Arw 6/9 pretournament scouting report

Sorry you lost the first one... I know how you feel. My very first one many moons ago was one of the biggest I've seen out at Tomales and I was with a friend's kid taking him out for the first time. When I got it next to the boat he asked if he could net it for me. I give him the go ahead and instruct him to get the net way below before lifting to asure it's all  in the net. Well he shallow swooped and got the second hook stuck in the the netting at the rim and the hali was hanging on the outside. Everytime I tried to dip the net to get it in, the fish just stayed on the outside. Finally thrashed and cut the leader. It's a painful thing to watch em slowly disappear into the depths. I've seen more than one time where one of the hooks hangs in the net. When it comes to landing a halibut, never be in a hurry. Just keep his head under water with some steady pressure, and calmly untangle your net. I too prefer a gaff, and then grab the jaw with a lipgripper to control em in your lap. One leg thrown over the top also helps control the beast. I loosen my drag, but leave the hook in until it's on the clip. Only then do I consider it mine. I've had a couple flip off the gaff only to plunge overboard. If the hooks still in you can retrieve em. The loose drag saves your rod tip. It's a learning curve............... At least you know what the bite feels like now.

thanks guys for the thoughts..
jonesz...I appreciate the insights and play be play... I had a gaff besides me and it never occurred to me that that is what I should have reached for first... your input was huge....helps with the learning curve..

also thanks re: that hook entanglement issue...I was using a stinger rig and that can very much be a potential problem..
I will try gaffing him next time and leave the rig on until I get him on the game clip..but I am nervous about spreading my legs over him..certain areas in that vicinity may be exposed for a wayward bite...yikes.

regards,
dave

thank