Ready for HMB tomorrow!

Conditions were not bad at all today. Decent swell, I did not go to the buoy but mostly stayed within 500 yards or so of the harbor entrance. Landed my first Hailbut - barely legal at 22.5" . Lost one other on barbless rig. Interesting fish - like hauling a log until you get the net on them and then all hell breaks loose.

Congrats on the first hali on the inflatable. How did you like the i9s in the salt?

... I underestimated how feisty these fish are, while flopping around inside the kayak...

A halibut flopping around on your kayak is a disaster waiting to happen. In case you're using a net, I'd strongly recommend a gaff instead. Usually, the fish will freeze for a bit when gaffed, at which point you can (quickly) get it on your game clip. After that, you can dispatch the fish with a club or by ripping its gills out. Only after all of that do you want to bring it in the boat. It still might flop around some, but it won't be nearly so energetic.

... I underestimated how feisty these fish are, while flopping around inside the kayak...

A halibut flopping around on your kayak is a disaster waiting to happen. In case you're using a net, I'd strongly recommend a gaff instead. Usually, the fish will freeze for a bit when gaffed, at which point you can (quickly) get it on your game clip. After that, you can dispatch the fish with a club or by ripping its gills out. Only after all of that do you want to bring it in the boat. It still might flop around some, but it won't be nearly so energetic.

+1
Agree

... I underestimated how feisty these fish are, while flopping around inside the kayak...

A halibut flopping around on your kayak is a disaster waiting to happen. In case you're using a net, I'd strongly recommend a gaff instead. Usually, the fish will freeze for a bit when gaffed, at which point you can (quickly) get it on your game clip. After that, you can dispatch the fish with a club or by ripping its gills out. Only after all of that do you want to bring it in the boat. It still might flop around some, but it won't be nearly so energetic.

Thanks for the tip.  I'll keep this in mind next time!

Conditions were not bad at all today. Decent swell, I did not go to the buoy but mostly stayed within 500 yards or so of the harbor entrance. Landed my first Hailbut - barely legal at 22.5" . Lost one other on barbless rig. Interesting fish - like hauling a log until you get the net on them and then all hell breaks loose.

Congrats on the first hali on the inflatable. How did you like the i9s in the salt?

The i9 is a bit small for big water, and doesn't even fit a regular crate. But it has way more primary stability than my old Necky Looksha sport. HMB is way better than Alameda. If it's calmer I could see going to the buoys but not solo.