Fishing Prince Rupert this time of year can be quite rewarding because of the lack of pressure on the Halibut grounds. Yesterday turned out to be one of those days. Winds from the Northwest under 10km per hour made the seas quite calm and glassy. I had the Herring and cut up Salmon parts soaking in Butt Juice for 24 hours to up the sent factor.
The Herring were large and Roe filled , scent is the most important factor in attracting the large barn doors. This day the tide had set up to peak at 09:00 so we had our anchor down by 07:30 and were scenting the water with choice bits of bait. The first three Halibut that hit were under 30lbs so we let them go. It doesn't seem to effect the fish letting them go like this.
Fish 4 turned out to be the biggest of the day topping 75 lbs. It can be very difficult bringing in one of these great fish, but my guy on the rod was a veteran of many battles. Slow and easy gets your Halibut every time. The comical pumping of the rod seems to aggravate them every time. Always keep your rod arch the same weather you are pumping or reeling.
Great times were had by all with our 4 Halibut adding up to just under 300lbs. Come out for a day on the Orca Mist and check out the great fishing in Prince Rupert.
