Standard Technique:

When float tubing in "deep" water for halibut I typically use what I call the "standard" technique. Basically this involves medium or medium light tackle and 4 or 5 inch swimbaits. By "deep" water I am referring to water that is more than 7 feet deep.

Tackle:

Rods - For the standard technique I prefer a fast or extra fast action lightweight sensitive graphite rod in the 7 to 8 foot range. A strong butt section with a fairly light tip is important. The light tip helps detect strikes while the strong butt section helps set the hook and fight the fish. I prefer a rod that fishes 12 - 15 lb. test well. Different companies rate rods differently so I recommend pulling on a few before deciding on one.

Reels - I prefer a medium sized high quality casting reel. Low profile bass reels will work if they have a good drag and are properly taken care of. I use a Shimano Calcutta 250.

Line - I prefer a low stretch high quality line such as Maxima, Izorline Platinum or P-line. I primarily use 12 lb. test but sometimes I will move up to 15 lb. test.

Swimbait and Jig Head size - For the "standard" technique I typically use the 4 inch Big Hammers™ with 3/8 or ½ oz. Hammer Heads™ or the 5 inch Big Hammers™ with ½, ¾ or 1 oz. jig heads. I try to fish as light a head as possible since I believe the slower the swimbait falls the more attractive it is to the halibut. Occasionally, if the fish are very active and aggressive I will throw a 6½ inch bait on a ¾ or 1 oz. head in an effort to weed out the smaller fish. Jig head color is more a matter of personal preference than anything else. I usually fish red, green, or plain with eyes depending on the color of the swimbait.

Swimbait colors - I will usually go with the "dark conditions = dark bait, light conditions = light bait" theory but never forget to experiment. I have used most of these colors with success in most conditions. Some of my favorite colors for the "standard" technique are: Green Sardine (#34), Keylime (#4), Walleye Wacker (#2), Calico Hunter (#45), and Creeping Death (#24).

Scent - I use Pro-Cure Super Gels.  Calico Cocktail, Krill, and Sand Shrimp are some of my favorites.

The Retrieve:

After the cast keep the reel in free spool to allow the bait to sink as vertically as possible and keep your thumb on the spool to control the line and feel any strikes that may occur on the sink. When the bait hits the bottom engage the reel. Point the rod toward the bait and slightly raised (about 9:30 or 10:00 o'clock). Without moving the rod quickly crank the handle of the reel two or three times then stop and wait for the bait to hit the bottom. Again - be prepared for strikes. Repeat this retrieve all the way in. When the bait is almost straight below use the rod to bounce it on the bottom a couple of times before bringing it in for another cast.

I mentioned that I like to use as light of a jig head as possible. Sometimes trying to feel when your swimbait hits the bottom can be difficult with light jig heads. If you are having difficulty feeling when the bait hits the bottom watch your line as your swimbait sinks. When it slightly "pops" and goes slack it has hit the bottom. Watching your line is also an excellent way to detect subtle strikes.

An alternate method in areas where the structure is too dense to make long casts is to lighten the bait and make short casts. This is where the 4 inch baits on 1/4 oz. jig heads are great. Use the same type of retrieve but do shorter "hops". Usually only one or two cranks of the handle will do.

A variation of the retrieve is to change the speed of the cranks or how fast the bait "hops" off the bottom.

There are occasions where a straight grind retrieve will produce and allow you to cover more water than with the bottom bouncing retrieve. For the straight grind retrieve choose a jig head weight that will keep the lure just off the bottom. Cast out like before and let the lure sink to the bottom. Then just wind it in at a constant speed - it can't get any easier than that!

The Strike:

Strikes usually occur at two times - on the sink or just as you begin to crank after letting it hit the bottom.

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