Big Hali

[highlights]

My wife just said I would be stupid to think of releasing that fish. Even my own don't understand. [V]
On one hand how many do you catch like that in a life time? The bragging right and story would be very tempting to say the least. However once that fades you would be left with a giant carcass to deal with. By the time it was all bucked up and the quality of meat was confirmed I think I would be hit with an amount of remorse that would not have made the kill worth it.
It would be much greater to think of her still swimming once the "party" was over down at the local weigh in.

Remember, this is just my own opinion of the matter. Nonetheless guys, Great job, it would have been a very exciting day for sure. Congratulations. The last thing I want to do here is down play this fish and her magnificent size.

 

[juandesooka]

I wondered how long until we got back to the "should you or shouldn't you" debate.

The same old arguments:
Against: the meat's tough / has worms / full of mercury / don't kill breeders
versus
For: halibut is not a threatened species / commercial guys wouldn't throw it back / perfectly legal to keep it
etc.

I think it's a personal judgment call, and there's no right answer or shame either way.

The pride and bragging rights of a fish of a lifetime, meat for your family and friends for the winter, the thrill of the hunt, all good reasons to keep it. There's also the derby aspect of it -- weighing this in at Island Outfitters will certainly win some prize for biggest of the year, and you don't win that for a picture.

On the other hand, if you are catching monster females regularly, I think you'd be a lot more likely to consider cutting the leader and letting her spawn millions more babies with such good genes.

For me, I was aboard for my first 100+ lb halibut this year, and luckily for me I didn't have to make the choice, was made for me. I had mixed feelings about killing such a fine creature, but I didn't complain...took pride in taking the pictures after and have enjoyed eating the meat since.

 

[richmake]

quote:Originally posted by juandesooka

I wondered how long until we got back to the "should you or shouldn't you" debate.

The same old arguments:
Against: the meat's tough / has worms / full of mercury / don't kill breeders
versus
For: halibut is not a threatened species / commercial guys wouldn't throw it back / perfectly legal to keep it
etc.

I think it's a personal judgment call, and there's no right answer or shame either way.

The pride and bragging rights of a fish of a lifetime, meat for your family and friends for the winter, the thrill of the hunt, all good reasons to keep it. There's also the derby aspect of it -- weighing this in at Island Outfitters will certainly win some prize for biggest of the year, and you don't win that for a picture.

On the other hand, if you are catching monster females regularly, I think you'd be a lot more likely to consider cutting the leader and letting her spawn millions more babies with such good genes.

For me, I was aboard for my first 100+ lb halibut this year, and luckily for me I didn't have to make the choice, was made for me. I had mixed feelings about killing such a fine creature, but I didn't complain...took pride in taking the pictures after and have enjoyed eating the meat since.

Nicely put.

www.coastwidesportsfishing.com

 

[Nimo]

I think I would have second thoughts about boating it too. Quite frankly, I'm not really sure how I'd handle a fish that big. No ethics or judgement, just wouldn't fit in my freezer.

Great fish!

 

[highlights]

It's been nice to see how respectfully everyone has been expressing themselves on this forum lately.

 

[mikesmith]

I could pretty much guarantee any of use would bonk it,if you had the change, if you say no, one of 2 things have happened you haven't been faced with that decisssion or you are afraid to haul that MONSTER over the side.

 

[Poe]

Tho I would probably want to keep it I would seriously be forced into a debate over which I would like better..my boat ..or this fish lol.

Seriously tho I would keep it as I have a large family who all love fresh fish, and Halibut is good for negotiating favors from family members .

It would not go to waste or I would not even consider it.

 

[Cuba Libre]

Have a look at this Alaska guide photo site. Pretty sure not much gets released here!!

( not that there is anything wrong with that!!)
http://www.ifish.net/board/showthread.php?p=2166877#post2166877




20ft Alumaweld Intruder

 

[Captain Dudds]

Wow that is an amazing fish. Congrats.

It really is a personal decision, but I am sure I would release one that big.

We often hear of the ones killed so I thought I'd share that the biggest hali caught this season at the lodge I work for was about 200 and was released, I'll see if I can get a picture to post.

Captain Dudds

 

[BearCove]

Amazing fish guys, job well done!

To keep or not to keep. We all want a monster to show everyone. I had my chance on a monster flatty in early May. Over two hours on the rod till she surfaced. Almost 8ft long, tried my shark hook but she straightened it, all I had left was a salmon gaff. Ended up releasing her as I had no way to manage a fish that big. I do have photos and the memories, also a spear now.

I was rewarded later this summer when I was with my same buddy that was with me on the halibut. We were fishing about 100 miles north of Port Hardy and I hooked and landed a 68lb 7oz Chinook.

Amazing summer for me, my two biggest fish I have ever caught in the same summer with my good luck charm Dexter. Will never stop hunting them though.

Great job guys!