Recommended Landing Net for Halibut

Hello All,

First off I'm new here and I did a search for "halibut net" and came up with a number of search results that didn't give me the answer I was looking for.

So this week I lost, I believe to be, my first legal size halibut.  I brought it up to the kayak and then it dove down HARD and then it resurfaced - thats when it shook it self loose from the swim bait.    So sad! Do you have recommendations for a quality butt net? 

Hello All,

First off I'm new here and I did a search for "halibut net" and came up with a number of search results that didn't give me the answer I was looking for.

So this week I lost, I believe to be, my first legal size halibut.  I brought it up to the kayak and then it dove down HARD and then it resurfaced - thats when it shook it self loose from the swim bait.    So sad! Do you have recommendations for a quality butt net?

Big is good.  I spent 35 bucks on a net from outdoor pro shop that does the job.  Well...not the last job , but in general good enough.  Get a big one but not super big, I'm also tempted to learn to use that gaff this season.

Thanks for the reply, Eddie.  Can you quantify big?  I've been eying these Yak Attack leverage nets - its 21x 20.   https://www.amazon.com/Yakattack-Leverage-Landing-Hoop-Extension/dp/B071X4PK9W/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1524275047&sr=8-1&keywords=yakattack+net

Just being a smart ass but wouldn't it be cool to have a net that once the fish is in the net an electric shock is applied stunning the fish.  I'm guessing Department of Fish and Games some where use this - nothing too innovative, I know.

The one I use is a short handle (cut down) salmon net 26 by 28

I just measured mine and it is 31" by 25"

Halibut come in many sizes, don't be cought short netted!
Hali nets should be at least 26-30 inches minimum.
Also make sure it has a deep bag, too shallow and you will have them flipping out with ease.
Last thing to mention, most larger nets come with a longer handle making them difficult to handle from a kayak. Practice holding it from different lengths, than when you feel comfortable, cut the butt section off and reuse the end cap/grip.
Now practice handling the net on the water so you don't tangle up when it's time to land that big one.
Good luck,
;0)

I appreciate all your replys.  Man, those big nets have big prices.

Eddie, I think I may have read in a previous post that a butt had jumped out of your big net?  That's just crazy!!!

Not having a big enough net is probably the number one way to lose what would've been a lifetime catch.  If you fish the ocean then you are potentially going to hook and fight a halibut, salmon or lingcod that goes 30 to 50 pounds - losing it because your net is too small is a sad story to live through.  Best of luck. 

I appreciate all your replys.  Man, those big nets have big prices.

Eddie, I think I may have read in a previous post that a butt had jumped out of your big net?  That's just crazy!!!

She was perpendicular in the water and I came up under her and she porpoised up and out and away and I held on and got my net under her but fully extended and could not lift up and she was on the surface in reverse and the rest of the story is legend.  The net was large enough but my skills were not calm and calculated. 

Dont net it if your aren't 100% sure it's a keeper and you are going to keep it.  I dont keep em under 25/26" so I just release in the water, but the mutu light wire circle hook catches them in the hard part of the mouth and makes it easy to land by hand to release.

Use a gaff.

Use a gaff.

X10

Gaff is sooo much better for halibut. Gaff them in the belly side right below their gills and they will freeze up allowing you to get them on the clip and administer the wood shampoo. Also much less likely to snag your hook and lose them this way.

I like a net for salmon but pretty much anything else gets the gaff.

-Eliot

Through amazon I just ordered this net.   https://www.walmart.com/ip/Danielson-Knotless-Salmon-Net-with-48-Handle-30-x-33/54190436

If you don’t think it will work please let me know. 

Sad fishing story’s of what could have been are just sad sad.

Through amazon I just ordered this net.   https://www.walmart.com/ip/Danielson-Knotless-Salmon-Net-with-48-Handle-30-x-33/54190436

If you don’t think it will work please let me know. 

Sad fishing story’s of what could have been are just sad sad.

That's the one! 

Then I’m just good to go. I have a 16 oz rubber mallet, too. Hopefullly I’ll smack some big butt soon.