Salmon heads for halibut?

HawgJaw · 06-23-2003, 10:45 AM

So it sounds to me like a few of you are getting some nice halis on salmon heads. I would like to try this but, I haven't figured out to rig one. What size of head do you use? It seems like a Chinook head would be too big. Please give me some pointers as to the difference between using shad/sablefish strips and salmon heads. thanks, HJ

HOGGEMIN · 06-23-2003, 12:48 PM

I'v been using whole 18" long octipus or cutting a 24"er in half legnth wise for bait had a 35" Halibut take my 24" Octipus cut legnth in half.

Aqua-Holic · 06-23-2003, 01:19 PM

There has been some discussion about using game fish or parts for bait....trout/salmon/etc.....anyone know the law?

Popeye · 06-23-2003, 01:46 PM

Dean....I just checked the regs and it says it's OK to " use dead fish, cured parts, and shellfish " for bait

Edit: It also says "No chumming, unless it is attached to a hook"

[ 06-23-2003, 03:00 PM: Message edited by: Popeye ]

tailchaser · 06-23-2003, 02:02 PM

We also did it in alaska and hooked some hog fish on it. I've also used whole shad (males) similar to oversize fishing and salmon skin. However, we didn't get anything on the salmon head this year, I think because it was frozen and not a fresh bloody one. Fresh stink is always the best.

The bigger the bait, the less likely a small hali will get a good hold of it, thus waiting for the big dog.

tc

[ 06-23-2003, 03:05 PM: Message edited by: tailchaser ]

Aqua-Holic · 06-23-2003, 02:06 PM

Thanks Bruce..........does that mean I have to put Stef on a hook?...

Hummingbird · 06-23-2003, 02:16 PM

Last year I used a big trout carcass with headi ntact and a piece of squid inside the cavity wrapped with stretchy thread. i also put some butt juice on it. My fish was the biggest I have ever landed 68#. We were wondering about the legality too and found out it was ok being it is international waters. I don't know if what kind of bait you use .they can't possibly see anything down 800 feet. I think scent and maybe sound might be the key. Just my opinion. I sure want to get another season in august though to try to get the brute that went back home with a REAL sore mouth out of Garibaldi last Friday. Man that thing was a Head Shaking Line taking ,Pole bending
Fat Boy. Just look at my left arm . I look like Popeye. :grin: (Not you Bruce)

Tight lines ,Tom

Popeye · 06-23-2003, 02:17 PM

I don't think they were talking about THAT kind of chum

BUT...ta be on the safe side, ya might have er hold a hook in er mouth :grin:

Miss B Haven · 06-23-2003, 02:19 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Popeye:
Edit: It also says "No chumming, unless it is attached to a hook"

<font size="2" face="verdana,arial,helv">So if ya stick a hook in each Anchovy you can chum with em huh?

This looks like new language (I don't think it had the hook disclaimer before -just said "no chumming". I am guessing it is the States way of trying to make Scents and Jellies and oils on your baits legal.

reeldick · 06-23-2003, 02:39 PM

Over many years of fishing trips in Cook Inlet, salmon heads were always the bait that seemed to catch the big halibut. We would usually use sockeye heads and split them lengthwise. Circle hook through the eye socket and then back through any part of the head for a good hold.
Time and again the big fish came on the salmon heads while the other lines were rigged with herring whole or half or other salmon parts.
The skippers would also, at times, tie a gunny sack with salmon carcasses to the anchor. Let out good smells down current while we were anchored. No chum in the water either.

Popeye · 06-23-2003, 02:42 PM

Actually Mel, I was going to expound the same thing about throwin' a hook into each minnow....but didn't want to open up that "Can o Worms" (pun intended) :grin: It also specifically says that scents ARE legal, but I think they're just re-iterating that ya can't Just throw bait out to chum, PERIOD

(So much for the tuna thing)

Myles · 06-23-2003, 08:46 PM

I've seen heads and "parts" at Uwajima (sp).

myles

ANDYCOHO · 06-23-2003, 11:14 PM

[img]graemlins/lurk.gif[/img]
I'm interested in this as well, I have been using Black Label herring, and ending up with smaller fish. So does big bait=big fish?

Miss B Haven · 06-23-2003, 11:17 PM

We used pink heads in Canada. Small Silver heads should be fine too. I would not want to try and get a Chinook head down in 500-700 feet of water. I'm also not sure I'd want to pull up whatever ate it! :shocked: :grin:

We ran the hook thru the nose and out, then pinned it in the flesh at the back of the head.