Halibut Seminar @ ARW tournament

Is there any interest to have a Halibut Seminar at the ARW tournament? I can do an hour seminar around 9 am - 10am for those who are interested in learning to catch California Halibut. (Don't need to be registered in Tournament to attend) It will be in the same type of format as my Fish and Learn that I did last year. Once i get everyone Checked in and fishing, i'll have sometime before lunch and awards start. This will be your opportunity to ask this chovie any lingering questions about catching halibut. 

I'll prepare my notes. If there is interest. Like at least 10 - 15 people. --TLA

Kieth, please encourage folks not to net undersized fish if you do a seminar, that tail damage from the net is real.

Aloha,

Isao

That's a great idea and generous offer!

Kieth, please encourage folks not to net undersized fish if you do a seminar, that tail damage from the net is real.

Aloha,

Isao

then how do you get a halibut in your kayak so you can measure it to see if it is of legal size?

Kieth, please encourage folks not to net undersized fish if you do a seminar, that tail damage from the net is real.

Aloha,

Isao

then how do you get a halibut in your kayak so you can measure it to see if it is of legal size?

Some are eyeballably short, some can be lip gripped? If it’s not questionable and short he comes to the kayak and gets the pliers without handling, TLA likes to trap them between his legs because he likes that wiggle feeling  JK..if it’s questionable for me he goes in the net yet fully submerged.  The tail gets messed up when you lift the net and gravity pulls the fish down.  I first remove the hook and get the gear sorted out, then grab the tail and lift it out and measure.  It is tedious and careful yet satisfying  to treat the small ones kindly with shortie resentment being repressed yet acknowledged. Eventually you get an eye for a 22”.  21”’s are the ones that are in question...if this can be improved oh caretakers of the nursery, please chime in...

Kieth, please encourage folks not to net undersized fish if you do a seminar, that tail damage from the net is real.

Aloha,

Isao

then how do you get a halibut in your kayak so you can measure it to see if it is of legal size?

Questionable legal fish, I spend more time tiring them out and use lip grips rather than netting.  Unless you're using very light gear, then you should also be just lift them into the yak. 

Kieth, please encourage folks not to net undersized fish if you do a seminar, that tail damage from the net is real.

Aloha,

Isao

then how do you get a halibut in your kayak so you can measure it to see if it is of legal size?

For small ones I just pull them up by the line and pull the hook out with pliers. For questionable ones I pull them up by the line and grab them with a gripper, I do loose a few this way. With both of these methods it is important to keep the fishes head below the water surface..or they will go nuts.

Questionable legal fish, I spend more time tiring them out and use lip grips rather than netting.

+1

I think the best thing to do is lift them up on to the boat or lip grip them if you can from the side. I try my best to release them without the tail split but it's still pretty hard.

The best way, which is moos way, is to put them between the legs to takeout the hook. That is what I have found to work best.

I think the best thing to do is lift them up on to the boat or lip grip them if you can from the side. I try my best to release them without the tail split but it's still pretty hard.

The best way, which is moos way, is to put them between the legs to takeout the hook. That is what I have found to work best.

Best for the fish that's for sure but having a heavy , slippery ball of slime thrashing around with hooks and teeth flailing near your crotch area has it's risks...

Ok, doesn't seem like there is much interest. I'll be around if you guys want to just chat, but i'm not going to present anything formal for the event. 

Yah, I can definitely use some advice, but unless I've bagged a couple of keepers by 9am, I figure I will still be blundering about trying to get lucky.