Hook size for halibut rig?

A lot of the pre-tied rigs I've seen at stores have pretty small hooks so I've been tying my own rigs lately, but not sure if I'm using the proper sized hooks.   I rarely bait fish, so this is a bit new to me.  I have been using 2/0 owner all purpose bait hook with a 3/0 treble hook.  Just curious as to what the rest of you guys use when bait fishing and not throwing big hammers.  Thanks.

this is live bait. match the bait vs. target species. unless you are using really small anchovies you should be good with 2/0's

Oops,  I should have specified I'm using whole squid for bait.

Ready Bushy's halibut article:

http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?page=9

For whole squid, I use big hooks. Like 4/0 to 6/0. I like to use an octopus hook on top with a treble stinger. But sometimes you have to use a single-hook stinger to avoid snagging dabs, octopi, sea grass, etc. For livebait, yes use smaller hooks for sure. But beware halibut have very strong jaws and can break a hook in half no problem.

Ready Bushy's halibut article:

http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?page=9

Thanks Krusty.....I tend to use small hooks even wth bigger baits. I just make the length of the stinger longer.  Usually it's a 1 or 1/0 single on top, and a 1 or even as small as 4 treble on the back.

But as Pat demonstrates, larger hooks work real well.  I guess I'm concentrating on the stealth aspect, hiding the hook.  I think halibut are very visual..

Bushy

Just curious as to what the rest of you guys use when bait fishing and not throwing big hammers.  Thanks.

Fishing for Halibut with things  other than  Big Hammer's...That's just crazy talk ..

Big hook user here ... for dead bait, double 4/0 singles, but I'll use anything I have on hand from 1/0-6/0.  I don't like treble traps for squid.  When pinning the head on I run the single through the very lower part of the mantle through the head and out the side of the head.  My theory is it makes a hardier bait as you don't have the head ripping right off on the slightest nibble.

Live bait is a whole different story.  I run the smallest single hook I can get away with.  Usually #4 for chovies and 1/0 for dines and smelt.

-Allen

Just curious as to what the rest of you guys use when bait fishing and not throwing big hammers.  Thanks.

Fishing for Halibut with things  other than  Big Hammer's...That's just crazy talk ..

    

I like 13/0 - 16/0 circle hooks.  Whoops yall are talking about the little Calibutts  

It depends on the bait.  If I was fishing large bait like jack smelt, squid, or large herring then I would use 4/0-6/0 circle hooks.  For anchovies I like to use #1 or 1/0 Owner light wire mutu hooks.

  When pinning the head on I run the single through the very lower part of the mantle through the head and out the side of the head. 

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