Halibut methods for paddlers

I've been reading on different methods on how to effectively catch butts in HMB from a paddle kayak. Seems like drifting live bait will most likely be my preferred method if I'd want fish longer without exhausting myself out within an hour.
Can anybody share their knowledge with me? I'll probably fish inside the bay too. I just want to gear up appropriately for when the frenzy occurs.
I've caught quite a few off of charter boats drifting. I'm guessing of my yak will be quite similar. Any and all advice is greatly appreciated.

You'll have to wait a few more months before any kind of frenzy happens in the bay if one happens at all this year. I usually drift bait and will jig occasionally.

Great article by Bushy here for those who haven't read it yet:

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

 

Sincerely,

Jim

Thanks guys. I'll take a look at the link too

Bushy sure knows his stuff. All hail the Bushmaster. Personally I have not been able to catch a Halibut on a Carolina style rig and I have tried many times. Of course, I don't have the talent Bushy has. Some of the most successful Halibut - kayak fishermen I know use a three way swivel setup. It's worth it to have both rigs in your arsenal

Great article by Bushy here for those who haven't read it yet:

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

 

Sincerely,

Jim

+1

And pay particular attention to Bushy's description of landing the fish, as a lot of them are lost at that point.

without exhausting myself out within an hour

Are you thinking that trolling would wear you out?

Trolling on a yak is much easier than people think.

Best of luck~

without exhausting myself out within an hour

Are you thinking that trolling would wear you out?

Trolling on a yak is much easier than people think.

Best of luck~

and this guy would know 

without exhausting myself out within an hour

Are you thinking that trolling would wear you out?

Trolling on a yak is much easier than people think.

Best of luck~

+1

Yes. I couldnt find anything online on that

Trolling definitely doesn't fit in a box.   

It can be very slow, and by using the electronics and your senses you can put trolled bait down on what you see.

The key would be getting on top of a halibut - not easy in my neighborhood.  Santa Cruz and north of there are great spots, and you can catch plenty of other species while trying.

Just wanted to encourage you to consider how trolling can greatly diversify your activity on the water.

I've trolled for 10-12 hours for nothing, and I have also trolled for less than 5 mins and caught 40" 30b salmon. I like trolling, but you need to be willing to put in he time for sure.

I use a Carolina rig while drifting for halibut. Depending on the clarity of the water and the speed of drift, as you probably know, I change length of leader and weight. Typically I use 30 lb floro 3ft in length for the leader with a 1/0 live bait hook at the terminal end and a barrel swivel at the other end. I use a 3/4 to 2 oz. barrel weight on the main line above the snap swivel. Having a low profile thumb spool release is ideal for putting the line into free spool while letting the fish eat the bait. I let the rod load up a bit then set. I also use 30 lb main line because ya never know if a white sea bass might be in the area. Its happened. Another method I have had luck with in the ocean is a 4oz jig head with a white pearl swimbait with herring gel scent on it. Like at Bean Hollow. Good luck amigo!!! This fish was caught drifting squid at Santa Cruz with Mike Sapp( the sea bass slayer) Then another at Alameda rock wall. Plus Birds big butt at Paradise. LOL

Wow. Thanks for sharing the pics too!