to trap hook? or not trap hook?.. that is the question.

[seriola_killer]

I've fished both ways, and I prefer just a single hook. The big buts will have no problem inhaling the bait. Sure, I have missed alot of fish, but I'd rather not have to deal with unhooking a treble out of a sublegal. I also think the baits presentation is more natural without a trap hook. Just my $.02, and I know there's some damn good halibut fishermen who swear by
The trap rig.

[tasteslikechikn54]

Originally Posted by seriola_killer

I've fished both ways, and I prefer just a single hook. The big buts will have no problem inhaling the bait. Sure, I have missed alot of fish, but I'd rather not have to deal with unhooking a treble out of a sublegal. I also think the baits presentation is more natural without a trap hook. Just my $.02, and I know there's some damn good halibut fishermen who swear by
The trap rig.

That is one thing I didn't consider... That would be a huge pain in the ass trying to getvthe trevle out of a sublegal. Not only that, but from what ive been reading, they could also get tail rot and die... That would be a bummer. I'll be trying again next weekend and ill try the single circle hook. Thank you much for the information, sir...

[William Novotny]

I match the hook size to the bait size and single hook. If its a keeper he'll suck it down.

[GregAndrew]

If you are getting taps, the tail is chewed up and no hookups it is probably Lizzardfish. Small Halibut usually hit baits very aggressively which will not feel like a tap. If your baits are coming back without clear vertical wound lines, where it struggled to get free from the clamped jaws, that can also indicate Lizzardfish. I have seen them shred up Sardines nearly as long as they were.

As far as Trap hooks, the answer is based on how you are going to fish them. If you sit still or move slowly enough that you are not in constant contact with your sinker, I would not recommend a trap hook. I would also not recommend it if you like to let your fish eat your bait. Besides sub-legals there are other species that can become foul hooked, given enough time, even when using large baits.

[tasteslikechikn54]

I could def. See the rake marks when I brought up the bait... But, as far as the type of fishing we were drifting and soaking the bait... Outgoing current was a pain in the ass, but i noticed the close I got to the shore, the less the current would affect my movement... I know ill be out there again on saturday.

I noticed another beach launch area, almost adjacent to the bait barge, just north of the subs... Anyone happen to know how to get to that launch. I would assume it would cut 30 minutes off the paddle to the flats from shelter island boat launch...

[slobslayer]

That would be awesome if you could launch there? Is it close to ballast point? I've got a halibut hole close to there I might hit Saturday too we pulled four halis over 20 lbs in a few hours there a few weeks ago.

[tasteslikechikn54]

Originally Posted by slobslayer

That would be awesome if you could launch there? Is it close to ballast point? I've got a halibut hole close to there I might hit Saturday too we pulled four halis over 20 lbs in a few hours there a few weeks ago.

I looked into it a bit further, and it appears to have public access. I guess its near Lawrence street, off rosecrans... I'm gonna drive out there on Wednesday and have a look... If parking is not an issue, I will def. Look into launching from there on Saturday morning...

It will def. Cut the paddling down compared to shelter island...

[William Novotny]

Originally Posted by slobslayer

That would be awesome if you could launch there? Is it close to ballast point? I've got a halibut hole close to there I might hit Saturday too we pulled four halis over 20 lbs in a few hours there a few weeks ago.

I call bs with no pictures.