Halibut

Salmon isn't the only sport fishing game in town. Kodiak offers some of the best halibut fishing anywhere in Alaska. The halibut in the waters around Kodiak can reach eight feet or more.

Halibut fishing is hard work, and not for the faint of heart.

Tips:

• Use a Flexible rod to absorb the shock of an angry 400 lb. fish on the other end.
• A two-speed reel with "low gear" for pulling the monster out of the water is recommended.
• 40 lb. minimum line.
• Octopus and herring are favorite menu items for halibut.
• Low tide around the bays is ideal for halibut fishing.

What is Longlining?

In the commercial fishing world, halibut are caught using a method known as longlining. Longlining consists of sections of weighted lines in lengths of 100 fathoms which are called skates. Each skate has approximately 100 hooks spread out along its length. A set consist of one or more skates tied together and laid on the ocean bottom with anchors at each end. Each end has a float line with a buoy. The hooks are baited with frozen or fresh fish.