Howard,<P>I've only been float tubing for halibut since last October so I'm far from being an expert. Most people use lures (primarily plastic swimbaits) for many reasons - cleaner, more fun, more challenging, more satisfying, easier to deal with, etc. Quite a few guys fly fish for them. Krocodiles work well at times.<P>The weight of the head and size of the lure basically depends on the depth of the water. In 6 ft. or less I'll use 3/16 - 1/4 oz. with 3 - 3.5 inch plastics, In 7 - 15 ft. I'll use 1/2 oz. with 4 - 5 inch plastics, and 3/4 oz. with 4 - 6 inch plastics for deeper water.<P>Read the halibut page on this web site for more information on how to fish for them up here. Rob really knows his stuff.<P>Pete<P>You can't catch tomorrow what you kill today - please practice catch and release.