How to Fish for Halibut in Alaska: the Complete Guide

Have you ever wanted to know how to catch a halibut in Alaska? Read more to learn how! Prince William Sound and the Cook Inlet in Alaska are one of the most picturesque locations on earth, offering some of the best fishing grounds.

How to halibut fish in alaska

This beautiful body of water is home to diverse fish species, and if you’re looking to catch a delicious and healthy meal, halibut fishing in Homer and Prince William Sound is the perfect adventure for you.

Halibut is known for its delicious and delicate flavor, making it a favorite among fishermen. In this article, we will give you a detailed guide on catching a halibut in Homer and Prince William Sound, Alaska so you can enjoy one of the most incredible fishing experiences of your life.

Equipment and gear required to catch a halibut

The first thing to consider is having the right tools and equipment to catch a halibut in Homer and Prince William Sound. You must have a heavy-duty fishing rod and reel, rated for 50 to 80 pounds. You will also need a sizable weight to hold the bait, such as a four to five-pound lead weight.

Lastly, it would help if you used the right trick. Use squid, octopus, and herring, which are the preferred bait of halibut. A tremendous artificial bait for halibut is jigs. Kodiak Custom Tackle sells a great variety of jigs.

The bottom fishing rig

I’ve attached below a bottom fishing rig I like to use. I use a 300 lb tuna cord with Boleyn knots to connect a barrel swivel to one end. Next, I put on a corkscrew swivel and tie a series of two knots about 6 inches down from the barrel swivel.

Then, keeping the corkscrew swivel next to the frist knot, I tie two more knots below the swivel. These two knots keep the corkscrew swivel in place. The cork screw swivel holds the lead weight.

About 24 to 30″ below the lead weight I tie another boleyn knot so that there’s a loop big enough for me to put through a circle hook from the FRONT and go through the back. Then, I take the look and pull the hook through the loop. It’s important to put the loop from the front rather than from the back. Studies done on long lining showed that this method increased the catch rate by over 30 percent.

Locating halibut: location, location, location

To catch halibut, you need to locate the best fishing spots. Halibut typically prefers a sandy bottom and will concentrate where there is a distinct depth variation. A sounder is an effective tool for locating halibut in Homer and Prince William Sound, and a small boat is perfect for navigating the shallow waters of the sound. Avoid muddy bottoms.

Using a good software such as Navionics provides current information that’s technologically advanced to show you all the contours of the ocean floor. To locate a good fishing hole, you want to look for mounds or pinnacles that are anywhere from 120 to 220 feet deep. I like to anchor on top of the mound in the middle.

Proper technique to catch halibut

The technique used for catching halibut varies. The most common method is the anchoring technique. Anchoring helps you keep your boat in place while waiting for the halibut to bite. Use a chum bag to attract halibut.

Some people tie a chum bag to the end of their anchor. This probably works fine but there are better ways. Putting a chum bag on the anchor means the halibut are going to be attracted to the anchor location, not the back of the boat where you are fishing.

The right and wrong way to rig a circle hook for halibut

Study the two pictures carefully; they are different. There’s a right way to rig a circle hook and a wrong way. I use tuna cord and form a loop at the end with about 8″ of cord using a Boyln knot.

After making a loop, the correct way slides the loop through the front of the hook carrying it through the back and running the entire hook back through the loop. The reasoning for the cord going through the front of the hook is that it significantly increases hook-up rates.

Studies done of long liners catching halibut with this approach shows it to be the most effective way to setup a hook.

Try chumming with a downrigger

A better method is to have a dedicated downrigger that you can place a chum bag on and lower to the ocean floor. Better yet, put two chum bags down and refresh their contents periodically. When a halibut bites, it will initially feel like a school of small fish nibbling at the bait. Give it time to set the hook properly, and then start reeling in your catch.

Regulations to follow

Ensure that you adhere to all the fishing regulations set for the region. For example, halibut fishing may have a limit of up to two per day, with size limits of 28 inches to 44 inches in length, so be sure to know the laws of the area before embarking on your adventure.

Best time for halibut fishing

Halibut fishing in Homer and Prince William Sound, Alaska, is best from late May to early October. Peak season is around late June through early August when the fish are closer to the sound near the fishery, where the bait on the pink salmon runs to the nearby rivers. During the peak season, the waters are smooth, making it a comfortable time to fish.

Catching halibut in Homer and Prince William Sound, Alaska, can be a thrilling experience. With the right equipment, knowledge, and technique, you can surely head out to the water and catch some delicious fish.

Pick the best locations to catch halibut

Remember that the key to any fishing activity is respect for nature, which means keeping clean waters and not taking more than you need. Homer and Prince William Sound are a haven for fishing and adventure, so grab your gear, climb aboard, and prepare for an exciting and fulfilling experience of catching halibut.