Hey there, fishing enthusiasts! It’s Jimmie Jack and today; we’re diving into the fascinating world of Alaskan halibut. Alaska is home to some of the largest halibut in the world, particularly in Cook Inlet and the Gulf of Alaska. These cold-water fish are found all the way from California, up the northwest, to Alaska and even Canada. Halibut fishing is a popular activity here, and we fish for them consistently.
The Halibut Season
We embark on our halibut fishing journey in late May and continue through the end of September. Did you know that the halibut is actually a type of flounder? The big ones are females, which are the breeders, while the smaller ones are males. Female halibut releases thousands of eggs that float around until they grow from tiny creatures into large fish.
Record-Breaking Halibut
The largest Pacific halibut caught on a rod and reel to date, according to the IGFA all-tackle record, weighs a whopping 459 pounds. Here at Jimmie Jack’s, our record is a 345-pound monster caught by John Collis. You can even see it on the wall behind me—a testament to the thrill of halibut fishing in Cook Inlet.
Unique Features of Halibut
Halibut are interesting fish. They’re brown, blending into the gravelly mud at the ocean’s bottom to avoid predators. You’d hardly notice them if you were down there looking. Halibut have two eyes on their brown side and none on their white side. They start life with eyes on both sides, but as they grow, one eye migrates to the brown side. It’s a strange but fascinating adaptation.
Fishing Techniques
We use big rods, 40s and 50s, and broomstick-like rods to tackle these powerful fish. A big halibut will definitely test any rod. They run along the bottom, making your line pull out even though they’re very deep. We use circle hooks that set solidly in the halibut’s mouth, making it easier to reel them in slowly.
Landing Big Halibut
Bringing a large halibut on board requires some skill. For the really big ones, we often use a harpoon and cleat the line off. In extreme cases, if the fish is running and risking line breakage, we’ll even throw a buoy. Occasionally, we’ll use a special gun to put down a large halibut safely since their powerful thrashing could harm someone on board.
Dangerous but Exciting
Halibut are incredibly strong and don’t stop flopping when they hit the deck. This can be dangerous, as a big halibut can potentially break bones. I remember fishing in an 18-foot boat and a 50-pounder smashed a reel against the console. If it had hit my knee, it could have caused serious injury.
Year-Round Fishing
We fish for halibut all summer long, from May to September, starting and ending the season with them. Although it’s never a guaranteed catch, we usually get our limits. Currently, the limit for halibut in Cook Inlet is two fish per person.
Culinary Delights
Halibut is not just a sought-after game fish; it’s also prized for its table fare. You’ll find halibut on many restaurant menus and in various dishes like our own “Big Jim Ceviche.” Fried halibut and chips are also popular. The smaller ones are better for eating, but catching a big one is an incredible experience.
The Best Alaskan Halibut Charters
From their unique biology to their powerful fight, halibut are truly fascinating creatures. Whether you’re an experienced angler or just starting out, fishing for halibut in Alaska is an unforgettable adventure. So come join us at Jimmie Jack’s and experience the thrill of catching these incredible fish.
We’ll see you up here in Alaska, ready to reel in some of the biggest halibut in the world!