Question to you all butt hunters

Hello folks,

Jed here again needing some advice. Last time I was at the ARW, I had a big fish
on. I was using a mono 14 lb test and the line broke because it got caught on the
rudder. What do you folks normally use for the main line? Also, for the leader, what
would be the ideal line wait. Thanks in advance.

Jed

Butts are toothy so they can chew through pretty heavy line on a head shake, I run 50# Izorline spectra with 30 pound mono leader.

I'm running a 20lb big game main line with a 25lb big game leader.

Unfortunately I am only a butt hunter not catcher. If you don't want to lose fish use Sean's rigging. A ringed hook is good with heavy mono or fluoro if using live bait. If you use fluoro for the leader, choose a softer action rod.Spectra flouro rigging has very little stretch so a softer action is good to absorb the head shakes. Flyaker landed a 30 pounder on 30 pound spectra with a 25 pound cajun red mono leader. 20 pound is the minimum IMO. If fishing live bait I would say 25-30 pound Seaguar floro for the leader with a ringed gamakatsu or owner live bait hook. Spectra mainline gives you better hooksets and you can hold the bottom with less weight. Because the bay is shallow I sometimes use 25 pound mono mainline with a faster action rod. Again it is important to match the rigging to the rod IMO. 

Scott

Currently I'm using 40lb Spectra with a 30lb leader.

One last thing is that line breakage is a function of your...

Fishing system which includes rod, reel/drag, knots, mainline, leader and hardware

And your fishing skill - hook set, drag setting/adjustment, fighting technique and landing technique

To catch big fish consistently everything has to work perfectly which is why a lot of guys have good equipment, practice knots and sharpen hooks, etc. As they say, the fish of a lifetime may only come once in a lifetime so you want to be ready.

Scott

50# PowerPro, with 30# P-Line CXX leader.  Bottom bounced weights on a 3-way are tied on using 20# crap mono. If I'm running a flasher then that gets tied to a 3-way on 50# BigGame.

20# leader is a min I would use. Most important is a soft rod for butts. They do have softlips and will rip the hook unless they swallow it.

50# PowerPro, with 30# P-Line CXX leader.  Bottom bounced weights on a 3-way are tied on using 20# crap mono. If I'm running a flasher then that gets tied to a 3-way on 50# BigGame.

This is exactly what I use except that I use 8lb mono for the weight; I want that coming off easily if it gets stuck (and I am a weakling).

From what I've seen and read, Halibut are not line-shy so you're fine to go with a heavy line. The leaders on the party boats are at least 30lbs.

Jed - Fellow new guy here. I have been using 20lb main line with a 12lb Maxima leader and have not broken anything off. This setup can require a significant amount of "drag management" during the fight though. 

Jedmo,

One drawback that Hobie owners don't often talk about is the amount equipment that can catch a line on our Hobies. Not only do you have to deal with the rudder, but also the mirage drive, both the fins and the pedals.
Now that you are aware of these potential problems, practice maneuvering your yak with FISH ON. Don't  take the easy route of pulling your rudder up and keeping your fins flush to the yak. Turn these potential disadvantages into advantages and work your rudder, fins and rod in unison, practice, practice, practice.
Soon you'll be able to work kelp paddies, boiler rocks, rock walls and pier pilings to your advantage, only then will you realize the power of THE FORCE.

Thanks to all for your great advices. I appreciate it greatly.

Jed

I use a KENCOR SS.85c 8.6 feet long with a Penn 975LD 20# Cajun mono and I use the same line for my leader
but if I am fishing ocean I go up to 25 or 30 # leader

 
hailbut in 2008 "23" and I think I am done till next year 

Again it is important to match the rigging to the rod IMO. 

Normally I would totally agree, but with butts its not as critical since they don't fight worth a damn.  The heavy leader is a must though, I have had several saw-off, they have serious teeth.

Most important is a soft rod for butts. They do have softlips and will rip the hook unless they swallow it.

A soft rod with a lead ball is not going to set the hook well.  I use a pretty fast rod with a loose, smooth drag.  That way when I wind down on them I can add a little with my thumb and it gets burried, but once thats over the drag keeps the hook from pulling.  Revo Inshore with my Kunz has turned out to be a dreamy combo for the job.

I don't feel that Halibut are very line shy because they are a ambush predator. I seldom use less than 25# leader, heavier if the biggies are showing, the main line can be whatever since they really don't pull that hard. But whatever is in the mouth has some serious choppers to deal with.
I also like a faster action rod to feel the ticks and light hits coupled with a reel with a smooth running drag.