The California halibut, Pralichthys californicus, is a West coast fish found from the Quillayute River in Washington all the way to the Magdalena Bay off of Baja, California, Mexico. This halibut likes rocky or sandy bottoms, and enjoys bays and estuaries, as well as inlets.
It is a flat fish, where both eyes travel to one side and it spends much of its time as a bottom fish. It is dark colored on the top side (its eye-side) and generally white on the bottom side. The California halibut has a large mouth with very sharp teeth, and they enjoy eating smaller fish, crustaceans, and squid as a food source.
Image above shows a California Halibut, courtesy of FishStockPhoto.com.
Best Catch Methods
There are many ways to catch the California halibut, and the tackle needed will depend entirely on which methods you choose. But here are a few that yield good results. The daily bag limit and size minimum differs upon location caught, so check with your state's fishing regulation rules for details.
Slow Trolling or Drifting
This method is includes going at a slow drive in your boat using a trap rig. You can put out multiple lines at once and it is a more relaxing way to fish for California halibut. The use of a trap rig will increase your chances of landing a halibut, and is good for larger bait like mackerel and sardines.
Bounceballing
This method uses heavier weights to drag on the bottom. While they can be found at any depths, even jumping out of the water when chasing their prey, they are generally found on the bottom. The weights will drag the bottom, with the bait or lure in tow.
Spearfishing
If you enjoy snorkeling, then the use of a spear gun can be used to catch halibut. Look for sandy areas in the mouths of bays, and its tell-tale outline on the bottom.
Resources:
“California Halibut.” Marine Sportfish Identification: Flatfishes. California Department of Fish and Game, Marine Region. Dfg.ca.gov. Site accessed 7 January, 2011.
Kucas, S.T., and T.J. Hassler. 1986. Species profiles: life histories and environmental requirements o f coastal fishes and invertebrates (Pacific Southwest)--California halibut. U.S. Fish Wildl. Serv. Biol. Rep. 82(11.44). U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, TR EL-82-4. 8 pp.
