Tip #17 Getting a Handle (and Grip) on the Situation!

Anyone out there ever tried your hand at halibut fishing? Then all of you who raised your hands know what a grueling day on the saltchuck it can be reeling in 2-4 pounds of lead to check your bait, not to mention battling halibut all day long hoping to finish off your 2 fish limit with a real grand-daddy.

This little tip will cost you about $5 per halibut reel to modify but I can assure you, once you have converted your gear, you would have paid twice that much, gladly.

Most saltwater fishing reels frequently purchased for halibut fishing usually have the appropriate line capacity and durability necessary to tackle Alaska's largest denizens of the deep. Where they fail miserably is in the size and design of their handles, unless you have opted for one of the big Penns which are sized properly.

A short radius handle (like those that come stock on a saltwater reel) provide very little leverage for the angler when reeling in heavy sinkers or heavy fish from deep water. And in no time at all, a lot of an angler's fatigue experienced during halibut fishing is due to the amount of extra effort needed when using these reels.

Most sporting goods stores and some mail order catalogs will carry extended radius reel handles which can be purchased for around $5 each. The photo shows the original handle removed and the extended handle installed. Usually a heavy duty screwdriver is all that is needed to swap them around. Note how much greater the cranking radius is, not to mention the man-sized handle for gripping securely.

If there is one tip in this Department you will be thankful to have followed, I'll put my money on this one. If you haven't tried this yet, its one of those things you will have wished you knew about years ago.

Good Fishin'
Klondike Kid

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