madcorgi

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.