Leader length for halibut

I just started fishing the dodger/hootchie setup in the ocean this season and have had a lot of fun with it. I'm definitely a swimbait guy, so I've found the bounce-ball / slow roll setup a nice alternative to bait. However, I am really having a hard time getting the correct leader length between the swivel and the dodger. I've found 4' swivel-to-dodger + 15" dodger-to-hoochie setup to be the sweet spot. BUT, it is SOOO challenging to net or gaff a fish with this length  . I have a really hard time getting them in range, even when high sticking my rod (7' 11" Okuma Guide select). I've tried reducing the swivel-to-dodger length from 4' to about 2', but I definitely feel that I don't get bit as much. I really feel that there is a tradeoff between leader length/hookups and getting a fish within net/gaff range. Curious if anyone has tips on how to make a longer leader length or manageable?

Because of the long leader problem, I just run all of my hoochies with a wiggle bill attached, then ~40" behind a regular pyramid flasher. I've had success with it and those wiggle bills give plenty of action.

From my experience, 48" is about the max leader length I can run without having issues landing fish (for 7-8ft rods). Could you do like 32" from swivel to dodger, then 15" dodger to hoochie?

Lost a salmon last year due to too long of a leader even on my 8ft rod.  Soon as my swivel hit the top eyelet I lost tension and it was gone.  I've been able to keep it to one rod length, which I think is essential, by using a short 6" spreader bar, and a short 8" bumper (40lb mono) to the dodger then from 36-40" leader.    A flasher I'll run right on the swivel or spreader bar, it doesn't spin as good but still enough to me. 

Because of the long leader problem, I just run all of my hoochies with a wiggle bill attached, then ~40" behind a regular pyramid flasher.

First time I've heard of a wiggle bill ... interesting! How much leader do you use between your main line swivel and the pyramid flasher, or do you snap directly into the swivel?

I don't use dodger/hoochie rig anymore but when I did I used 3' to dodger and 1' to hoochie. I agree with long leaders. On the butt bounce rig, I use 3' at the most and for salmon, I use 4' at the most.

Just run straight bait I catch the same without a dodger/flasher/hoochie plus they get tangled and are more work to tie. I run about 4 ft leader also when landing the halibut I usually choke up on my rod meaning hold it in the middle so it’s easier to gaff the fish.

I've had real good hook-ups while using the leaders made by Deadliest Kast Fishing out of San Francisco . He has a great leader set up! Check em out. I find these work much better then straight bait in murky conditions. Have even got double Halibut hook-ups on the Hoochie and trap rig

Lots of good info here.  I have been using a lot more live bait lately, and for that I've been using a sliding live bait rig.  I tie my own, using about 18" of 40lb mono, with snap swivels on either end, one to connect to my main line, the other to connect a 2-3oz weight.  In between the ends, on the that line, I have two beads, with a snap swivel in between.  I usually use about 18" or so leader length for this setup, with a trap rig.  All in, I have about 36" of stuff between my top swivel and the treble hook.  The live bait can swim up and down, and all around, and never get tangled. 

Lost a salmon last year due to too long of a leader even on my 8ft rod.  Soon as my swivel hit the top eyelet I lost tension and it was gone.  I've been able to keep it to one rod length, which I think is essential, by using a short 6" spreader bar, and a short 8" bumper (40lb mono) to the dodger then from 36-40" leader.    A flasher I'll run right on the swivel or spreader bar, it doesn't spin as good but still enough to me. 

If live bait doesn't get me any fish, I switch to a similar setup, only with a slightly longer bumper and much shorter leader.

Because of the long leader problem, I just run all of my hoochies with a wiggle bill attached, then ~40" behind a regular pyramid flasher.

First time I've heard of a wiggle bill ... interesting! How much leader do you use between your main line swivel and the pyramid flasher, or do you snap directly into the swivel?

Directly to the (3-way) swivel!

I just started fishing the dodger/hootchie setup ... I've found 4' swivel-to-dodger + 15" dodger-to-hoochie setup to be the sweet spot.

When not running away from crazed sea lions, I fish dodger/hootchie most of the time. I think you've got the measurements right, and I'd recommend that you stick with it. Get a slightly longer and stiffer rod, and a gaff with a 30" handle, and you should have no problem...