Are sablefish a rare catch? Caught this fellow at spirit bay

[Huyfishin]

This was in about 120 feet of water. The guy was a juvenile but I’m pretty proud of it knowing he is the most expensive fish on the coast.

 

[Rain City]

Can you just post a picture?

 

[Aces]

Halibut like them fished live

 

[Newf]

I caught 3 or 4 of these in Pedder Bay in the last couple of weeks. First time I had caught them in the 5 years I've been fishing out there.

 

[Captain PartyMarty]

I don't think they are rare, you have go much much deeper to find the big ones. I am planning on targeting them next year in winter harbour

 

[Huyfishin]

Can you just post a picture?

I sure can! One moment

 

[Huyfishin]

 

[hippaisland]

View attachment 59306

Looks like a p-cod. Quite common over here, troll them up often.

 

[Huyfishin]

I’m seriously so proud of the catch. So if it’s fairly common. How does one target sablefish so I can consistently catch them?

 

[TheNootkaRose]

From 2013: https://www.sportfishingbc.com/forum/index.php?threads/black-cod-fishing.55139/

 

[Pippen]

Just did a google search of juvenile sablefish and if you scroll down in this link what he's holding seems to fit the bill.

Sablefish

 

[Rob H]

I’m seriously so proud of the catch. So if it’s fairly common. How does one target sablefish so I can consistently catch them?

I caught a juvenile sabelfish as well on Monday in Beecher Bay (long slender fish of maybe 12 inches long). They look similar to a Pacific cod but do not have the little barbels on their chin and also are more a greenish coloring than brownish. I catch a few of these juveniles every year in Beecher or Whirl Bay while fishing the bottom for winter springs. I have never caught any mature specimens only very young ones like yours or smaller.

...Rob

 

[DuroBoat]

I've caught a bunch in my prawn traps off victoria waterfront. they seem to be a pretty common little bottom dweller

 

[ILHG]

I’m seriously so proud of the catch. So if it’s fairly common. How does one target sablefish so I can consistently catch them?

You want to look for muddy bottoms In a minimum of 1,700' of water. Bottom of ledges with muddy bottom has been best. Lights will significantly increase your catch. . For gear I recommend a size 9 circle hook with small glow hoochie or B2 squid. Fresh salmon belly stays on the hook & has a sent they inhale

 

[Stizzla]

You want to look for muddy bottoms In a minimum of 1,700' of water. Bottom of ledges with muddy bottom has been best. Lights will significantly increase your catch. . For gear I recommend a size 9 circle hook with small glow hoochie or B2 squid. Fresh salmon belly stays on the hook & has a sent they inhale

Show em’ a grown up, buddy!

 

[Hot-Streak]

Cool catch. Black Cod is so good when marinated in miso/mirin/sake mix and then broiled

 

[ILHG]

Show em’ a grown up, buddy!

This is what a adult sablefish looks like. I love this species

 

[Corey_lax]

https://houseandhome.com/recipe/blue-water-cafes-sable-fish-recipe/

I’ve never made this myself but I have had it from blue water cafe and I can honestly say it was the hands down the best fish that I have ever had. My first bite was a game changer. It was that good

 

[Stizzla]

View attachment 59317

This is what a adult sablefish looks like. I love this species

Aka butterfish. It’s so good!! I had it on my first date with my wifey 15 years ago at Canoe pub.
#regrets (kidding)

 

[RogersonCrusoe]

Oh yeah! I caught one of those off beechy head a few years ago. As soon as I got it into the boat it flopped around and literally flung its guts all over. Wasn't really big enough to get any meat off of, so I put it in a trap.