How to Tie a Halibut Rig

Halibut can grow to hundreds of pounds. Some anglers have compared reeling in one of these big flatfish as comparable to wrestling with a barn door. But even if halibut do not put up the exciting fight that some other fish are known for, their meat makes up for it. Halibut meat is white and firm and makes for a flavorful dinner, whether served as steaks or fillets. The best rig for catching halibut is similar to the Carolina rig that freshwater fishermen use.

Things You'll Need

  • Sinker
  • Swivel
  • Hook
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Instructions

    • 1

      Spool a heavy action saltwater fishing rod and reel with 30- to 50-lb. monofilament line, or 80-lb. braided line.

    • 2

      Cut a 48- to 60-inch section of line for a leader.

    • 3

      Slide a 2- to 4-oz. weight onto the main line. Cannonball weights work well. The weight must be heavy enough to drag the rig to the bottom relatively quickly, and then hold it there.

    • 4

      Tie a barrel swivel to the end of the main braided or monofilament line. A Palomar knot is good for connecting the two. Tie the same knot to connect the leader line to the other end of the barrel swivel.

    • 5

      Tie a size 10/0 hook to the end of the leader with a Palomar knot. Good baits for halibut include herring, octopus and strips of shad.