Halibut Rod/Reel

AppleJax · #1 06-18-2013, 12:24 AM

I'm planning 2 trips to Vancouver Island this summer in July and August. I want to get a halibut rod and was wondering your guys thoughts on a reel choice. I have a Shimano Corvalus 400 spooled with 50lb powerpro. The line capacity is 305 yards and the max drag is 11lb. My question is do you think this is enough of a reel to handle halibut fishing or should I put something more heavy duty on the rod? Thanks for your input. AJ

Wild&Free · #2 06-18-2013, 01:07 AM

West Coast halibut can be anywhere from 20lbs to 200+lbs. Keep that in mind.

AppleJax · #3 06-18-2013, 01:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wild&Free

West Coast halibut can be anywhere from 20lbs to 200+lbs. Keep that in mind.

That's definately on my mind. That's why I'm asking lol...

browning375 · #4 06-18-2013, 06:12 AM

Buy a Penn level wind 330 and put some 80lb braid on it and be done with it. Good reel, and pretty cheap to buy.

EZM · #5 06-18-2013, 09:17 AM

Saw a very sturdy Halibut rod at Wholesale south common over the weekend - can't remember the brand - white in color and looked to be well constructed - on sale for $40 regular was $80 ..........

I agree with going to a heavier reel (and line) set up - for 95% of the fish you hook you will be ok - BUT hook one over 100 and you can be in trouble.

mayuan · #6 06-18-2013, 03:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by browning375

Buy a Penn level wind 330 and put some 80lb braid on it and be done with it. Good reel, and pretty cheap to buy.

Same recommendation here!

Mike_W · #7 06-18-2013, 05:16 PM

Also if you get hung up" which you will" you need a rod with some backbone to pull yourself free.

If you are using a spreader bar make sure the line you attach your weight to is a lower breaking strength than your main line so if you do get hung up that will break first and you get all your gear back except the weight.

CONAN

AppleJax · #8 06-18-2013, 07:02 PM

I looked online on Penn's site and the above mentioned reels only have 10 lbs drag and same line capacity. I think my Corvalus might just work. Seen a couple nice rods at TFH for 50 bucks and less.

Pointerman · #9 06-18-2013, 11:26 PM

I guided on the west coast for a couple of seasons and that reel is more than enough....your line is plenty good enough too. As far as the rod goes it doesn't need to be very fancy....we call them pool cues. I was in WSS as well on the weekend plenty of good stout boat rods for under $50.

Most Halibut are lost with the harpoon or gaff job.

AppleJax · #10 06-18-2013, 11:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pointerman

I guided on the west coast for a couple of seasons and that reel is more than enough....your line is plenty good enough too. As far as the rod goes it doesn't need to be very fancy....we call them pool cues. I was in WSS as well on the weekend plenty of good stout boat rods for under $50.

Most Halibut are lost with the harpoon or gaff job.

Thanks a bunch Pointerman, yeah ill go pick me up one of those pool cues. Figure ill run a 40lb floro leader on a swivel.

mayuan · #11 06-19-2013, 09:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AppleJax

Thanks a bunch Pointerman, yeah ill go pick me up one of those pool cues. Figure ill run a 40lb floro leader on a swivel.

Don't waste your time with a leader if you are using a lure.

If you are using bait, such as fish heads, run your braid with weight, rubber, bead, rubber, weight, rubber, bead, swivel, floro leader with standard hook then treble hook.

As for loosing the fish a the boat, that is very common. A trick that I use is to run some rope through the mouth and out the gill and tie it off, if i can. Or, make a loop and tie onto the tail. All while the fish is in the water.

Also, you want to dispatch a large halibut in the water if possible. I pulled one into a small 17' boat and i would say that the fish had the upper hand for the first bit. Once I was done with the halibut(cutting the gills) it looked like the Texas chainsaw massacre in the boat from her flipping around.

AppleJax · #12 06-19-2013, 09:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mayuan

Don't waste your time with a leader if you are using a lure.

If you are using bait, such as fish heads, run your braid with weight, rubber, bead, rubber, weight, rubber, bead, swivel, floro leader with standard hook then treble hook.

As for loosing the fish a the boat, that is very common. A trick that I use is to run some rope through the mouth and out the gill and tie it off, if i can. Or, make a loop and tie onto the tail. All while the fish is in the water.

Also, you want to dispatch a large halibut in the water if possible. I pulled one into a small 17' boat and i would say that the fish had the upper hand for the first bit. Once I was done with the halibut(cutting the gills) it looked like the Texas chainsaw massacre in the boat from her flipping around.

I've seen a few videos where they dispatch a fish with a 22 swamp people style! Not sure if that is legal in Canadian waters... The noose would work good, also nice to bleed them in water...

Tannerdog · #13 06-19-2013, 11:54 AM

X2 on the Penn reels and pool cue rod. Heavy braid is a real good idea. I caught a 104lb last year and needed all the rod/reel I could get. Also needed new arms by the time we landed it

Mike_W · #14 06-19-2013, 12:05 PM

Sorry for the confusion as some know I am in Europe right now and Conan my dad is watching my place and using my computer.

I currently have a "pool cue" that I wouldn't want anything for except maybe a 6'er or Granville island maple lager.

That said a stiff rod can be good for jigging and a rod with a lighter tip is best for bait fishing (sit and wait method) I have several different rods and reels if your in Edmonton I'd be glad to show you some of the gear I have and like best. Ill be home this weekend just PM me if your interested or have any other questions.

Mike