My Alaska trip?

Gundog · 03-19-2007, 05:07 PM

I am heading to Ketchikan Alaska this year in July. I am pulling my boat up there I am planning on fishing for some Halibut it will be my first time. I have been reading about harpoons and I plan on making one for my boat. How long of a handle do I need? Can someone post a picture of the complete setup for me. I have done a search but almost all of the pictures are not there I have looked at the tips and I can make that part with the cable I just don't know how long to make the handle. I also plan on making up a heavier gaff and a hay hook type gaff. I plan on using my large anchor float with a chunk of 3/8 rope from gaff point to the ball (Gaff having some cable attached to the point then to the rope).

Does anyone have a C map chip for that area they would rent out? If I like the area I will buy one for next time if not I may buy one for this trip.
Thanks Mike

fyshndad · 03-20-2007, 09:48 AM

Here is mine
I bought it at fishermans for $50 and did the wraps myself using TUNA Cord
The wood handle is 59 inches the steel shaft is 21 inches excluding the point
I had to sharpen the point and I need to add a crimp to both ends of the cable for added strength

Sorry about the thumbnails but I am lazy and haven't taken the time to learn how to do pics yet

Gundog · 03-20-2007, 10:05 AM

Thanks Fyshndad,
That helps a bunch. I will look for a shovel handle or some other piece of hardwood dowell. I probably have some stainless in the shop to machine the other parts from.
Mike

salmon whisperer · 03-22-2007, 07:45 PM

do you already have a couple of HOT SPOTS planned out. I have been in that area in July... and I have a GREAT spot for the BUTTS. It is a well protected spot with a BEAUTIFUL inlet just around the corner for anchoring for the night. We fished for 45min and had 400lbs of BUTT on the boat. the only reason we stopped when we did is we hit the capacity of our coolers (we actually had to take the beer out of them to put the last bit o' fish on ice)

let me know if you are interested. I am not sure how secret this spot is... but we saw nobody around when we were there

kelso · 03-22-2007, 09:35 PM

Gundog, sounds like you have the right idea with the harpoon, but be carefull with bringing them aboard with the hook. I have been to Southeast AK several times, and after getting the halibuts attention with the harpoon a shot to the head with a 22 mag. tames them down so they can be brought aboard. This has worked well with halibut to 175 lbs. Happy fishing, SE alaska is a wonderfull place to visit and fish.

salmon whisperer · 03-22-2007, 09:47 PM

I would agree with Kelso. After harpooning the fish.... shoot it.... then I hog-tie it. I just run a rope thru the mouth and to the tail and pull the rope tight to keep the fish from seeing a second wind... especially with ones over 70lbs or so.

Gundog · 03-22-2007, 09:58 PM

Thanks for the info I am not sure if I could transport a gun through Canada. I am driving up to Prince Rupert BC and catching a ferry there to Ketchikan.
Mike

slabhunter · 03-23-2007, 10:41 AM

Mike, I have a setup similar to that of Hank. Main difference is the way it breaks down. Mine employs a locking collar.

One more thing, I've seen guys make a handle from the lower half of the Fiskars high pruners.

Hans

spooner · 03-24-2007, 12:57 AM

gun dog. I been a guide for along time and landed many big halibut. a harpoon is a good tool but you need to know some safty things. last year a guide lost three fingers harpooning a 300+ halibut so lisen up.

all you need is about 20 ft of rope from your tip to you bouy. make sure when you harpoon the fish every thing will go over free and clear.

bring the halibut to the top but dont bring the nose or head out of the water. take your time they will stay pritty dosel as long as you keep it in the water.make sure you have a good shot and do it right the first time.
i like to hit them right in the thick part of the sholder behind the head.if you get areal big one it may come up and all you see is a big open mouth coming up.you can put the boat in gear and plane her out so you get a beter shot or send the harpoon right down ther throte.but it may pull out. then throw the line an bouy over and stand back. dont try to slow it down thats how the guide lost his fingers.let it fight with the bouy then pull it up buy the rope make sure to be ready to let it go fast if it runs agin.

now you have it to the boat its still alive.
i just club them if you do it right it just takes one good hit. or you can shoot it or cut the gills and tie it to the cleat with a shark hook in the mouth and up between the eyes.if it keep fighting just let it go agin too fight the bouy. brin it up agin and tie it to the cleat buy the shark hook but keep its head in the water and let it bleed out and die.when you are sure it dead bring it in and use the rope from the shark hook arouned the tail and bow it up and your done.

personaly i dont use a harpoon i bring them up loosen the drag on the reel a littel take my time and line her up so i have a good shot with the bat and pull her head out and whak. if it wants to run i just let her run agin.i have a shark hook ready i hook it tie it offtoo the cleat with its head in the water about a foot. and bleed it and bring it in the boat and hog tie it done.

i havent been threw canada for a while it may have change now. but they will put a lock on your gun and when you leave they will take it off.and i think you needa pasport now to go threw canada.

hope this helps just be safe and dont get in a rush you will be ok.

spooner · 03-24-2007, 01:18 AM

i would not recamend your gaff and rope idea.buy a big shark hook with about ten feet of rope on it and a wood handle salmon gaff.you can use as a club and a gaff.
oh and a nother thing it dont take alot to kill a hal with a club hit thm where you think there brain is. dont hit them in the gills or the back just one in the brain should do it. good luck

Gundog · 03-25-2007, 07:39 AM

Thanks Spooner,
What is a shark hook?

spooner · 03-25-2007, 07:34 PM

its the bigest J hook you ever seen yoou can buy them in ketchikan a tongass hardware store i gess there about 10 in. long. there biger than you hand.

Rodbender · 03-25-2007, 09:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gundog

What is a shark hook?

Mustad 4483DT-with or without chain.
Can't see it from the illustration but they are offset and a lot bigger.

ripnlips1 · 03-27-2007, 09:15 AM

Passports are require to return to the USA by air ( even kids need one) and I think returning by car also. This is a change effective in Jan 07, check the customs web site for current requirements The State Dept. is swamped with passport applications due to the requirement for children. So, apply now if you don't have one.

ibgrizz · 05-25-2007, 11:25 AM

Gun dog
We will see you in a few weeks