Westport Ocean Charter Halibut Fishing
Season: May 1st until quota is reached. Sundays and Tuesdays only. The season is expected to last about three days.
(We are not running Halibut Trips in 2008)
Limits: 1 Halibut, 10 Rockfish, 2 Ling Cod
Checking In: Be on the boat for check in 15-40 minutes prior to departure.
Prices: Prices include bait gear, and tax.

Description: The charter Halibut fishing trip is in most cases a combination of a Halibut trip with a Bottomfishing trip. If time and conditions permit, you will go Bottomfishing after catching your Halibut. This trip leaves very early - before daylight. The fishing grounds for Halibut are out on the edge of the continental shelf, which is approximately 25 miles offshore. Depending on where the fish are located on the edge, we could travel as far as 47 miles from Westport to fish for Halibut. The depth of the water ranges usually from 600 to 740 feet.

This fishing takes a high degree of organization and cooperation. When approaching the fishing area, the captian will be in communication with other boats to figure out the current and drift. When told to get ready, the fishermen will man their poles and prepare to drop their gear. It is of critical importance that all of the fishermen wait to drop until told to do so, and all must drop simultaneously. Failure to do this will cause tangles, minimizing the chance to catch a Halibut. It takes a long time to get to the bottom in 700 feet of water. It takes even longer to reel back in your tackle which includes a two pound lead weight. 700 feet of water + 2 pounds of lead + a big Halibut = a lot of work. The halibut range in size from 10 to 100 pounds. The average size of the fish we catch varies based on what is biting at the time. There are some big fish out there, and it is not uncommon to catch a fish in excess of 40 pounds.

Time and weather permitting, you will fish for Bottomfish after getting your Halibut. For more details about Bottomfishing, check the Bottomfishing page.

Difficulty Rating: Halibut - Difficult
Difficulty Rating: Rockfish - Very Easy
Difficulty Rating: Ling Cod - Low/Medium Difficulty (depends on conditions)