Commando halibut Kabob

[BLUEGILL]

Being a newbie who is starting to become happy with my diving achievements so far, I am wondering about stories I've heard about people getting So-cal halibut sans gun or polespear.On two occassions I have been freediving during the day, usually looking for lobsters (hence no polespear) and have come upon what were definately legal sized halibut just kickin it and politely asking to be a part of my culinary expertise.I wouldn't even be wondering if it was really possible, but the what-ifs are bugging the hell out me! Obviously a really good sized fish is out of the question, but besides my idea of trying to stab it in the spine spine and bash its head with a rock ( seems like a tall list on a breathhold, especially with the adrenalin flowing) how would you even begin to go about it? Last week the 26"er was laying in a rocky bottomed hole in about 15+ feet .I dove on him three times trying to figure out a scenario until I finally drifted and lost him in the 6-8 ft. vis.I was really stoked to have seen another one, they've kind of become the holy grail lately! I really want to get my first halibut badly. If anyone has any first hand accounts or can tell me how nearly impossible this might be, I would really like to hear your stories and or opinions.I do feel fortunate to have seen the fish and do respect the ocean, hence I don't want to take a chance on wounding one without a feasibly good outcome. Still yet the hunter in me is on my shoulder whispering put the blade to em'!!!!!!:D

[Kyle]

You can do it. Just make sure your knife has at lest a 5 inch blade with a very sharp point to it. Also be sure to strap the knife to your wrist. Approach the "but" from the front/above. Relax. Then bear down directly into its head with all your force, and keep pushing. Imediatly grab for the mouth/gills. I have done this once and it was actually pretty easy. Be sure to let us know how it goes!


Kyle

[VicT]

Kyle,
Although the idea of taking a 26 inch halibut out with a 5 inch knife sounds "AWESOME". The reality of that scenario (for the most part) will be injuring a flattie that is going to shoot away and die slowly. I'm not saying it couldn't be done. In fact, I know someone (besides you) that did exactly what you suggested. However, seeing how the person asking the question admitted being a newbie. He probably doesn't possess the skill yet to make a clean kill/pinning stab. Another suggestion to consider is to take a flotation divice out when you go bug'n and attach your gun to it. We use this technique a lot up on the north coast when we're abalone diving. I've been able to shoot a couple of 15lb+ ling cod using this technique. Plus, a float will allow you to put the fish into something (not hanging out) and away from hungry sea lions (I've lost a couple of fish to them). One thing I will warn you of though and Kyle will agree. DO NOT underestimate flatties will to escape. Just when you think there is no more fight in them BAMM! and there gone. Anyway, the technique Kyle described can and has been done. Just be very sure of what your doing before attempting. Take care and good luck. Halibut is some goooooood eatin.

Vic

[Stodelle]

Remember, more people are injured by halibuts in Alaska than any other animal. This is because they thrash around on the boats when line fisherman bring them aboard. Of course they are usually 600+ pounds!

I've taken octopus in Hawaii with a knife, but I don't know about a halibut. Like Kyle said, it would have to be a long enough knife, and I don't know that my fish anatomy memory would assure that I hit him in the stone spot!

[DaKahuna]

Thanks for the feedback guys!

Bluegill and I did just start diving this summer (after many years of surfing at what are now our dive spots), and we're really diggin' it. Neither of us has landed a flattie yet, and are itching to do so. I shot one in the head with my polespear, right in the eye. That resulted in an audible "doooiiinngg" sound as I poked out his eye, but failed to really get any penetration. So I injured the poor thing instead of getting to eat it!

We are definitely learning a lot. And thankfully not injuring a lot of fish without landing them. We have enjoyed the OC Hunter meetings so far too. Hopefully Bluegill will actually have better than average fish-anatomy knowlege due to his profession as a chef (he is the fillet master!). I don't care which one of us lands one first, because we probably will both get to eat it (probably along with roomates and girlfriends). One legal Halibut should make a meal for several!

One last question I have is about trying a gut rip with a knife. I was told about it by a guy who landed one like that. He said it takes a very forceful and quick action to pull off. I would assume you'd start towards the front and use the fish's attempted escape to help cut towards the rear.
What do you think, head or gut?

We'll be sure to update after a first landing....

[Prodigal Son]

Originally posted by DaKahuna
We have enjoyed the OC Hunter meetings so far too.

Out of curiosity, were you and Bluegill at this past meeting (Nov)?

[DaKahuna]

Nope, we both missed the last meeting. I went to the first 2, but have missed the last 2. Bluegill went to mettings 2 & 3 I think.

Hope to meet some more people at the next meeting, let's suggest an internet-handle roll-call! I am OC Hunter member #9, according to my card.

Vis has been MUCH better lately, I wish it was always this good. It is still not as good as those Florida guys get all the time.
Get out and enjoy if you haven't been out lately!