Looking for a little knowledge

[FlyFishinYakr]

Originally Posted by Smellyfingers

Ok, I have a couple of questions for the experienced yakers. I have seen a lot of guys put their catches on game clips. Is this just to bleed them? Ive seen other people post that could be dangerous(seal grabbing it and flipping you). Ok one last one, for the guys drifting for halibut. Which one would you prefer, a standard dropper loop or reverse? Thanks in advance for any help.

As I have yet to be able to hit up the water on my Kayak, the only experience I can offer is directed to your last question from my time working/fishing on the boats.
If I'm using bait, I use a slider rig of some sort. (I bought 100 sliders years ago and still have over 50 left. Search eBay: Fish Finders Line Sinker Slides bag of 100 BLACK GOOD FOR BRAID) I attach an appropriate torpedo weight depending on current and depth.
During spring when I'm used to fishing shallow just beyond the breakers, I like a 1-2oz. sliding sinker as it's less likely to tangle when cast and/or sinks. I've found over the years that if you allow the line to slide offering no instant noticeable resistance, you allow more time for the / / or Halibut to swallow or eat the bait deep enough to be able to set the hook. I also learned from some of the deckhands on the S.D. boats and regular successful "ole timers" that used to frequent the San Pedro & Redondo boats I worked on, once you "get bit" count 5-10 seconds before setting the hook.
One reflex action I noticed from many fish, once they start to run after a few seconds, if you start to apply very light thumb pressure as if the bait was struggling or resisting, the gamefish would try to get a better "grip/bite" or disable the bait with a head shake at which time I would give the fish a few more seconds with little/no pressure, then throw the freespool lever, reel in the slack (if any) until tight, then swing for the fences (as the saying goes!).
Halibut are a finicky species as most of you know, some will spook if you add a little pressure and sometimes won't. It is my contention it has to do with how hungry the fish might be. In the spring when the grunion are running I don't use that technique as I believe the pressure spooks the fish and with all the easy bait around they can afford to grab another one that doesn't struggle.
From many of the reports written on this site from various members it sounds like many techniques you would use on a Party boat transfers to Kayak fishing without the crowds! and you are closer to the water to be able to gaff a "Head shot".
Once I'm able to get back on the water, that's the technique I intend to be using! If I have to use bait, having no luck with The Fly!
I hope this works for you as well as it did for me on the boats!
Best of luck.
FFY