I am new to the world of halibit fishing what is the best line hookup rigging for fishing off of dana point doheny harbor. I dont knwo anything about line knots, hoooks, and weights as well as bait. Can someone please help shed some light on the best route to take. Thanks
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Since you have the rod and reel under way then we can work on the tackle and techniques.
I usually like to throw Krocodiles for the Halibuts or Butts as we call them. There are several nicknames for Halibuts that are used quite often. Here is a list of some of the more common names.
Butts, Flattys, Flatty Mattys, Doormats, Throw rugs......
Back to the tackle. Krocodiles work well. The 4inch with the prismatic tape on it seems to be one of the best attracting colors that the Flattys like.
Next to that you can use lead heads and plastics. Channel Island Chovy color seems to work in most areas but you should stock up on a few different colors. Herring color, Halloween color, and some of the lighter greens work well especially during the Grunion runs.
We have a post on knots here but I have to look for it to give you the link. The website has animated knots to show you exactly how to make the knots.
Here is a link to many of the fishing tips offered by this site. It has different knots, rigging techniques and lots of other information.
[url "http://www.bigfishtackle.com/Resources/fishing_tips.htm"]click her to access[/url]
Let me know if you need any more information. That's why we are here.[cool]
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I added some more info on the Saltwater Board about where and how to cast for the Halibut. Check it out and we'll see you back here.[cool]
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I've fished that area often for Halibut. I find that my best luck has come from live bait. Preferrably, live anchovies from the bait barge. I know that last year, they only carried sardines so if that hasn't changed, make sure you ask for the smaller sardines. The thing to remember with Halibut is that you gotta let him take some line. He'll feed on it for a bit, that is unless, he's a monster of halibut, in which case, you'll find that out really fast. You can fish the Doheny area in either a small fishing boat or a canoe. Either way, make sure you keep your bait alive.
Best regards,
Paul
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whats the best best method for rigging up live bait.. I am going out tomorrow morning
I want to have my setup as good as it can get., Thanks alot.
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I like to use a reverse dropper loop or a sliding rig.
Do you know how to make the Dropper loop?? That one should be on the knot refference that I gave you the link for.
I think the slider is there too.
Good luck. Give me a holler if you need some help.[cool]
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Unfortunately, I'm not well versed in the "names" for all the different types of rigs. However, I typically use a weight that is 2 to 4 ounces with a hole in it. I put my main line (I recommend at least 15 lb test) through the hole in the weight and tie it to one of those double-sided metal connectors. Then I tie stronger line (20-25 lb test) to the other side of the metal connector. The line should be about 12 inches long between the metal connector and your hook. Use a No. 2 hook, at a minimum. Put the hook through the sardine or anchovies nostrils right above it's mouth. This is the easiest way to hook up live bait. You can also do it through the bottom half of the body but it gets tricky and I find that they won't stay alive as long. When going after halibut, drop the line all the way till you hit the floor, then reel it in a couple feet so that your hook and bait do not get caught in the rocks. Lots of rocks in that area and you always have to check out the depth by dropping your line and reeling it back in.
The key to catching Halibut or any other fish for that matter at Dana Point is to go fishing right before sunrise. Prime fishing time is between sunrise until 10:00 maybe 11:00. After that, you're not going to catch anything. Watch the tide, too. You want high tide if you're fishing the getty. Also, you're probably going to land all sorts of fish besides Halibut so be careful. Some may be poisonous. In those situations, I just cut the line rather than get poked by one its spikes.
Well, good luck, and let me know how you do.
Best regards,
Paul
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So how did you do? Please let me know.
Best regards,
Paul
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I would suggest going to the local tackle store in dana point and let them show you a few tricks , I am sure if you buy some gear they wqould be happy to show you a thing or two, I love to use live bait and fish with 15lb test with the reel in gear, I use a dropper loop and about 2 or 3 ozs sinker the torpedo kind with brass eyes on both ends. If your ever up in Marina Del Rey fishing Santa Monica bay try Twin towers, Getty, Topanga or down south to the green spot, or twin roads by the airport. If your on radio check channel 19 and Holler for highlander I am out there every weekend. I would be glad to show u the ropes [signature]
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