Pacific Halibut Fishing Charters
Hippoglossus stenolepis
Pacific Halibut is the undisputed king of flatfish and one of the most prized catches on party boats in Alaska, Washington, and Oregon. These enormous bottomfish can reach staggering sizes and provide both an incredible fight and world-class eating.
- Party boats
- 9
- States
- 2
About Pacific Halibut
Party boats target Pacific Halibut over sandy and muddy bottoms near structure in depths of 40 to 400 feet. Large herring, octopus, and salmon bellies fished on circle hooks near the bottom are standard baits. The bite is often a series of taps followed by a heavy pull as the halibut commits to the bait.
The fight with a big Pacific Halibut is a war of attrition. These powerful fish use their enormous flat body to pin themselves to the bottom and create tremendous drag in the current. Hauling a barn-door halibut off the bottom takes strength and patience. Fish commonly run 20 to 60 pounds, with trophy fish exceeding 100 pounds and some reaching over 200.
Quick Facts
- Size range
- 20 to 200+ lbs
- Habitat
- Sandy/Muddy Bottom
- Fight
- Excellent
- Edibility
- Excellent
