Halibut

Went halibut fishing today off the Washington coast and caught one. Incredible experience. The seas were swells at 6-8 feet, so the boat was rocking around like crazy. We used a five pound lures on 100lb test line at a depth of 600 feet--like fishing off a 60 story skyscraper.

When I hooked mine, it felt like I had hooked a whale--or a very angry submarine. I would reel in a little bit, and the fish would take about half right back. We were warned not to put too much drag on the line, because even a 20 pounder can break a 100 lb line with no problem.

Took me over 30 minutes to get the thing on the boat. My arms felt like they were on fire, both hands were numb, and I was pouring sweat, all the while trying to keep my balance on soaking wet decks and getting doused periodically by spray that came over the stern. Stopped to puke now and again, as I was also sea sick as hell.

By halibut standards, mine was fairly small--about three feet in length and 21 lbs. But in a lifetime of fishing, I have never fought a fish that hard.

Highly recommended. In August, we go out for tuna season--an overnight trip to get out to where they live.

[Geronimo '74]

Sounds like a great experience!
Got pics?

A fishing buddy got some, and I'll post them when he emails them to me.

[911Rob]

Fantastic!
The fishermans choice of fish

[Erakad]

Halibut, what a great fish. 20 lb'er is still a keeper.

[RoninLB]

I found out where to go free diving / spear fishing for them in Alaska right on shore in 25' of water. Probably the only place in US to do that.

otherwise it takes a real man to take the ocean beating to fish them off shore.

[billybek]

Mmmmmm, Halibut.
6:30 am and my mouth is watering thinking about it....

[Jim Richards]

+1 mmmm, halibut.

What's that you said about puking? In 6-8 foot ripples? Come on, man!

Originally Posted by Jim Richards

+1 mmmm, halibut.

What's that you said about puking? In 6-8 foot ripples? Come on, man!

Oh, I was just chumming for everyone else!

Man, I was green there for awhile.

[Jim Richards]

lol!

Originally Posted by RoninLB

I found out where to go free diving / spear fishing for them in Alaska right on shore in 25' of water. Probably the only place in US to do that.

otherwise it takes a real man to take the ocean beating to fish them off shore.

LOL! Five of our group were women (well, at least four were, one I'm still not sure). They each caught fish, one in the 30 lb range. One of them had gone out with this same charter captain for 18 straight years. She was a burly, tough talking, chain smokin', Carhartt wearin' gal.

[vash]

pics or it didnt happen.



i would have puked too.

[crustychief]

That is pretty awesome, good job keeping the fish on the line.

[javadog]

How are you going to cook it?

That's the important part. Halibut is one of the best fish to eat.

JR

[Jim Richards]

mmmmmmm

Should get them today. It happened--I can barely move today!

pics or it didnt happen.







i would have puked too.

Grilled-- some kind of simple marinade, like lime.

How are you going to cook it?



That's the important part. Halibut is one of the best fish to eat.



JR

[BRPORSCHE]

I LOVE tuna fishing.

If halibut is anything similar I'll be hooked.

[javadog]

Originally Posted by madcorgi

Grilled-- some kind of simple marinade, like lime.

Since you have a fair amount of fish, more than one meal's worth, can I recommend that you poach some of it and serve it with a nice rich sauce?

Halibut has a delicate flavor and grilling it might overpower it a bit.

JR

[Burnin' oil]

Originally Posted by RoninLB

I found out where to go free diving / spear fishing for them in Alaska right on shore in 25' of water. Probably the only place in US to do that.

. . ..

A friend of mine spearfishes for halibut in Monterey Bay right off the beach.