Why herring works for halibut
Herring is a widely used halibut bait, particularly on the Pacific coast. It is oily, scented, flashy when it moves, and easy to find in many areas. Halibut are ambush predators that lie on or near the bottom, so a bait that gives off scent and moves a little in the current can draw them in.
Choosing herring
- Whole herring: Works well for larger fish and gives the natural look of a baitfish.
- Plug-cut herring: The head is cut off at an angle so the bait spins or wobbles in current. It is more commonly associated with salmon (see salmon drift fishing), but some anglers use it for halibut as well.
- Strip or fillet baits: Can be fished alone or added to a jig to give scent and movement.
- Fresh versus frozen versus brined: Fresh and well-kept bait is usually most appealing. Frozen herring is convenient but can be soft after thawing. Brining or curing can toughen the bait so it stays on the hook longer.
Pick firm, bright baits, and avoid ones that fall apart.
Preparing and keeping herring
Keep herring cold and out of the sun. Thaw frozen bait slowly, and handle it gently so scales and skin stay intact. Some anglers pack herring in salt or use bait cures to toughen the skin, but approaches vary. Discard spoiled bait.
Common rigs
- Slider or sliding sinker rig: A heavy sinker slides on the mainline above a swivel, with a leader and hook below it. The fish can pick up the bait without feeling the full weight.
- Spreader bar rig: A bar holds the weight and the bait line apart, which helps reduce tangles when fishing in current.
- Leader rig with a pinned herring: A single hook is passed through the head or nose area, while a second hook may be set farther back for short biters.
Use a swivel to limit line twist, and attach weights suited to the current and depth.
Hooks, leaders and weights
- Hooks: Large circle hooks or strong J hooks are both used. Circle hooks are often chosen because they tend to hook in the jaw and may be required in some places.
- Leaders: Heavy monofilament or fluorocarbon, commonly several feet long, offers abrasion resistance; see how to make saltwater leaders.
- Mainline: Braid is popular because it has little stretch and cuts through current.
- Weight: Use enough weight to keep the bait on or near the bottom. Depth and current determine the right size, and the amount can be large in deep, fast water.
Presentation
Halibut hug the bottom, so contact matters. Lower the bait until the weight touches down, then lift it slightly so it hovers near the bottom. When drifting, keep the line close to vertical and adjust weight as the drift changes. When anchored, let scent drift down current from the boat. Check the bait regularly because it can be stripped by smaller fish or crabs.
Detecting the bite and hookset
Halibut bites can feel like a soft weight or a gentle tapping. With circle hooks, avoid a hard strike. Reel down and lift steadily. Many anglers say to wait a moment after feeling the bite. With J hooks, a firm hookset is more typical. Large halibut can be powerful, so manage them carefully at the boat and follow safety guidance for landing them.
Other baits and lures
Herring is one option among several. Others include salmon bellies, squid, octopus and jigs with soft plastics, and anglers often combine a jig with a herring strip. Experiment depending on local conditions.
Regulations and safety
Boat-based halibut trips are covered in general terms in inshore vs deep sea fishing. Halibut rules, such as size limits, daily limits and gear requirements, differ by region and can change during the season. Check the relevant agency before heading out. Be careful with large fish and use appropriate tools.
FAQ
What is the best bait for halibut? Many anglers say herring is among the best, along with salmon bellies and squid.
Is herring a good bait? Yes, it is a staple on the Pacific coast.
What is the best rig? A sliding sinker or spreader rig with a strong leader is a common choice.