 236	I've fished both ways, and I prefer just a single hook. The big buts will have no problem inhaling the bait. Sure, I have missed alot of fish, but I'd rather not have to deal with unhooking a treble out of a sublegal. I also think the baits presentation is more natural without a trap hook. Just my $.02, and I know there's some damn good halibut fishermen who swear by The trap rig. __________________ Jerry Moore Need a car or truck to yaul your yak? Ring me up. (619)988-3325

04-29-2012, 04:34 PM	#5
William Novotny The carpetbagger Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: tha newps Posts: 1,474	I match the hook size to the bait size and single hook. If its a keeper he'll suck it down. __________________ "The charm of fishing is that it is the pursuit of what is elusive but attainable, a perpetual series of occasions for hope." http://www.badinfluencetattoo.com/gallery.php?artist=21

04-29-2012, 07:41 AM	#1
slobslayer Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Santee Posts: 384	Patience is definitely key, but I've tried both rigs and have had better luck with just a single nose hook for some reason. Were your baits coming up with big rake marks on them. Were your fishing circle hooks? It takes a while to get good at halibut fishing. But what do I know my ten year old sister has caught more legals than I have this year.

04-29-2012, 05:31 PM	#6
GregAndrew Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 2,384	If you are getting taps, the tail is chewed up and no hookups it is probably Lizzardfish. Small Halibut usually hit baits very aggressively which will not feel like a tap. If your baits are coming back without clear vertical wound lines, where it struggled to get free from the clamped jaws, that can also indicate Lizzardfish. I have seen them shred up Sardines nearly as long as they were. As far as Trap hooks, the answer is based on how you are going to fish them. If you sit still or move slowly enough that you are not in constant contact with your sinker, I would not recommend a trap hook. I would also not recommend it if you like to let your fish eat your bait. Besides sub-legals there are other species that can become foul hooked, given enough time, even when using large baits.

04-29-2012, 06:01 PM	#7
tasteslikechikn54 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: san diego, ca. Posts: 113	I could def. See the rake marks when I brought up the bait... But, as far as the type of fishing we were drifting and soaking the bait... Outgoing current was a pain in the ass, but i noticed the close I got to the shore, the less the current would affect my movement... I know ill be out there again on saturday. I noticed another beach launch area, almost adjacent to the bait barge, just north of the subs... Anyone happen to know how to get to that launch. I would assume it would cut 30 minutes off the paddle to the flats from shelter island boat launch...