Southeast Alaskan Halibut Angler SportFishing Trip Ketchikan, Alaska By Russell Thomas Guide Expert

www.ketchikanalaskafishing.com

Whenever a serious angler is planning a fishing trip to Alaska, halibut usually sits near the top of the priority list. Although some people prefer the fighting style and rod play of salmon over halibut, the flaky, mild, white meat of the halibut is a prize worth investing some time and energy into. Halibut are found throughout Alaska´s marine waters and are common in and around Ketchikan, Alaska. Their availability and delicious taste make halibut the most sought after bottom fish in Southeast Alaska and a close second to the prized king salmon at the top of the sport fishery´s holy grail.

Halibut reach ages in excess of 20 years with most of the halibut harvested by sportfishermen falling somewhere between the ages of 5-15 years old. Female halibut grow faster and are typically larger than males. The width of these flatfish is about 1/3 of their length. Average weight of halibut harvested in Ketchikan is 20-40 pounds, the perfect size for making their way to your table. But these monsters can grow to be several hundred pounds. Part of the magic of the hunt is not ever knowing exactly what is waiting on the other side of that line.

Although born with eyes on the opposite side of their head, these eyes rotate to one side of the halibut´s body for the highest degree of visibility as they swim flat against the bottom. Its topside varies in color but is comparable to the coloration of the ocean floor. The underside is lighter in color and resembles the sky when looking at it from below. These color adaptations help the halibut avoid detection from both predator and prey.

Halibut fishing in Alaska´s Inside Passage is most successful when anchored, although some areas with minimal current and a shallow bottom can provide fishing opportunity without an anchor. Large rod and reels, equipped with heavy pound test line, are suggested for these behemoth fish, which can sometimes literally take hours to land. The angler must keep their line taut: an inch of slack or too quick a retrieve can mean a lost fish followed quickly by disappointment.

Once caught, these enticing monsters need to be bled out promptly by slicing the gills to ensure maximum flavor of their delicious white meat. Halibut is typically broiled, deep-fried or lightly grilled but is versatile and can stand up to a variety of preparations. Smoking halibut is difficult because of its ultra low fat content and the fact that white meat tends to take on salt very quickly. When smoked, halibut must be brined for a fraction of the time salmon is brined, otherwise the meat becomes incredibly salty.

While fishing for halibut in Ketchikan, a good fishing trip can be turned into a great trip by selecting the right guide and a comfortable place to rest and relax after a day of fishing. If you aren´t ready to go looking for that 300 plus pounder in 500 feet of water you best make sure your guide is aware of your limitations. Also, don´t be afraid to snap a photo of the monster you brought up to the boat and then cut it loose. The large halibut are generally females and lay a substantial number of eggs, not to mention the fact that meat off a large halibut can often be grainy, gristled, and too thick to properly cook. Make sure your guide knows the kind of trip you are looking for and then plans your day to meet your needs and wants.

Halibut fishing is a great and enjoyable part of any Alaska fishing trip, particularly when your friends and family start "mysteriously" showing up around your house at dinner time. The great time you had reeling up the big one is always better as it is recounted to friends and family over a fabulous halibut dinner. And besides, no one else but you knows how much the big one really weighed!

More halibut questions? E-mail Russell Thomas

www.ketchikanalaskafishing.com

(800) 410-2234