Halibut Fishing

In June, 2000 we took a halibut charter out of Seward, AK (about 2 hrs south of Anchorage).  It was a great day to be out on the water--weather was very calm.  We went out after the monster halibut that live on the bottom.  Halibut fishing is interesting compared to other forms.  You have a short rod with the thickest fishing line I've ever seen.  At the end of the line is a 4-pound weight.  The baited hook is tied to the line just above the weight.  You drop your line over the side and let it sink to the bottom.  Then you let the rocking of the boat bounce it on the bottom, causing the bait to jink just above the bottom.

Unfortunately, I got skunked--didn't even get a bite.  At least we didn't come home empty handed, though.  Cheryl caught a 30-pounder.  These small ones are affectionately called "chickens" by the locals.  It's not uncommon to hear about people catching 200+ pounders out in the area we were fishing.  Oh well, at least we have some fish in the freezer!