Many people who book trips with British Columbia fishing lodges are hoping to catch a salmon or two. But while salmon fishing might be a big part of what draws visitors to the area, it’s far from the only species you have a chance of reeling in.
Another popular fish species waiting in the waters around British Columbia are halibut. These large, flatfish are easy to identify and tasty to eat. Thanks to their large size, they also make for great fighting on the line.
Ready to cast your line for a halibut during your fishing excursion with Sointula Lodge? Keep reading to learn what you need to know about this unique species.
What are Halibut?
Halibut belong to the flounder family and are the largest species of flatfish. There are actually three different species of halibut; Pacific, Atlantic, and Greenland. On your fishing excursion with one of British Columbia’s fishing lodges, you’ll be casting your line in hopes of reeling in a Pacific halibut.
These fish are very easy to spot and identify. They have large, flat bodies that are mottled brown, allowing them to blend in at the bottom of the ocean. There, they lie in wait until their prey passes by and they can strike. They prey on other, smaller fish, including groundfish, herring, and sand lance. They also eat crabs, octopus, clams, and other sea life.
Because of this, both of their eyes are on one side of their body, and they swim sideways through the water.
Halibut are some of the largest fish you’ll find in the cool waters of the Pacific. They can reach more than 8-feet in length and weigh over 800 pounds. Only the males reach this size. Females rarely grow longer than 3-feet. However, most halibut are between 10 and 50 pounds. Thanks to their large size, they have few predators.
Large halibut are often called “barn doors,” while smaller fish are called “chickens.”
Halibut also have a long lifespan compared to other fish species. While most live up to 20 years, the oldest known halibut lived a whopping 55 years.
Fishing for Pacific Halibut
British Columbia is known around the world as one of the best places to fish for halibut.
Here, halibut fishing is more than just a vacation pastime — it’s an exciting and popular sport. Thanks to their large size, reeling in a halibut is a unique experience. Whether you’re an experienced fisherman or not, if it’s your first time fishing for halibut, it’s best to do so on a guided fishing excursion.
Your experienced guides know the best spots to cast a line, the right gear to use, and how to best fight a massive halibut. While you’ll be reeling in your catch, they’ll be there to help and offer advice as needed.
Is Pacific Halibut Endangered?
Atlantic halibut has a history of being overfished. Today, the species is endangered. But Pacific halibut have been more closely protected.
Since 1923, the United States and Canada have worked together to manage the population of Pacific halibut off each nation’s coast. Thanks to their efforts, experts say that Pacific halibut are being fished at responsible levels. On fishing excursions with British Columbia fishing lodges, you’ll follow British Columbia tidal water limits to ensure that you’re doing your part to protect this amazing species.
Can You Eat Halibut?
Not only can you eat halibut, but it’s also a tasty, nutritious fish. Halibut is lean, and most describe it as having a mild, sweet taste that’s similar to tilapia.
Halibut is an excellent source of protein. Just one serving of cooked halibut has more than 40 grams of protein. It’s also packed with nutrients, including vitamin B12, vitamin B6, magnesium, and niacin.
Thanks to the omega-3 fatty acids, niacin, and magnesium, halibut is also good for your heart and can lower your risk of developing heart disease.
The niacin, selenium, and omega-3 in halibut have also been known to fight chronic inflammation. This can help to boost your immune system as well.
Planning Your Own Halibut Fishing Trip to British Columbia Fishing Lodges
If you’re dreaming of reeling in your first halibut, British Columbia fishing lodges are the best place to go. Booking a fishing excursion with Sointula Lodge means having experienced guides there to help you find and fight a halibut. Plus, after you’ve reeled in your prize catch, we’ll clean and prepare it for you. When you leave our Lodge to go home, we’ll package the halibut and salmon you caught, and pack it in wax boxes that will keep your fish fresh until you get home.
Ready to book your own halibut and salmon fishing trip? We’re now booking for fishing and wilderness trips at Sointula Lodge in 2022. Book today to secure your spot, and start dreaming of your own perfect fishing trip in beautiful British Columbia!