Halibut Rigging

[Waterwolf2230]

Hi guys,

I've promised my 11 year old that we are going to catch a Halibut on our self guided trip to Nootka Sound. Can I get your opinion on rigging? It is my understanding that the average size is around 20-40lbs which is great. I've bought 9" hoochies (see picture). I am rigging with two 10/0 circle hooks and plan to use salmon belly for bait. I've heard that the rig should be about 18" from the spreader bar. Is that 18" to the nose of the lure + 9" for the hoochie totaling 27"? They also seem a bit large and am wondering if I should trim them back to say 7 or 8". Is a 1lb weight going to be enough? As for location, I only have. 19' deep V Tracker boat so was hoping to venture out to Baja Reef would that be a decent place to give us a chance? I'm hoping that this is a trip of a lifetime for my son, he can barely sleep thinking about it

Thanks in advance!

Curtis

 

[Rover]

forget the hootchie just use salmon belly. you could also try trolling for them, a large spoon right on the bottom has caught a ton of chickens out there for me. usually run a 18" tuna cord leader with the circle hooks on the spreader bar and the weight will depend if your on anchor or drifting as well as the speed of the current, this is why sometimes trolling them is better if theres a fast current or you dont have an anchor.

good luck, your son will have a great time

 

[Pippen]

Good call by Rover......also would suggest as opposed to hoochies the big Berkley Power Grubs with some salmon belly or even a herring on it.

 

[Waterwolf2230]

Okay thats excellent, how about the best/easiest locations to up our odds...was I right by starting at Baja? I also see on the sonar charts that at the entrance to the Sound that there are a couple areas that seem like they fit the profile (flat area next to a drop off). Am I right to think that these spots would be okay? As for the salmon belly, how large of a piece are we talking? 1" x 12"? I didn't think that would work all by itself. Maybe I'll throw them in the brine with my chartreuse Brine N' Brite and give them a little extra help The reason I got the hoochies was this article from Salmon University that I read: http://salmonuniversity.com/archives/283. If its nice an calm I don't mind venturing beyond Baja Reef too. I have good charts and a good 9" Lowrance to assist. Anyway guys, just love the forum. Such a great bunch on here...thanks for everything.

Curtis

 

[Aces]

Why would you promise something like that??

 

[Tips Up]

Do some searches on this forum.
Lots of hali rig threads, lots of photos of hali with gear hanging out of the mouth.
I think if you dig hard enough you will find some old threads with maps and coordinates for Nootka.

Meat on a hook in good area. Don't over think it. (I like a hootchie above the bait to attract.)
Fresh bait with good scent. Nothing rotten.

Tips

 

[profisher]

I've never seen anyone fishing halibut in those spots...the Bajo became a halibut hot spots 3-4 years ago when the guys from Chinootka Lodge found some really big hali there on a consistent basis. Unfortunately the hot spot was within eyesight of the guys fishing salmon there and everyone else soon realized what they were doing and catching. The last time I was up there it was not as productive because of the increased fishing pressure. There were a dozen boats all on anchor the last time I fished it. There is a a reliable chicken ranch 14 miles out straight out of the sound on the 220 foot contour line just west of the ammunition dump zone. Quick limits on the drift. The dump area holds bigger hali, we fish it on the drift and it does grab gear if you don't stay on top of it and keep it just off bottom.
We did anchor up on the Bajo and were in 70-80 feet of water.

 

[RiverBoy]

Be careful out there and venture out early as you can in the morning. The wind picks up in the afternoon, and turns the rollers into one nasty piece of business. You don't need to venture too far off shore. I routinely catch Hali out there in just over 100' of water.

 

[mike780]

i use a 2lb ball with glow spreader bars and the same hook and hoochie as you are using. Salmon bellies....fresh is best. i have had very good luck drift fishing for halibut because i cover alot more ground. Everyone is different i just do whats works best for us.

cheers, Mike

 

[Fisherf]

i have caught halibut before using two circle hooks with a anchovy. dogfish were NOT a problem for us at all.