What is the right line for Halibut?

[coriantonk]

I have never been Halibut fishing before, but I have 2 trips planned for this year.  The one thing that has me curious is what kind of line should I put on my reel.  I was thinking about 45-55lb braid but I was told by my cousin that braid is a bad idea.  What are your thoughts.

[cohoho]

I used 80-120lb braid for all Halibut fishing in AK for years and never had any problems.  Here generally smaller fish, would still stick with 80lb.  Problem with mono that strength is it takes up way too space on the reel and stretch...  At 300 foot below the deck of the boat, your talking alot of stretch from mono...  Your bottom fishing not trolling for for Tuna or Marlin where stretch is needed...

[h2ofowlr]

I have 80lb braid on one rod and 120 on my other rod.  Only way to go with the thick line.  Same set up that I use for oversized sturgeon as well.  Main reason is you are bouncing off the bottom or anchored up.  No strech in your line if your in 80-300+ feet of water.

[robodad]

I used 80-120lb braid for all Halibut fishing in AK for years and never had any problems.  Here generally smaller fish, would still stick with 80lb.  Problem with mono that strength is it takes up way too space on the reel and stretch...  At 300 foot below the deck of the boat, your talking alot of stretch from mono...  Your bottom fishing not trolling for for Tuna or Marlin where stretch is needed...

I use "Power Pro" in #80 on my halibut rods, its a small diameter so I can fit plenty of it on there to fish the various depths around here and off the coast. Another reason to stay away from mono is you'll have to use about 30-40% more weight to stay on the bottom because the line drafts so much water its difficult to stay on the bottom, and another reason you don't want the stretch is so you can feel the bottom. Back when I used mono I remember it was quite difficult to feel the bottom because my line was trailing so far behind the boat and with the stretch of the mono it was almost impossible to know when you are on bottom especially if its not exactly calm.

[Bone_Collector]

Like everyone has said 80+ pound braid will work great! No stretch and you can feel the bottom. The heavier line will stand up to the abuse better as well.

B_C

[RB]

 

Just put 80lb power pro on both my reels found a decent deal on Ebay for a 1500 yard (yes 4500 feet) spool for little over $100 shipped. Best stuff ever made for bottom fishing!

[sirmissalot]

80lb braid or spectra, or even 60 if you're fishing deep to help keep the line angle down. Personally I use 80lb spectra.

[Ripper]

    80# braid, can't go wrong with power pro.

[JimmyHoffa]

I like powerpro and gorilla tough.  I prefer 80# and up for a couple of reasons.  The little to no stretch that was mentioned.  Also if you get too fine of a line diameter and then add a big heavy fish, the line can wedge itself down in the spool and make a mess.  On the next free spool (or fish taking drag) it can cause a backlash or get stuck.  One of the last things I want to do is deal with that, especially with bait on one end and a 'sharp' fishing line.  When I use the bigger diameter (yet still smaller than any mono I used) the problems start going away and the line isn't as sharp.

[Rick]

I run 50# Tuf-line XP on my rods. The problem with anything more than that is that it becomes really difficult to break free if you hang up on the bottom. You could anchor my 26' boat with 80lb.

Thinner line really cuts down on how much lead you need to hit bottom. With 50# I can usually get away with 10-12 oz. less than my buddies running 65+

That doesn't seem like much,but bait checks from 600' get old in a hurry. Every little bit helps.

[robodad]

I run 50# Tuf-line XP on my rods. The problem with anything more than that is that it becomes really difficult to break free if you hang up on the bottom. You could anchor my 26' boat with 80lb.

Thinner line really cuts down on how much lead you need to hit bottom. With 50# I can usually get away with 10-12 oz. less than my buddies running 65+

That doesn't seem like much,but bait checks from 600' get old in a hurry. Every little bit helps.

I see 2 problems here, if you have to check your bait your using the wrong kinda bait, and if your fishing 600' deep  well then your just in the wrong location !! besides I heard that any weight used in saltwater under 16oz will be banned because there are too many fish gulping up the smaller lead weights and sinking to the bottom unable to swim !!

Hanging up on the bottom isn't really a problem with 80# either, just use lighter hooks and you won't anchor yer boat anymore !! 






Just Jokin around !! 

[75johndeere]

I run 50# Tuf-line XP on my rods. The problem with anything more than that is that it becomes really difficult to break free if you hang up on the bottom. You could anchor my 26' boat with 80lb.

Thinner line really cuts down on how much lead you need to hit bottom. With 50# I can usually get away with 10-12 oz. less than my buddies running 65+

That doesn't seem like much,but bait checks from 600' get old in a hurry. Every little bit helps.

I see 2 problems here, if you have to check your bait your using the wrong kinda bait, and if your fishing 600' deep  well then your just in the wrong location !! besides I heard that any weight used in saltwater under 16oz will be banned because there are too many fish gulping up the smaller lead weights and sinking to the bottom unable to swim !!

Hanging up on the bottom isn't really a problem with 80# either, just use lighter hooks and you won't anchor yer boat anymore !! 

600' is actually some of the best places to fish for ling and halibut these where all out of 600' of water

[RB]

I run 50# Tuf-line XP on my rods. The problem with anything more than that is that it becomes really difficult to break free if you hang up on the bottom. You could anchor my 26' boat with 80lb.

Thinner line really cuts down on how much lead you need to hit bottom. With 50# I can usually get away with 10-12 oz. less than my buddies running 65+

That doesn't seem like much,but bait checks from 600' get old in a hurry. Every little bit helps.

I see 2 problems here, if you have to check your bait your using the wrong kinda bait, and if your fishing 600' deep  well then your just in the wrong location !! besides I heard that any weight used in saltwater under 16oz will be banned because there are too many fish gulping up the smaller lead weights and sinking to the bottom unable to swim !!

Hanging up on the bottom isn't really a problem with 80# either, just use lighter hooks and you won't anchor yer boat anymore !! 

600' is actually some of the best places to fish for ling and halibut these where all out of 600' of water

Nice!

[75johndeere]

oh and we use 80# spiderwire but i think braid is braid in all reality its not going anywhere pretty sure we just got a good deal on the spiderwire.  and its time to buy another 1500 yards so if you hear of a good deal let me know 10 halibut rods take lots of line

[Bone_Collector]

75JD those are some fatty flatties! 600' would suck unless you have electric reels!

B_C