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?
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.
|
Login
Newsletter
Also of Interest
Most Popular
Freedom Hawk 12 Review
The company calls it the Freedom 12. It’s the kayak I asked the company to build, sort of. After using the 14 last winter in Texas I spoke with Dave Hadden...
The company calls it the Freedom 12. It’s the kayak I asked the company to build, sort of. After using the 14 last winter in Texas I spoke with Dave Hadden...
RTM K Largo Review
RTM Kayaks K LargoLength: 13’6” 415cmWidth: 30 ½” 78cmWeight” 55 lbs 25kgCapacity: 400 lbs 180kg I had the opportunity to test drive the new K Largo by RTM kayaks....
RTM Kayaks K LargoLength: 13’6” 415cmWidth: 30 ½” 78cmWeight” 55 lbs 25kgCapacity: 400 lbs 180kg I had the opportunity to test drive the new K Largo by RTM kayaks....
Stand-N-Fish Kayak Fishing System
Stand-N-Fish has just completed the development of their exciting new, patent-pending, fishing system for kayaks. The innovative system incorporates pontoons and a leaning post in...
Stand-N-Fish has just completed the development of their exciting new, patent-pending, fishing system for kayaks. The innovative system incorporates pontoons and a leaning post in...
Random
Sneak Peek: RAM Tough-Clamps
Just got a sneak peak at the newest RAM Mount product. They are called RAM Tough-Clamps. Made from glass reinforced high strength nylon with ALL stainless steel hardware, they'll...
Just got a sneak peak at the newest RAM Mount product. They are called RAM Tough-Clamps. Made from glass reinforced high strength nylon with ALL stainless steel hardware, they'll...
The Pacific Angler Fishing Seat
The Pacific Angler Fishing Seat by Danuu Kayak & Canoe Accessories DANUU, LLC, popular kayak & canoe cover producer, now owners of the Seairsports line of time tested kayak seats,...
The Pacific Angler Fishing Seat by Danuu Kayak & Canoe Accessories DANUU, LLC, popular kayak & canoe cover producer, now owners of the Seairsports line of time tested kayak seats,...
Kayak Anchor "V" Stake Out Pole
60" long and has sliding collor with line clip, a sealed pointed end to stick in bottom to anchor kayak and a "V"push pole feature for pushing your Kayak off rocks and oysters...
60" long and has sliding collor with line clip, a sealed pointed end to stick in bottom to anchor kayak and a "V"push pole feature for pushing your Kayak off rocks and oysters...