California Halibut

California halibut are not known to make any extensive migrations such as its larger northern relatives do.

 

HOW TO IDENTIFY A CALIFORNIA HALIBUT

This is the largest and most abundant flatfish within its normal range (south of San Francisco), growing to a weight of 60 lb. (27 kg) and a length of 5 ft. (1.97 m). Females grow larger, live longer, and are more numerous than males. Although is a member of the lefteye flounder family (Bothidae), it appears that nearly half of the population has both eyes on the right of the body. The sighted side of the fish is usually brownish and the blind side white.

WHERE TO CATCH CALIFORNIA HALIBUT

Occurs along the Pacific coast of North America from San Francisco, California, to Baja California, Mexico. There are scattered records of its occurrence as far north as the State of Washington. It is usually found on sandy bottoms in depths of 10 to 20 fathoms or less, though it may occasionally be found in depths up to 100 fathoms. The following list includes additional details on where to catch this fish:

 

 

BAYS AND ESTUARIES                         DEEP SHORE WATER

KELP FORESTS AND BEDS                  PIERS, DOCKS AND PILINGS

COASTAL WATERS                                JETTIES AND BREAKWATERS

MAN-MADE STRUCTURES                    ROCKY SEA FLOOR

 

 

HOW TO CATCH CALIFORNIA HALIBUT

The feed on anchovies, small fishes, crustaceans, squid and mollusks. Drift fishing with live anchovies, shrimp, or queenfish is the most successful sportfishing method, though slow trolling has also been known to be effective. This species is not overly finicky and will sometimes take almost any kind of bait or lure. The following are fishing methods used to catch this fish:

 

 

DRIFT FISHING                           STILL FISHING

BOTTOM BOUNCING                  SALTWATER JIGGING

 

CALIFORNIA HALIBUT LURES, TACKLE & BAIT

The following are lures, tackle or bait that can be used to catch this fish:

 

CLAMS                                          CUT BAIT

SALTWATER LIVE BAIT                CRABS

JIGS                                               SQUID