How To Catch Halibut

The halibut is a species of fish that is found along the Pacific Coast. The halibut is the largest flatfish around. It is also one of the largest saltwater species found anywhere.

Many of the ones previously caught have weighed over 600 pounds! That is an amazing fish. Could you imagine reeling in something that size? There is no wonder so many anglers seek out the halibut for both the sport and as a food source.

The halibut is one of the tastiest species of fish you will ever eat. The firm but finely textured white meat has a sweet flavor and since it is also very high in nutrition it is extremely popular with anyone that loves to eat fish. There are very few bones found in the snow white flesh of the halibut and you can even eat the gray-brown skin if you wish. They are certainly considered to be one of the best tasting meals you will ever have the pleasure of consuming.

When and Where to Fish for Halibut

Early spring is the best time to go fishing for the halibut. This is when they begin to move inshore to feed off the baitfish available during this time of year. The weather has a lot to do with your fishing experience and whether or not you can go fishing for the halibut or wait till another day. The wind and high swells is the main factor to be concerned with when you plan your fishing trip.

When the weather permits you can find the halibut in-shore along beaches and way deep out into the ocean. They can live in water as deep as one thousand feet or deeper. Anglers believe the ones caught in the deeper waters taste the best but trophy fish can be caught in water ranging between twenty to thirty feet deep.

Keep in mind that the deeper the water you go fishing in, the more of a workout you will get. This is especially true when you land a big one and fight to get it up out of the water and onto your boat.

For this reason you will want to stay out of the deepest water as much as you can but as spring comes to an end and they begin to move further offshore you may have to move out deeper to find them. It is important that you stay on the bottom or as close to it as possible at all times when fishing for halibut because this is where they stay. You won't have much luck if you're not on the bottom.

The best time to go fishing for the halibut is an hour or so before or after the tide is going out. When you start to get a bite you can set the hook by lifting up on the rod and keeping it tilted up while reeling in the fish. If you end up pumping the rod it is imperative that you keep the tension tight and avoid letting any slack get in the line or you may lose the catch.