Snaps, split rings or what?

[Keta]

Swivel and loop connections, make sure the loop ones are set like in the photo.  These are 16/0 Mustad circle hooks rigged with 150# mono.



The other end.



My go to butt rig.



Large iron waiting to be contoured, see the butt ring and my small torch.

[Mandelstam]

Thanks for the pics Lee! That is some serious iron you got there!

How do you fish the giant hoochie? Trolling? Drifting? With bait?

[Keta]

Thanks for the pics Lee! That is some serious iron you got there!

How do you fish the giant hoochie? Trolling? Drifting? With bait?

Drifting with bait 500'-700' deep (152m-213m).  I put a slider on my topshot above the swivel with a 36" (1m) dropper and 36-48 oz. (1.2-1.36 KG) lead.

BTW, I have some real "giant" shell squid (hoochies)24" (609mm) too.

[Mandelstam]

BTW, I have some real "giant" shell squid (hoochies)24" (609mm) too.

Oh.. That really is Giant. Would love to see your giant hoochie sometime Lee!

BTW, how do the halibut usually take a dead bait? Stop and swallow, or does it run off with it? When do you start to put pressure on it to set the circle hook?

[Keta]

I'll try to get a photo of the large shell squid and post it this evening.

USUALY, a butt will inhale the bait and you feel a tap or a tap, tap, tap.  Give it slack and let it make a run, usually 10'-20' (3m-6m).  When it stops put your reel in gear, point rod toward the fish, wait until the drift takes up the slack, then crank  until hook is "set".  Then raise rod up for the fight.

[Mandelstam]

I can't wait!

[Keta]

They pound iron, keep your drag fairly loose and hang on.

[Keta]

I couldn't find my 24" ones but these 21" ones are big.

[Mandelstam]

Jeez, they are big..

You use them for halibut as well or tuna trolling?

[Keta]

They were donated for swordfish and sharks.

[Nuvole]

Swivel and loop connections, make sure the loop ones are set like in the photo.  These are 16/0 Mustad circle hooks rigged with 150# mono.

Did you pry open the eye of the hook to insert the swivel?

[Keta]

Yes, I did.  I put the hook in my vice and twist the eye open with a punch inserted into the eye then close it with my vice.  I also file down and recontour the point to make the gap wider.

[Mandelstam]

What are the two different ways of mounting the hook good for? I mean are they used for different kind of fishing or bait?

[Nuvole]

What are the two different ways of mounting the hook good for? I mean are they used for different kind of fishing or bait?

Circle hook works with snell, hence the method photo w/o swivel work better. Shark tend to roll hence the swivel works better.

[Keta]

I use them both for halibut but the loop connection is what I have decided is best, with help from a friend that works for the IPHC.

http://www.iphc.int/