Drifting over deepwater halibut terrain, Burghoff noted that most anglers—including those in his own fishing party—typically deploy cut herring and squid. “But I think it’s way more fun—and efficient—to actively jig with a DoormatadorZ™—a super soft and lively, yet exceptionally durable ElaZtech bait designed specifically for big halibut and flounder,” he believes. “The bait’s big chunky twister tail never stops pulsing, thumping; even a bit of tidal current can activate the bait’s tail, which also helps distribute its potent scent.” Imbued with concentrated Pro-Cure Flounder Pounder Super Gel, the DoormatadorZ tickles every sense in a halibut’s brain—action, vibration, color and taste. “No doubt that natural and live baits attract plenty of ‘barn door’ sized halibut, but on this trip, given the efficiency and durability of the DoormatadorZ, we easily outfished cutbait at least three to one.” Rigged with a 3-ounce HeadlockZ HD™ jighead and a 6-inch glow-colored DoormatadorZ, Burghoff quickly dropped the morsel into 170 to 230 feet of crystalline, halibut-rich water. He keyed on the last hour of outgoing tides and the first hour of incoming tides to target the most active predators. “Drop the bait down and let it hit bottom on a freefall,” Burghoff instructs. “Halibut are really curious fish, and I think the sound the heavy HeadlockZ jig makes as it collides with bottom helps attract fish to your lure.” |