Spring Halibut Fishing!!!

Spring Halibut fishing is right around the corner.  Here is some info on the Pacific Halibut and the gear and bait used to catch them. 

Alaskan Halibut:

Alaskan Halibut are one of the most sought after fish of the northern pacific.  Halibut are one of  the largest fish in the sea and are by far the largest of all the flatfish.   Halibut is prized for its delicate sweet flavor, snow-white color and firm flaky meat. It is an excellent source of high-quality protein and minerals, low in sodium, fat and calories and contains a minimum of bones.   They can grow to more than 8 ft. long and 700 lbs.  On average the size ranges from twenty to forty pounds.  Halibut weighing over 100 are caught on a daily basis but are considered trophy fish.   In Alaska we have a way of classifying the different size ranges of halibut.  You too can speak fish….

CHICKEN      10-20LB

ROOSTER      20-40LB

TURKEY        40-99LB

HOG               100-200LB

BARN DOOR 200-AND UP

Our crew will provide you with the most up to date and top of the line rod, reel and tackle the industry has to offer.

When fishing with bait you will be provided with the following:

ROD: Penn Mariner 5’ (80-100lb)

Reel: Shimano Trynos 30(5:0:1) ratio makes for easy reeling and lots of drag control

Line: Tuff Line 80-100lb strongest most sensitive line on the market, allowing the angler to feel              even the most finicky of fish at depths exceeding 300’

Bait:  The type of bait you will be provided will depend on the time of the year.  Halibut in the spring are very responsive to Herring, Cod, and Octopus.  King, Coho, Pink and Sockeye Salmon are another favorite snack for the halibut but are usually only effective during June, July and August.  The crew on the vessel pays close attention to the halibuts feeding habits and will provide you with the most effective bait for that time of the year.

Hook:  Stainless Steel circle hook has been the choice of most anglers in Alaska.  The hook is engineered to hook the fish for you…no more missed bites.  Different sizes will vary depending on the concentration of fish.  Smaller hooks are used for more finicky days where the halibut aren’t in dense concentrations.

Jigging with artificial baits and lures:

ROD: 6’ or 7’ lightweight (40-80lb)

REEL: Various styles depending on anglers experience.  Reels ranging from 5:0:1 gear ratio to 6:2:1 allowing fast retrieval with minimal turns.

LINE: Tuff Line 60-80lb. There is no elasticity in the line, giving the angler full control of hook set and head control.

LURE: There are many different types of jigs and lures on the market.  We have had the opportunity to trial and error a lot of these different styles, weights and colors.  Over the years we have narrowed them down to just a few.  You will be outfitted with our top choices in Jig heads, Tails and colors.  If you would like to bring a favorite lure or something that caught your eye in the tackle store feel free, but we do encourage the use of our gear.

http://www.alaskanorthernoutfitters.com/