Halibut Leader Question

I have noticed that you guys use a much heavier leader then your mainline when fishing for halibut. Why is that?

Their teeth tear the line up when the do the headshakes

I have yet to get broken off with 50lbs test but one will some day. But i typically fish salmon at the same time. I think the issue with halibut is the next fish could easily be 100 lbs and you could tie a hook onto a quarter inch steel cable and they will bite it.  So why risk a break off? The flip side is losing 100yarda of line when you get lazy and don't put in a weak link and snag bottom.


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Heavy leaders serve a couple of purposes. The first is abrasion resistance, from teeth, rocks and anything else your gear may encounter. Second is control when landing. Thick mono is a great handle and rock solid when you grab a hold. Third you can use heavy mono to make leaders that won't twist or kink on long deep drops.

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Heavy leaders serve a couple of purposes. The first is abrasion resistance, from teeth, rocks and anything else your gear may encounter. Second is control when landing. Thick mono is a great handle and rock solid when you grab a hold. Third you can use heavy mono to make leaders that won't twist or kink on long deep drops.

Sent from my Motorola Flip phone.

+3.  I'll add that Halibut are not line shy, so why chance it with something lighter.  I've been on charters that use tuna cord as leader.  I just use whatever the biggest leader I have on hand at a given time.

-Allen