Recreational Pacific Halibut Fishery to Close August 4 at 11:59 p.m.

August 2, 2023



The recreational Pacific halibut fishery will close statewide on Friday, Aug. 4 at 11:59 p.m., the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) announced today. Based on the latest catch projections, CDFW expects the 2023 California recreational quota of 39,520 net pounds will be reached by this date.

CDFW tracks the progress of the fishery each year to achieve but not exceed the California quota. CDFW field staff at public launch ramps and charter boat landings monitor Pacific halibut catch throughout the season, along with other marine sportfish species. The quota is determined annually by the International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC).

This week, CDFW conferred with the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), the IPHC and the Pacific Fishery Management Council to review projected catch amounts and determine the closure date. Formal authority to close the fishery resides with NMFS, which took action to close the fishery following consultation with CDFW. CDFW implements changes to the season pursuant to authority found in sections 1.95 and 28.20, Title 14, California Code of Regulations.

Pacific halibut are a different species than California halibut and occupy a large geographic range from the Aleutian Islands eastward through Alaska to British Columbia and throughout ocean waters of the Pacific Northwest. Along the West Coast, Pacific halibut are commonly found as far south as Point Arena in Mendocino County. California halibut are more common farther south.

For current information about the Pacific halibut fishery, science or management, please check the following resources:

1.  NMFS Hotline: (800) 662-9825
 
2. CDFW Recreational Pacific Halibut Regulations Hotline: (831) 649-2801

3.  CDFW website: wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Marine/Pacific-Halibut

4.  IPHC website: https://iphc.int/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

Thanks for the update info Howard.

When I caught one last Friday I did a radio check to confirm the season was still open. Looks like I  got one just in time.

Any perceived taste difference between Cali and Pacific halibut?

“Any perceived taste difference between Cali and Pacific halibut?”

We had it sashimi style the first night pretty similar but a little firmer, second night was scraps in a Japanese broth, and it was very tender, but the flavor was masked. Next was halibut biryani which is baked for a long time. I think CA halibut would have been pretty tough and dry but this stayed nice and tender. To many  Indian spices to comment on flavor comparisons.

Any perceived taste difference between Cali and Pacific halibut?

My brother and I fried up CA and Pac halibut side-by-side a few years back. Nothing fancy, just breaded and fried so we could compare them. As much as I enjoy CA halibut, he Pac halibut has a bit more fat and was the clear winner between the two.

Thanks for the report and information, always nice to be in the know, R.

Maybe we should cut the limit to 1/2 a fish?   

-Allen