Not all tourists to Alaska are interested in catching one of that US state’s famous salmon. Those who are looking for a different challenge opt instead for halibut, another popular sport fish in Alaska. Halibut are the largest of all flatfish, and the biggest specimens are called “barn doors” by fishermen. This nickname is apt given that the Alaskan sport fish record for halibut is a whopping 459 pounds. On the other hand, halibut weighing less than 20 pounds are referred to as “chickens.”Halibut are also a popular food fish due to its high nutritional value. They are low in calories, fat and salt, as well as being a good source of protein and vital minerals. The fish can be barbecued, fried, baked, broiled or poached.
Halibut spawn during winter, with the peak occurring from December to February. Most spawning happens in deep waters of 200 to 300 fathoms. Male halibut attain sexually mature when they reach 7 to 8 years, while females become mature at 8 to 12 years. The younger specimens of halibut are highly migratory, generally migrating throughout the Gulf of Alaska. They are the largest species of flatfish, reaching an average weight of 25 to 30 pounds.
Anglers can fish for halibut along the majority of Alaska’s coastline, from the Aleutian Islands until Nome. Some of the best halibut fishing can also be found along the Gulf of Alaska. However, some aver that Dutch Harbor in the Aleutans is the best place for halibut fishing, dubbing the place “Halibut Heaven.” Halibut fishing in Alaska is open from February to December, although the peak season is in the summer months.
Experts note that amateur anglers need the services of a professional fisherman to help them land the halibut of their dreams. And this is where contracting the services of a professional Alaska fishing charter is essential. Gear for catching halibut is highly specialized, requiring heavy duty rods and reels necessary to withstand the strength of these huge fish.
Also, when halibut are brought onto a boat, they are “gaffed” or impaled on a hook at the end of a long handle. The larger specimens of halibut are shot in the brain with a gun before being brought on board, to avoid injury to the fishermen. This of course would need the services of an experienced crew.
Alaska fishing charter operators offer full-day or half-day tours, with prices starting from $125 per person, although some $200 to $280 per person is usual. Fishermen over 16 years old also need to buy an Alaskan fishing license, which the charter operator should be able to provide. It should be noted that fishermen can only catch up to two halibut a day, and can only bring home a total of four halibut.
However, the halibut charter industry recently faced a threat when the Alaskan Secretary of Commerce attempted to issue a rule in June 2008 limiting recreational fishermen to a catch of just one halibut a day. This was successfully challenged by the Charter Halibut Task Force, a coalition of sport fishermen and charter operators, which cited figures claiming that the rule would result in 27,000 fewer fishermen coming to Alaska. The National Marine Fisheries Service later issued another proposed rule for such a limit in December 2008, claiming that they needed to protect the value of individual quotas of commercial fishers.
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