Enjoying Some Halibut Fishing Today

Love to fish; why not head out for some Halibut fishing this year. It's a great sport and one if you know some techniques you can increase your chances of catching a nice big halibut. In spring the Halibut love to sit closer to shore, it's where the food is that they will enjoy eating. But read on and get some great tips to use.

Jigs are great to use for halibut fishing, and you should think of buying several of them. Since there are so many shapes and sizes you should know the most popular choice is an 8 to 12 ounce jig. If you are in water that is shallower try using a smaller jig size. Make sure that you place the hook on the top of the jig to help avoid any snags.

To add to your chances of catching some halibut, you need to attach herring to your jig. Also think of getting a jig that is shaped as a herring and adding herring to that jig. Halibut will be attracted to the sound of the jig hitting the bottom, and the smell of the bait that you place on it.

Normally you should stick with water that is around 80 to 180 feet deep, possibly moving once in a while to deeper water up to 300 feet deep. Also consider the use of a spreader bar on which you can place some herring to. Use treble hooks with this type of bait and test line of 40 to 80 pounds.

To get great results while halibut fishing you should try and stay within five feet of the bottom. After you've noticed that your jig has touched bottom, you will want to begin moving it a bit, pulling up, and placing it down again slowly.

As you notice a halibut nibbling on your line, you should set the hook. Simply lift up your rod and reel in the line. After your positive the halibut is hooked, pump the rod to keep that line tight, or you may lose him.

Halibut love to fight; you will need to be ready as they get closer to the surface. They seem to have a burst of energy, and will try and dive down. Set that drag for a strong run; also make sure you have a gaff hook, or even a harpoon. To the harpoon attached about 15 feet of line, you can use this to follow the halibut while it wears itself out. When you see it surface again, start reeling your halibut in.

One other tip is to bleed that fish prior to loading him on the boat. Not only will you kill him, but the taste of meat will be better.