New Recreational Pacific Halibut Regulations In Effect for 2015

April 30, 2015

New Recreational Pacific Halibut Regulations In Effect for 2015
CDFW Marine Region - Marine Management News
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The recreational Pacific halibut fishery will open May 1 for the 2015 season. This year the fishery will be held to a federally established quota of 25,220 pounds. The season dates will be May 1-15, June 1-15, July 1-15, Aug. 1-15, and Sept. 1-Oct. 31, or until the quota is reached, whichever is earlier.

"California's increased recreational quota was the result of hard work with the industry and other states and their willingness to give up some quota," said Marci Yaremko, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) representative to the Pacific Fishery Management Council. "We are committed to ensuring this year's catch does not exceed that number."

To be consistent with international and federal gear restrictions already in place, state regulations now limit anglers to one rod and no more than two hooks per person to take Pacific halibut. New state regulations will allow the use of a harpoon, gaff or net to assist in taking a Pacific halibut that has been legally caught by angling.

The season dates were determined through a collaborative effort between CDFW staff and stakeholders to provide as much fishing opportunity as possible between May and October. The open and closed periods are intended to spread the fishing activity from spring through fall.

Again this year, field staff will be stationed at public launch ramps and charter boat landings to monitor catches of Pacific halibut along with other marine sport fish. CDFW will examine this information in comparison to expected catch rates and confer with the National Marine Fisheries Service on a weekly basis. If the cumulative catch is expected to reach or exceed the quota prior to Oct. 31, the National Marine Fisheries Service will close the fishery.

The public can follow the progress of the catch throughout the season by viewing the new Pacific Halibut Thermometer ( http://www.dfg.ca.gov/marine/pacifichalibut.asp#tracking ), which will be updated weekly with the latest catch projection information.

Before engaging in any fishing activity for Pacific halibut, please check one of the following resources for the most up-to-date regulations:

    National Marine Fishery Service Halibut Hotline, (800) 662-9825 FREE
    CDFW Recreational Groundfish Regulations Hotline, (831) 649-2801
    CDFW website

Uhhh Sean...I wanna buy a kage now!
""New state regulations will allow the use of a harpoon, gaff or net to assist in taking a Pacific halibut that has been legally caught by angling.""

To be consistent with international and federal gear restrictions already in place, state regulations now limit anglers to one rod and no more than two hooks per person to take Pacific halibut. New state regulations will allow the use of a harpoon, gaff or net to assist in taking a Pacific halibut that has been legally caught by angling.

DAMMIT!!
I just tossed mine a few weeks ago!
Time to get busy!

Anyone watch the last episode of River Monsters? Idk if its hype, or if those butts are crazy like they say, youd have to dispatch it before landing.  After seeing that episode, makes me wanna go out and catch one.

To be consistent with international and federal gear restrictions already in place, state regulations now limit anglers to one rod and no more than two hooks per person to take Pacific halibut. New state regulations will allow the use of a harpoon, gaff or net to assist in taking a Pacific halibut that has been legally caught by angling.

DAMMIT!!
I just tossed mine a few weeks ago!
Time to get busy!

How about shooting it with a speargun while out of the water?

Pacific halibut aren't going to kill you but I wouldn't gaff one with a rigid gaff or kage as the first strike.  Most kayak guys that catch pacific halibut use a harpoon or shark hook attached to a bouy. Once you stick them they tend to go balistic.

Pacific halibut aren't going to kill you but I wouldn't gaff one with a rigid gaff or kage as the first strike.  Most kayak guys that catch pacific halibut use a harpoon or shark hook attached to a bouy. Once you stick them they tend to go balistic.

yeah, I'd want something with a detachable tip & some line on it, with a nice fat buoy. The shark hook setup Matanaska uses seems to be the preferred gear for the bigger fish. I'm not sure I'll bring my harpoon due to the low chance of catching one at GS9.
But, I'm now thinking of a landing plan again.

FWIW, I just duplicated the homemade harpoon design from the internet. With a bit of ss rod & some SS tubing they are easy to make.
It is the mojo decor on the handles that is tough to come by

The shark hook setup Matanaska uses seems to be the preferred gear for the bigger fish.

After watching Bushy have a big butt pull loose on a shark hook last year, and the butt pulling the hooks at the same time, I'm fully in the harpoon camp.  IMO, the barbs on a shark hook are just not big enough for a rolling butt.

-Allen

I have harpoon that may see some use now, but the weatherman's gaff has worked fine for any of the halibut I have caught so far.  First, you don't lift the head above the water and second, get the hook secured through behind the thick part of the jaw.  So far none of the halibut have gone more balistic then what I can wrestle with.  I have yet to actually use the bouy.  Usually I just hold the rope tight and grab my knife and slit the gills and stab between the eyes. Also using the 16/0 circle hooks help.  They hook good and stay hooked.

I'll try and get my video finished or break it into multiple videos since it's long.  This year I will getting more video at multiple angles.

I agree ... i prefer to hang on to the fish rather than releasing the bouy. Halibut are usually good for one good fight at the surface.
This was about a 45 pounder.
Kayak halibut rodeo:

So far none of the halibut have gone more balistic then what I can wrestle with.

Try catching a big one.   

-Allen

All you need is a shark hook and a club!

To be consistent with international and federal gear restrictions already in place, state regulations now limit anglers to one rod and no more than two hooks per person to take Pacific halibut. New state regulations will allow the use of a harpoon, gaff or net to assist in taking a Pacific halibut that has been legally caught by angling.

DAMMIT!!
I just tossed mine a few weeks ago!
Time to get busy!

RA70 will do the trick 

well dangit, now I have yet another thing to remember to pack next weekend.

That video Fungunnin posted is one BIG fish. 

I'd be happy with a 30#er on Friday the 15th.

So far none of the halibut have gone more balistic then what I can wrestle with.

Try catching a big one.   

-Allen

Multiple 60lbers are no slouch.  Why don't you catch one without going to Alaska.  I didn't pay any guide service or outfitter to catch any of my halibut by kayak or by boat.