Fishing For Fun

Below, you'll find extensive information on leading "shark angling techniques" articles and products to help you on your way to success.

Is Alaska Halibut Fishing Calling
By Steven Letsinger

An adventure calls to you, and it's saying "Alaska Haibut Fishing". "Okay, the adventure, sounds great, but where do you start?" How do you even begin to make your plan for a trip like that? Yes, you can see it in your minds eye, navigating the big waters, battling a Halibut the size of a barn door, tasty white fillets on the grill at the end of your journey while you watch the midnight sun in the Alaska sky. But unless you have a good buddy who owns a big boat and some serious tackle that Alaska Halibut trip may just have to remain in your mind - won't it? Any major trip requires a little planning especially a trip in Alaska. After all, this isn't driving to the next county for a little trout fishing. But, with the following hints and tips, your Alaska Halibut adventure just might turn that image into reality.

You first should decide where in Alaska you want to go. Alaska Halibut can be done along most of the Alaskan coastline, from the southeast, around the Aleutian Islands all the way up to Nome. The Gulf of Alaska has provided some of the best Halibut and the easiest access. While Homer has made its name as Halibut headquarters, many towns in the Gulf offer easy of access and plenty of prime Alaska Halibut fishing. Likely hot spots include Seward, Valdez, Kodiak and Cordova. If you have another spot that you are interested in visiting, call or visit the website of the town's Visitor's Bureau or the local Fish and Game office to find out about the Halibut offered in and around that area.

The next thing you should decide is what time of year you want to go. Alaska Halibut season is open February 1st through December 31st, but the summer months offer some of the best Halibut with the most choices of charters available. If you're willing to travel outside of peak vacation season, prior to Memorial Day or after Labor Day, you might be able to save some money on charter costs and still catch some nice Halibut.

If you aren't visiting a chum possessing a boat capable of sea excursions you'll need to plan on booking a charter. Alaska charters can be discovered here in the adds section and other places on the web, in advertising sections of most and / or Alaskan mags or by getting a list from the Chamber of Commerce of the city you are planning your trip to. Halibut costs can range anywhere from $125.00 per person on up for a full day, depending on the time of the year, number in your party and what is supplied. (These costs can change because of the fluctuation in fuel cost.) If there are some of you going Halibut together, ensure that you indicate this when booking your charter.

Charter operators earn money by the person and if you are on your own or your party is smaller than the maximum the charter can accommodate, you can often predict others joining you unless you make agreements to pay for an exclusive Alaska Halibut charter. You need to also ensure you are clear on what is included in the charters before you book. If not included in the charter cost, these are additional costs you will need to budget for.

You should also think about how to get your catch back home, if that is your objective. The bag limit on halibut is two a day, 4 in possession, with no weight limit,9 ( At this time ) which could amount to a substantial amount of fish. In each Alaska community there are typically one or 2 companies focusing on shipping frozen fish overnight. When looking into this option, remember to ask

if your charter can keep your catch frozen till you are prepared to ship it home. If not, and other agreements cannot be made, you may wish to plan your Alaska Halibut charter for the final days of your trip or make arrangements for the fish to be distributed to a mate or relative. Because halibut can weigh over 350 pounds, heavy-action rods are a good selection. Your test line should be close to the one hundred pound test, in case you hook up with one of the barn doorway monsters. The choice of hook you use will rely on your selection of bait. You will most likely find the frequently used baits are octopus and herring, though Halibut will bite on plenty of other baits.

Halibut can be insatiable feeders and will generally feed on whatever comes their way. Don't plan on using other sport-caught fish as bait unless you are acquainted with Alaska rules and are certain you can identify the species. The Alaskan laws are very stern on using sport-caught fish for bait.

Due to their size of Alaska Halibut, even smaller Halibut have to be gaffed into the ship. A gaff is a long handle with a sharpened hook at the end that is hooked into the fish to pulled into the boat. Gaffing will harm the Halibut ( and all other fish ) and catch and release fish shouldn't be gaffed. Larger Halibut are sometimes brought next to the ship and shot in the head with a little handgun. If you aren't prepared for this, it might rattle the nerves of a some fisherman to see the ship captain or crew whip out a handgun and fire at your prize Halibut. The weather in Alaska at all times of the year is unpredictable. Rain on the coast is kind of common in the summer months so bring along a rain suit - one that is lightweight and straightforward to move in is mostly best. Have shades, a hat and sunblock ( yes, sunblock is employed in Alaska. ) with you on the ship, even if it's not bright when you head out. The weather changes quickly on the coast and you must be prepared for anything. Also, before leaving the dock, ensure there's a life jacket on board the ship for each person and that yours fits you correctly.

Alaskan waters, inland and sea alike, stay extremely cold across the year and safety measures can't be regarded lightly. Licenses are pretty cheap but useful as the Alaska Office of Fish and Game reacts severely to violations. This could be enough info to get you and journey started planning your trip.

By Steven Letsinger

We strive to provide only quality articles, so if there is a specific topic related to fishing you would like to be covered, please contact us at any time.

Fishing For Fun

Navigation:

NEWS: