The Outdoor Line Forum

Hi,
Looking for recommendations on a good halibut reel for Puget Sound
Thanks!

depending on how deep you are fishing? deep these might be nice:

http://www.daiwa.com/us/contents/reels/ ... index.html

http://www.daiwa.com/us/contents/reels/ ... index.html

I was told by a captain out at westport you can bring up a very large halibut with light drag and working the rod between 10 and 12 on a clock (takes time, but it can be done).

Something like this or better would get it done: https://www.okumafishing.com/en/product ... unter.html

I'd get something that holds 300 yards of 50# braid. The reel should be able to apply 15-20 # of drag force. Halibut are not going to make long runs, so a drag made for Marlin is not required. If you are old like me, a 2 speed reel with harness lugs is nice. I prefer to reel left-handed & have the reel on the bottom of the rod & use a Shimano "knuckle buster"; under $100. Downside is the retrieve is slow when just reeling your gear up. Many are fishing deep like around 500ft for the larger fish these days.