How to Fish for Halibut in California

California halibut are found along the length of the mid-Pacific coastline.

Reaching record lengths of 5 feet, the California halibut -- a member of the left-eyed family of flounder -- has an average length of 24 inches. An aggressive predator with a flat body and a large mouth, halibut are readily distinguishable from other fish by the high arching ridge running along the upper side of their dome-shaped bodies. Ranging from Baja California to British Columbia, Canada, California halibut are highly coveted by fishermen for their fighting ability and table fare.

Things You'll Need

• Medium-weight fishing pole
• 20- to-30-pound test fishing line
• 0/4 snap-swivel
• 3-foot, 20-lb. test monofilament leader
• 0/4 hook
• 1/2-oz split-shot sinker
• Bait
• Gaff
• Landing net

Instructions

1. Consult fishing regulations for current size and bag limits. California halibut fishing is generally open year-round, but the best action is usually from June through mid-October along the northern areas of the Pacific coast - with spring being the best time in southern regions - when halibut move into the shallows to spawn.

2. Rig a medium-weight pole with a 20- to-30-lb. weight line. Tie a 0/4 snap-swivel to the end of the line with a triple half-hitch knot. Tie a 3-foot, 20-lb. test monofilament leader to a 0/4 hook with a triple half-hitch. Snap the end of the leader to the swivel. Pinch a 1/2-oz split-shot sinker to the line immediately above the swivel.

3. Bait the hook with a live anchovy, halibut's preferred food. If anchovies are not available, use a 2- to 3-inch queenfish. Hook the baitfish down though the lower lip so the baitfish can swim naturally.

4. Concentrate your fishing efforts in areas with sandy bottoms in 20 to 80 feet of water. Cast the bait, from a pier or boat, and allow the bait to drift naturally with the current.

5. Set the hook hard. Halibut are active and aggressive feeders, literally inhaling their prey and making strikes sudden and obvious.

6. Play the fish aggressively, but do not try to force the fish to the surface or you risk snapping the line. Work the fish to the surface in slow but steady increments, allowing the fish to run and reeling in line when the fish takes a break from fighting.

7. Gaff large halibut, which are obviously over the minimum length limit, through the head when it breaks the surface. Land smaller fish with a net; use a drop net when fishing from a pier. Immediately release any fish under the legal limit.

References

• California Department of Fish and Game: Marine Sportfish Identification: Flatfishes
• "Baits, Rigs and Tackle"; Vic Dunaway; 2002
• "How to Catch Trophy Halibut"; Chris Batin and Terry Rudnick; 1996

Resources

• Marina Del Rey Anglers: Halibut Info
• animatedknots: Animated Knots by Grog