1. Neah Bay area. Whether
you run out to Swiftsure, Blue Dot, Compass Rose or simply fish behind
Tatoosh Island, your chances of bringing home a butt are the best in
the state here. Call TommyCod
Charters at, 1-800-283-8900 or Big Salmon Resort in Neah Bay at,
{360} 645-2374
2. Hein Bank. I’ve
taken halibut along the northern slopes, ranging in depth from 220 to
300 feet deep. You could also score while fishing on top of the bank.
Follow the schools of baitfish and you’ll likely find a butt or two.
3. Sekiu. The sandy flats
offshore from the the rivers in the area offer decent, snag free
fishing. As with most areas I like, try shallow first {100 to 200
feet} and then work into deeper water, {200 to 500 feet} where most
anglers never try.
4. Port Angeles.
Freshwater Bay can be hot. It can also be boringly cold. But one thing
is for sure, you can travel east or west and usually find something
willing to bite.
5. Coyote Bank. A good
chart along with a Loran or GPS will help you locate this halibut
hotspot. Listen to the radio chatter and be ready to move to one of
the other banks if Coyote is slow.
6. Eastern Bank. If the
butts are on Hein and Coyote banks, then Eastern is a good bet as
well.
7. Partridge Bank.
Located on the western side of Whidbey Island, Partridge attracts
large schools of candlefish, salmon and yes, halibut for those who
explore the edges of the bank. On the incoming tide try the east side
of the bank first. On the outgoing tide move to the west end first.
8. Salmon Bank. I like
Salmon Bank because you can usually catch a blackmouth, gut it and use
the entrails for bait. I’ve seen halibut all over Salmon Bank,
proving these fish are largely migratory and feeding on candlefish.
9. Middle Bank. Deep
flats between pinnacles present unique, but difficult areas to catch
halibut. I once hooked a large halibut in a small flat and then
drifted with it for a mile before it finally "parted"
company and line. The expansive flats on the western end provide
easier, more productive fishing for halibut and lots of lingcod.
10. Mutiny Bay. While I’ve never tried this spot,
lots of anglers have told me they catch halibut every season. This
area is fairly large and requires lots of exploring. Depths reported
to me range from 120 to 220 feet deep.
Regardless of where you choose to chase Pacific
halibut, be on the halibut grounds when the season and weather allows
and you will likely feel the pulse of the Pacific Ocean’s flattest,
tastiest prize on the end of your line. Is there a doctor in the
house? My pulse is racing with anticipation, is yours? And don’t
forget to hit the instant store button on your Loran or GPS as soon as
you hook a fish. Think of it as a halibut heart monitor!
