Big ones don't taste as good, tougher than the smaller ones. 40-50lbs is about right for eating. From about 90lbs up I look to let them go just about every time. Hard to judge in the water though. Big ones are female and have the good genes, more valuable alive than sitting in a freezer for a year getting freezer burnt imo. Halibut are made for eating, the amount of meat you get off one in relation to what goes over the side is better than anything else I have seen. Boss used to be a charter captain, the clients like it when you "have to" shoot their fish
. Big ones are dangerous if you bring them in the boat and don't subdue them quickly, snap your legs in half. A harpoon is the way to go if you want to make sure you land the fish, especially if you are fishing solo. Just a gaf is usually plenty though, especially if you are using circle hooks.
