Halibut spreader bar

Intended use & target species

Halibut on sand and gravel from an anchored boat

1. Main line
80 lb braid on a lever-drag reel
2. Swivel
Heavy ball-bearing swivel
3. Spreader bar
Wire spreader, 30 cm arms
4. Weight
16–32 oz cannonball, enough to hold bottom
5. Leader
100 lb mono, 60 cm
6. Hook and bait
8/0–10/0 circle hook with whole herring, salmon belly or octopus

Weight on the short arm, leader on the long arm. Circle hook: do not set, just reel steadily.

Anchor on the flat at slack, drop a scent bag, and leave the bait on bottom. Small tide exchanges are the only days this works well inshore.

Check current local regulations before using any hook, bait or trap.