Harpoons are the safest way to handle halibut.  This halibut didn't need to be harpooned, but we did it to show everything in the photo.  Notice the harpoon head in the gut cavity.  Some anlgers like placing the harpoon here.  I favor sticking them through the head, pinning their gills shut.  This enables the angler to gain more control of the halibut, like flying a kite and allows the fish to bleed very quickly.  Bleeding the fish not only will kill the fish, it will help to make the meat white and blood free.  Tip: Always place your halibut dark side down in the fish box and put them on ice too.