Big halibut, of course. I love halibut and would like to try my hand at catching one. My boat doesn't have the capability to go that far out in the salt as it's too small, though. So a charter would be my best option, I think. Any suggestions?

Best bet - Neah Bay in the spring. You will bring home a butt. Probably in the 20-40 lb class. Great fun, be ready for some bumpy rides.

How big is your boat? I've caught my share of halibut off Port Angeles - Freshwater Bay keeps you close to shore and allows you to run east back to PA if you get a wind blowing from the west. The other spots - Rockpile and 36-30 are off shore 6 miles - I've done them in my 16 footer but be sure to keep a good eye on the PA smokestacks - head home if you see the smoke level out.

My suggestion, Neah Bay, as well.
Try clicking on the little house left of this post.

J.D.

Or, come visit us in AK

Twice as many fish per day and we've been known to get a few big 'uns!

Unfortunately, my budget doesn't allow for a trip to Alaska. My max is around $200, since I'm house shopping at the moment. Paying $1,500 to go fishing in Alaska is just out of my price range at the moment.

It's a whopping 10' Porta-Bote that I use for lakes and shallow salt water. I don't even have an outboard for it yet. Using it to fish for halibut is, of course, out of the question.

You could ask for an open seat with someone heading to Neah Bay for the May opener -- might cost you $50 for ferry and gas money. I'll have an open seat, but I only have 18' of boat, so I'll be staying close to the bay. Bigger boats fish Swiftsure, which is a hot spot I'm told.

Regards.

Finegrain
Woodinville

I don't think I want to go along on someone's boat, unless I know them well. If I don't get along well with the person, it might be a problem. Whereas paid people have to put up with you.

How big of a boat would be needed to fish off the coast? 22'? Bigger?

I fished butt out on swiftsure for a few years in a 21'er but I wouldn't recomend buying one and heading out there. Neah is the place to go on a budget to see if it is something you enjoy.
If you go in the summer be prepared to get hooked on the place. I fished the first week of July for 8 years strait until some friends of mine were killed up there in their home. I went back last year for the first time in about ten years and had a ball. Halibut wasn't open but the fishing was incredible.
ps. the hotels suck

oops!!! messed up on the pic upload

Book with Jambo's Charter boat out of Neah Bay. You can book through Big Salmon or call (425) 788-5955. His boat is 37' and one of the few capable of handling rough water should it be rough.

I seen some big butts once

hey arklier you said you are house hunting if you do not have a realtor already I would love to help you find your new home shoot me an email at mcanady@windermere.com thanks mike!!!

www.fishingthepacific.com
Tuna Man, did you fish with us in '03?

J.D.

Hmm. I've made up my mind that I want to go out, but I need to find out what days I can get off work, and who will have room on those days. What's the best way to catch a good sized one on these charters? I'd hate to pay $160 and come home with a 20 pound 'chicken' halibut.

Arklier,
I've got an idea, since you want more than 1 20lb hali for the price of chartering a boat.
Shoot me an Email.
jaydee247fish@msn.com

J.D.

I'll send you an email once I get home.

I was wondering, though. Don't charters that head to Canada (or start from there) have a limit of two fish?

Yes. The limit is two.
But, in most cases, the average size on the US side is considerably larger.
When you get a chance, I'll fill you in with details and options.

J.D.

Sorry Arklier, but I've never emailed myself.
Not used to typing my correct address.
Edited above.

J.D.