With the halibut bite picking up in the bay, some people have been asking me for tips on landing halibut. I've lost my fair share of butts through the years, so i've composed a few tips to help others.

great video buddy. Will come in handle when I land my first halibut!!

Thanks !!! Although I think Joe Montana would give better tips. After all he is retired and has time to fish.
Was that the 2Cellos playing?

Wtf  No discount double-check?

Nicely done, thanks for sharing.

Is that a lead-filled PVC "persuader" stick?  With a gaff?  Where are we allowed to use gaffs?

Another couple of questions:

• It looked like you knifed the fish first in the head and then at the rear of the lateral line, correct?
• How did you "bleed the fish?"

Thanks in advance!

-- Bradley

Bradley,

When I first started off i lost a few expensive gaffs. I decided to make a gaff from PVC pipe and bought a gaff hook for 7 bucks at fisherman's wearhouse. It has served me well. It is my understanding that gaffs can be used anywhere except the delta. There maybe species exceptions but halibut is good. You should always have a net onboard since it is a state regulation, and i heard the tickets can be steep.

I like to stab halibut in the head. Halibut have a notorious reputation of coming back to life. I've read that cutting their tail and snapping the nerve puts them out for good, and the head stab is for good measure. It's work so far.    I once had a 30 lb halibut come back to life after an hour and scare the hell out of me (Almost flipped me over). I'm getting older so having a heart attack on my yak isn't the way I wanna go out...well...maybe it is--Doesn't sound all that bad really. 

Finally, to bleed the fish just cut the gills with a knife once the fish is safely secure with a game clip. Bleeding halibut really helps with preserving the quality of the meat.  I hope this helps. If you got any more questions, just send me PM, and good luck!

I super appreciate this vid, it gives me confidence...

My problem seems to be at the point before your video started: getting one on the line, but if I ever do, I'll keep your friends' tips in mind.  Tyson? I didn't know halibut have ears!

Nice Video!!!  The lady and I are going to Lawsons landing Next weekend for my b-day!! hoping to hook up!!!! 

Eric