What to Get and How to Start for Hali's?

BigWaterBigFish · 12-29-2004, 08:58 AM

Salty's ... this is the year, since I didn't move to Alaska this year, but got the fever for Hali's, I am going to try and go out from Newport or CR for them. I have read Batin's book,"fishing for trophy Halibut" and really got excited but what I really need is practical advice --- what to do I need, where do I go, what are do's and don'ts ...
SO ... was wondering if some of you Salt's could list for me what a beginner should consider before striking out. So far I have: 18 ft Striper Walk Around; several rods & reels for sturgeon that I though I might use for Hali's (ugly sticks (heavy) with big Penn's); hand crank down riggers, all the safety equipment including VHF with backup, GPS and kicker motor.
Really appreciate the advice and direction.

OceanBlue · 12-29-2004, 10:28 AM

For gear, start here: http://www.ifish.net/forum/showflat....o=&fpart=1

I'm sure the other salts could fill you in on the where. (I don't have the numbers with me) Regs say when.

Good luck!

blubeast · 12-29-2004, 10:46 AM

I personally use and prefer the dual circle hook with an rsk as Pilar shows in the link above by Ocean Blue.

Rod/reel - if you have a good sturgeon setup it should work fine. I normally fish 80# test. You'll need a reel than can hold lots of line as out of Newport the Chicken Ranch is about 650' deep.

Good luck.

Puffin · 12-30-2004, 09:37 AM

If you are fishing out of newport most people in the know fish near the rockpile in about 200' of water. Almost anything from heavy salmon tackle on up is suitable.Any rig that drownds a herring or artificial lure will do for terminal tackle. I believe Pilar has posted most of the rigs commonly used somewhere including the "no excuse rig" I brought back from Alaska some years ago.I personally prefer the double 8/0 circle hook rig. However this rig must be used with a long leader 5 or 6 feet as hook failure is a problem with short leaders due to the fishes head shaking. I also frequently use a ten spot wobbler or Alvin with fabulous results rigged on 18" 60lb wire off a spreader. This rig works for me even when the bait dunkers are not getting bit. Feel free to call me as I have used everything out there in the last 20 years and would gladly help out 503-775-5961.

Mark Mc · 12-30-2004, 09:43 AM

A little cigar smoke on the bait doesn't hurt either, right Jon? :grin:

Threemuch · 12-30-2004, 10:20 AM

Take Puffin up on his offer and call him and then take notes...

If you want crew heading out sometime. I have learned what I know from Puffin and the other gurus on this board can certainly regurgitate that.

PM me when you realize you will need a harpoon...

Birdman · 12-30-2004, 03:32 PM

Jon do you change the hooks on the ten spot wobbler and Alvin ?

Puffin · 12-30-2004, 05:43 PM

Birdman the stock hook on the 10 spot is a large siawash and I have had no trouble with them.The hook on the alvin lasted for three fish before breaking as I removed it(none too gingerly). That was the first try I then changed to the ten spot as I had some in my gear. I know the owner of Oregon tackle so I purchased ten of these at a good price and use them as they are heavy duty and have a large strong hook.As one of the first Dogs to employ a harpoon I can definately tell you Threemuch builds the best harpoon tip going and should not be overlooked. Furthermore I can tell you to tie the head to 10'of braided nylon rope and a spare anchor ball. Any fish over 65lbs is harpooned on my boat. The fish is then led to the boat gaffed clubbed and boated after it is subdued. These fish can do a lot of damage if boated before being clubbed. Do not ever lift the fish by the harpoon line (ask Crabbait how I know this 130lb lesson) or ask Pilar why not to tie to a cleat.

BigWaterBigFish · 01-04-2005, 08:34 AM

Thank you very much gentlemen ... I appreciate the advise, some of the things mentioned I am prepared for, other I will secure before I go ... will call as well, mighty kind of you to give your advise. Good Fishing.