Halibut fishing in Washington is truly exciting and always produces great results for fishermen who love fishing in the Pacific Northwest. Being giant fish distinguished by superior and succulent taste, halibuts are popular targets in these waters.
The Coastline of Washington state and the adjacent Puget Sound are the most promising grounds for these flatfish, however, to fish for halibut one has to know a few tricks or employ some special techniques and tools. In this blog, we will learn everything about halibut fishing.
Understanding Halibut
It is advised that before you wander out to fish for halibut, the type of fish you intend to fish should be understood. The most common commercial fish species in the Washington waters is Pacific halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepis).
How big are halibut? They are typically large animals; halibut size is much larger and has been found to weigh between 100 and 150 pounds, but this population has individuals that weigh over 300 pounds. These fish live at the depth of 100 and 1,000 feet which makes them quite a sport to fish.
The Top Locations to Catch Halibut in Washington
Washington has several great spots for halibut fishing both near the shoreline and in Puget Sound and the best halibut season for fishing here is between mid-March and mid-November. Some of the top spots include:
- Neah Bay: Located at the northwest corner of Neah Bay is without doubt the best halibut fishing Washington grounds in the state. Having located close to the deep waters makes it even more suitable for its primary target of the giant halibut.
- La Push: Halibut fishing is also good here in this small coastal town located in the Olympic Peninsula. During the fishing season, offshore waters here yield big halibut in terms of size as well.
- Westport: Westport has long been one of the most popular fishing towns in Washington, boasting some of the finest grounds for halibut in the Pacific Northwest.
- Puget Sound: There are significantly fewer halibut here than in the coast; but there is still fishing to be had, particularly in Admiralty Inlet and the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
All the above areas provide different situations, therefore you must organize your trip about the situation, season, and interest.
When to Fish for Halibut
Fishing for Halibut in Washington is controlled by particular quotas distinct by area and year. That lasts for two or three weeks on average starting at the end of May and early June; however, this may vary according to the WDFW recommendations for the hunting season. Because of the defining characteristics of halibut in terms of conservation, fishing seasons are frequently brief and closely controlled.
That means it is better to go fishing for halibut in the daytime, especially during the tide time. These times mark an increase in activity to the movement of bait fish with the halibut at their heels.
Halibut Fishing Techniques
1. Bottom Fishing with Bait
Another method of fishing for this kind of fish is by using bait as well as bottom fishing as it is considered one of the most conventional approaches in catching halibut. Since these fish dwell at the base of the ocean, this will help guarantee that your bait gets to a position nearest your prey.
Some of the forms used include; Herring, squids, mackerel, octopus, and the like. A heavy sinker is deployed to pin the bait to the bottom of the water where halibut may well be foraging.
2. Jigging
A more common method for finding halibut is jigging, especially in places that experience currents and streams. A piece of bait is attached to a wire conveying the appearance of the distressed fish then dropped to the bottom and up and down vigorously.
This action result in making a halibut strike. Still, there is nothing like jigging if light conditions are poor or you are chasing bait fish in murky waters.
3. Drift Fishing
Drift fishing consists of putting the boat at the mercy of the current while ground baiting or casting baits and jigs respectively. This method is also general and might be helpful in the areas in which(environmental factors) halibut occupy a vast space.
In most cases, you have to change your weight depending on the current so that the bait stays a few inches above the bottom.
Armour for Halibut Fishing
Halibut are big strong fish so appropriate equipment is very important. Here’s a list of essential equipment for halibut fishing:
- Rods and Reels: Due to the size and strength of halibut a robust and sturdy rod and reel are needed to land the fish. When choosing rods, go for those that have a good backbone and should have reels with a high line; capacity.
- Line: They come in braided line form with a minimum test of 80-100 pounds should suffice. Braided lines are less stretchable than other lines and therefore provide more control, especially during fighting a big fish.
- Hooks: Diameter big and long circle hooks are perfect for fishing halibut. Depending on the size of the bait, the size of the hook you will be using will be 8/0 up to 12/0piece.
- Weights: Weights from eight to sixteen ounces are needed for your bait to remain on the bottom and throughout the water column in deeper lakes or ripping currents of water.
Bait and Lures: Ideally, whole or filleted fish such as herring, squid, or fresh or frozen octopus should be used. The jigs should be heavy enough to drop to the bottom instantly and tough enough to handle the rough end of the halibut.
