Anyone want to trade??

[fireonethree]

Here's a nice 'but from the summer. We usually let them go when they are this big (breeding stock), but this one made it to the dock. I prefer eating the 20-40's myself.

This was the boys first halibut, and we managed to bring in a nice haul for them with selection of salmon and groundfish.

I sure would like to try my hand at some southern fish... those pictures that I see of everyone fishing in shorts look pretty sweet!!

[Prodigal Son]

That's a big sucker there. What size/type tackle is required to wrangle one that size?

[fireonethree]

We're using the Avet Pro EX 30/2 reels with 130 lb Tuf line XP, sitting on a stout Okuma jigging rod.

For hooks/gear, we use either 24 or 32 oz jigs or spreader bars (with the same weight), usually with a 16/0 Mustad circle hook or a couple of 10/0 'J' hooks crimped together on a 300 lb mono leader.

For bait we use herring, octopus, salmon and scent juice. We put down a good spread, as an effective scent trail is a must, so is changing out the bait frequently.

We anchor up and fish between 100 and 320 feet of water, and have to pick our tides right. Our biggest tides have a 24 foot changeover...yup, not a typo. On big tides, we have a short window to drop our lines before the current takes the gear straight out the back of the boat.

Landing fish is usually done with a gaff, but the big ones have to be harpooned and tied off until they can bleed out. It is amazing how 'energetic' even a 60 lb halibut brought up from the shallows can be when they get aboard - pound for pound they would be a great contender for a marine version of UFC!! The big ones are like reeling up a barn door until they realize they are hooked and go from the surface to the bottom in four good pumps.

The best part is eating halibut. It has great texture and taste - without the 'fishy' flavour. By far, my favourite fish to eat.

-fire13

[Prodigal Son]

Very cool. My friend's dad goes to Alaska and fishes a few times a year and usually brings back halibut every time he goes, so while I get to eat it reasonably fresh for where I'm located, I've never fished for it or even seen it done...

[fireonethree]

You'll have to find your way up here someday, and we can rip you out for a trip...bring some warm gear.

I'm not too sure about Mr. Gore's video, I think someone is hoarding all of the warm weather somewhere.

-fire13

[MTLOGGER]

I attach my chum bag on the anchor line about 20ft above the bottom and drop my baits off the stern and wait for the "bite". We use Penn 50 wides with 130 line, Mustad circle hooks and octopus