Fishing for halibut in the great state of Alaska can be an exhilarating experience for both novice and expert anglers. When full grown, these massive, and tasty, fish can range from 20 pounds to well over 400 pounds. While eating halibut doesn't require any more expertise than holding a fork, catching them is an entirely different matter, which is why booking a charter or hiring a guide is well worth the money.
Planning Ahead
The peak season for halibut fishing runs from May until September with the months of June, July and August being the busiest time of year for charter boats. Make sure to reserve your charter several months in advance and to research different options. Look to see how many years of experience the captain of the boat has, if the charter is registered with the U.S. Coast Guard and how many people are taken out on the boat at a time.
Getting There
Anchorage is home to the closest major airport to the halibut fishing hot spots and is your most likely starting point. Many charters and guides for halibut fishing are found southwest of Anchorage in the town of Homer, which is a five hour drive from Anchorage, and in the town of Seward, which is a two and half hour drive from Anchorage. Both towns are also accessible by small aircraft, which you can charter in Anchorage.
Regulations
Everyone on a fishing trip older than 16 must purchase an Alaskan fishing license. If you are from out of state, you can purchase three-, seven-, or 14-day licenses as well as an annual license. If you are a resident of Alaska, you also can purchase an annual license. There is a two fish limit per person per day and it is illegal for any sport fisher to sell a catch for profit.
What to Expect
Halibut are large, strong fish, so expect quite an upper body workout once you have one on the line. Larger fish, those weighing over 100 pounds, sometimes have to be killed with a small gun in order to safely bring them on the boat. Your captain or crew should take care of this for you, as well as help you bring smaller fish on board safely. Rods, tackle and bait are typically provided for you. Many charter services will fillet, pack and ship your catch for you at the conclusion of your trip.
Duration
Chartered fishing trips are typically booked by the day, with most boats leaving early in the morning. You can expect to be on the water for most of the day, returning in the early evening. Some charters offer half-day rates and most of them will book multiple-day trips. Many charters offer discounts at partner lodging services if you choose to book a multiple-day trip.
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