A regular at an SF bay pier was able to land this large halibut recently. The fish measured 37 inches and weighed 20+ pounds, and was taken on live smelt.
The guy uses a 3-way swivel that has a 30 inch dropper and a 36 inch leader. The long dropper keeps the bait off the bottom and away from the crabs. And the long leader allows the bait plenty of movement. He pins his live smelt on a size #1 hook paired with a size #6 treble. To hold the bottom during the tidal movement he recommends using a 6-8oz. "Pyramid" sinker. (The drop line is attached to the base end of the pyramid).
Congrats to the guy. But overall halibut fishing has been really slow this season. June would usually be the “hot” month for halibut at this location, but so far it’s been a bust except for a few lucky fishermen. We’re already halfway through the month. If things don’t change soon it’s going to be a tough grind through the rest of the season.
The guy uses a 3-way swivel that has a 30 inch dropper and a 36 inch leader. The long dropper keeps the bait off the bottom and away from the crabs. And the long leader allows the bait plenty of movement. He pins his live smelt on a size #1 hook paired with a size #6 treble. To hold the bottom during the tidal movement he recommends using a 6-8oz. "Pyramid" sinker. (The drop line is attached to the base end of the pyramid).
Congrats to the guy. But overall halibut fishing has been really slow this season. June would usually be the “hot” month for halibut at this location, but so far it’s been a bust except for a few lucky fishermen. We’re already halfway through the month. If things don’t change soon it’s going to be a tough grind through the rest of the season.
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