California Halibut

Oceans & Range: Eastern Pacific Ocean — from Washington State south to Baja California and the Gulf of California. Most abundant from San Francisco Bay south through Southern California. Found on sandy bottom in bays, nearshore coastal areas, and offshore banks in 10–300 feet. A very popular California sport fish — the most sought-after flatfish on the West Coast.

Preferred Water Temperature: 55°F–68°F. Found on sandy bottom adjacent to structure. Concentrate in bays and nearshore coastal areas in summer; move deeper in winter. Known to ambush baitfish near the surface — one of the few flatfish regularly caught near the surface on swimbaits.

Size & Weight: Typical catches run 5–15 lbs. Trophy "barn door" Halibut exceed 40 lbs. World record: 67 lbs 12 oz. Distinguished from Pacific Halibut by a very large mouth. Can be right or left-eyed — unlike most flatfish. Excellent eating — firm, white, sweet fillets. California minimum size applies.

Best Lures: Swimbaits dragged slowly on the bottom are the dominant modern technique. White or natural swimbaits (5–7 inch) on a lead-head jig produce excellent results. Dart-style jig heads with paddle tails work very well. Swimbaits worked through sandy-bottom depressions catch fish consistently.

Best Baits: Live anchovies fished near the bottom are outstanding. Live smelt are top baits in Northern California. Large live mudsuckers are excellent in bays. Fresh-dead anchovies on a slider rig produce consistently. Live queenfish work well in Southern California. Always keep bait near the sandy bottom — that's where Halibut are.