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Howard's Corner
(updated May 6, 2008)
Finally, it is Halibut season again!
The first thing that I suggest that you do is check the first 30 to 50 feet of your main line for any cracks, nicks or abrasions. Then look at your halibut set-up or leader and see if it made a good transition through the winter and if needed buy another or put together a new one. Strength at this end of the process will ensure you don’t loose that first fish especially if it is a good sized one. I prefer to use a two-drop leader baited with two herrings or one herring and one 6-inch plastic herring or shad artificial bait. Whole black label herring makes for good bait but some of the folks when they can get it think that Shad works even better as it has more of a oily texture to the bait for better smell. Stay away from sardines as it is a good bait but a softer texture and hard to keep on the hook. With a two bait set-up if you miss one fish you still have another one down there and in Oregon remember you are usually fishing 450-650 feet of water and sometimes deeper. It is a long way up to reel just to hook on another bait. When you hook that nice halibut don’t be in a big hurry to get it up. Take your time with a nice smooth retrieve. Do not bring the fishes head out of the water. Be patient and wait for the person netting or gaffing your fish to get there. You have a good chance of losing the fish when the head comes out of the water. It is most important that when the fish is landed have it bled out immediately.
Get that fish on ice ASAP and ENJOY.
Author Note: Long time Depoe Bay fishermen Howard Pruitt will be featured on the Dockside website monthly during the peak seasons with "bits & tips" for you fishermen on rod & reel upkeep and fishing for the big ones. If you have spent anytime on the Depoe Bay waterfront you either know Howard or have heard of him. When it comes to lingcod & halibut fishing there is no one better and you will enjoy Howard's insights on his experience on the ocean waters.
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