Heading out into the ocean for halibut can put a fish on your line that takes some know-how to land. With fish as large 300 pounds, it might take some help from a guide to bring the halibut home. Most Pacific halibut you will catch on your Alaska fishing trip will be in the 20 to 80 pound range but there is always a chance of running into a huge one. Sportsmen go to Alaska for the halibut adventure every season. The guides provided by charter services take care of many details and give added value to your experience.
The Fish
Halibut can grow to more than eight feet long and weigh hundreds of pounds. They are the largest flat fish in the deep. Barndoors is the nickname given to the really large ones. They live on the bottom and to catch them you jig the bottom. The Gulf of Alaska has the largest concentration of Pacific halibut.
Where to Fish
Two areas in Alaska are considered to be the best halibut grounds in the state. These are the waters near Seward and those near Homer. From these locations you will travel around an hour by boat to a fishing site scouted by the guides on your charter. Both areas are well serviced by guided charter companies.
Charter Options
Guided charter companies in Alaska are available to arrange a trip with just your party aboard or sell you space on a scheduled charter. They provide guides experienced in assisting both expert and novice sportsmen. Guide companies working out of Seward and Homer specialize in halibut fishing locally and know the waters around the location. The charter will include all fishing gear and bait. Some companies will include the price of filleting your catch, others will charge extra.
What Guides Do
The guides on your charter will help you in many ways. They will show you bottom-fishing techniques, help you bait your hooks and gaff. They will also coach you in the fight after the fish is hooked. Then when you beat the fish, they will help you get in on board. Guides help with the nets, then bleed and dress your catch. They ice the fish so that it can later be filleted and shipped. Most guides can also point out wildlife and tell you about the glaciers and mountains you see.
Costs
Guided charter prices are very uniform in the Seward and Homer areas. The costs are figured by the length of the trip and sometimes the season. Between April and September charters are in the range of $200 to $250 per person for a full-day of fishing. Winter rates are lower at around $150 per person for a full day. The number of fish caught in winter is lower than in summer. You will pay tax and tips on top of the rates.
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