Catching America’s Favorite Fish

Would it surprise you to learn that America’s favorite fish is the Alaska Halibut? Often called whales, soakers, barn doors, or chickens (in the case of smaller fish), Alaska Halibut are among the largest fish in the sea – and they are the biggest of all the flatfish.

How big? These monsters can grow to over eight feet long and more than seven hundred pounds. If you’re wondering why this fish is America’s favorite, look no further than its firm, flaky, white meat and sweet, delicate flavor. Lean and mild, Alaska halibut cooks up deliciously no matter how it’s prepared and there aren’t a lot of bones to get in the way of flavor.

But that’s not all there is to this amazing fish. The biggest Alaska halibut ever caught while sport fishing was 459 lbs. in Unalaska Bay, but it’s in the commercial fishing industry where this fish really shines. Commercial halibut fishing as an industry is over 100 years old and in the beginning, steamers would carry small two-man rowboats out. Alaska halibut was caught right from these until schooners specially designed for halibut fishing were introduced. Today, the boats used in commercial halibut fishing are more versatile – often other fisheries will share crafts with the companies going after halibut.

Can you catch halibut without a commercial setup? Yes! Contracting with an Alaskan sports fishing charter that has all the gear you’ll need is a popular option since most hobby anglers don’t have the equipment necessary to fish for Alaska halibut. Locality is another issue that bars many people from fishing for this type of halibut on their own – Alaska is farther away than most people expect. It’s worth the time and effort, though.

No matter how you fish for halibut, know that reeling in one of these huge fighters is an experience no angler should miss.