Halibut Fishing Techniques

If you've ever fished for halibut you know that they are a big deep water species that tastes great and are just as enjoyable to hook. Annually thousands of people on both coasts of the US go on charter boats for halibut fishing, but if you have your own craft of your own its simple to take an exciting effective fishing excursion on your own.

A good lure for catching halibut is a jig between 8 and 16 ounces. Halibut are large deep water species so you need a fishing pole with heavy line that won't break, usually 50-55 lb weight should work. Many people use mono-filament fishing line but mono-filament works as well.

Your fishing jigs should have treble barbed hooks on the bottom and can be baited with a bit of bait fish to help draw the halibut in. The fundamental practice is to lower the jig to the bottom. The ideal water depth is around 90-200 feet with a sand or pebble bottom. When the rig is on the sea floor reel it in around 5 - 15 feet and begin moving it slowly around or "jigging" it. If there are halibut nearby will begin to nibble on your lure.

Once you have got a bite pull the rod up rapidly to fix the hook, and begin reeling the fish in. Initially the fish won't fight a lot and you will be just hauling up their weight, but once the fish sees the surface get ready to fight. Have your drag is adjusted to allow for the fish to run or it will break your fishing line. Fight the fish by pumping and winding to bring it to the surface.

Take the fish in the boat using a boat hook as they do have razor-sharp teeth. If you're planning on eating your fish be certain to drain the blood prior to cleaning it to enhance the taste. Enjoy yourself time when you are fishing.