Hook Size for Halibut Setup?

Hi,
What hook size do you use for livebailt setup to catch halibut?  I am using size 4/0 circle hook on the back of the mackel and treble hook size 4 as stringer, with this setup the halibut bite and I let it run for 30 sec but I can't get a sethook, this happened multiple times. 

Please let me know is your setup for halibut fishing.

thanks

I use size 3/0 or 4/0 owner cutting point ssw,  make sure the treble trailer is cutting point as well and you should have solid hookups,  haven't had a cutting point fail me yet, knock on wood

Yep, Owner 3/0 cutting point is all I ever use. Havent lost a single fish, Knock on wood!

make sure the treble trailer is cutting point as well

Does your treble hook attached to the mackerel tail or just leave it tailing? I used 6 to 7 inches mackerel, is that too big for the halibut?

Thanks for replies.

.

Ive always used the gold 3way with a drop weight and 4ft leader to a red 2/0 gomakatsu with live bait lip/forehead hooked. And also havent lost one. Fwiw...

Depends on the size of the bait.

-Allen

Depends on the size of the bait.

-Allen

+1 

You can always have your hook sliding to match the size of your bait if your unsure on the bait size

You can always have your hook sliding to match the size of your bait if your unsure on the bait size

That doesn't solve the fundamental problem of the base hook size and its affect on the action of the bait.

For the most part, I do the following, unless I know the bait is extra small or extra large, in which case I might go down or up a size.  This is what works for me and assumes the bait is live, although YMMV, and many people do differently.

Anchovies ... size 4 for small kind, 2 for bigger.  I don't like a stinger for chovies as they just kill the action too much IMO.
Sardines ... size 2/0 with a size 4 or 2 treble stinger.
jacksmelt ... size 2/0 with a size 4 or 2 treble stinger.
squid ... size 2/0 with a size 2/0 single trailer.  Squid is a fragile bait IMO and a single trailer allows me to pin the mantle to the head holding it all together.
Shiner perch ... size 2/0, no stinger.
Macks ... size 4/0 for most sizes that we'd use for bait around here.  Size 1 treble stinger.  I typically don't use jumbo macks for any fishing we do around here.  But if that's all there is, I would upsize the lead hook to as high as an 8/0 heavy and a 1/0 stinger, also heavy.  In this case, I want the larger hooks to kill some of the action of the larger baits as they are too active IMO.  I may even snip the tail fins to kill even more of the action.

Stinger ideally goes in the lower side of the bait just above the ventral fin.  When in doubt as to what the bait will be like, I default to a 2/0 lead with a 4 treble stinger.  If I end up with some chovies, shiners, or smaller baits, I only pin the top hook and leave the stinger floating.  If I end up with mack, well, it is what it is.

I once read a report that stated the commercial hook and line halibut fishermen use double size 4 trebles as their rig of choice.  I've never tried this, but it works for them.

-Allen

Allen & All,
Thanks for your inputs - I really need this info.

Kevin

Last year I used the standard 3 way hali rig (#1 Octopus and #4 treble) and top lip hooked a live 8 in Jacksmelt and put the treble under the tail. sent it down and 5 min an 11 lb hali.  No more smelt, so frozen 5 in anchovie (same rig) and sent it down, 20 min an 16 lb hali.

You can always have your hook sliding to match the size of your bait if your unsure on the bait size

Ever since the Islander trip I took a couple years ago I've downsized my hooks a lot.  Smaller is better for live bait for sure, but just match the hook size to the bait your using.

I always tie sliding rigs too.  I've been warned that the slip knot will cause line stress when setting the hook and it could break off.  I've seen the line stress but thankfully never lost a fish to it yet.  I swap out rigs after any hookup though and has not been a problem for me.

Ever since the Islander trip I took a couple years ago I've downsized my hooks a lot.  Smaller is better for live bait for sure, but just match the hook size to the bait your using.

I always tie sliding rigs too.  I've been warned that the slip knot will cause line stress when setting the hook and it could break off.  I've seen the line stress but thankfully never lost a fish to it yet.  I swap out rigs after any hookup though and has not been a problem for me.

+1 small hooks and lively bait catch big fish. My YT was on a 2/0 J hook

Any thoughts on leaving the reel in gear vs freespool w/clicker? Missed a two suspected halibut takedowns last weekend w/reel out of gear but clicker engaged. Bait totally mauled, but fish somehow not hooked even though treble stinger in use. Deep  slash marks in the bait (live mini mackerels)