The Green Halibut

Wednesday, 30 April 2014 21:36

Really? A gaff to land that?

We posted up a pic on Facebook last week of a nice halibut caught in our local waters. Not too big, not too small, maybe 15 pounds, but it was exciting. And it spawned the "End Game" article. Be ready, and try to do everything right.

The FB photo got some great response, including this comment from a person who likely has never caught a halibut yet.

John Bradshaw Really? a gaff to land that?

Like · Reply · April 20 at 6:48am

Kayak Fishing Magazine John Bradshaw, California halibut are notoriously difficult to land. Ranging from 22 to 40+ inches, they are unpredictable and powerful. Gaffing is the standard method of subduing them. Netting is difficult as they often come up in a vertical position, head towards you and tail slightly away. You can't really drop their head into the net as they will slide backwards and away from you instead of swimming into the net. Lip gripping is even more difficult. At the surface, halibut can and will explode on you. You have a quick shot at it, and a gaff is about the quickest way to get it done. And even then, be prepared for some mayhem. This halibut behaved on the gaff (and good thing because look how thin of a purchase it has), but went crazy right after being put on a game clip.

Like · April 20 at 7:27am Sansano

Kayak Fishing Magazine John Bradshaw, I was only injured slightly. We will find a good video of halibut landing on the kayak. The END GAME is critical. (And often very entertaining.) Bushnell

Call it serendipity if you like, but just today we received a great halibut landing vid from Southern Cal affiliate Tony Park, fishing Cabrillo Beach. Perfect companion to the "End Game" article. Take a gander. Props to Tony, who stays very cool though out the battle.

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