There is a difference between the weekend guy who goes out numerous times and keeps what he catches and can keep over a season and the guides who have to find fish under 102cms in a few hours. Halibut fishing is a mix of days with nothing or one or two nice ones and days with a few smalls. To find only smalls every trip is gettings like scoring a hat tick every game. (and most hali trips are 4 guys so you need 4 smalls now to make them as happy as they can be with all smaller fish.)
Early Halibut Opening
- Thread starter carpeweekend
- Start date
wildmanyeah
Crew Member
They can always buy a bigger one, I know talking about that on here is a big no no but it’s not like anyone is going to battle for more quota so I don’t see why if someone wants to retain and pay for a big one that they need to be named and shamed.
I think it would be different if the rec sector was actively battling for more quota but that hase t happened in years and I don’t see it happening again.
I don’t no the details but I believe a guide can get 20 pounds of quota and then transfer it and pay for more after the fish is caught.
I also find it weird that that could make or break someone booking like there is always the chance you catch nothing or not get limits but I guess it’s about selling the opportunity of a big one.
I think it would be different if the rec sector was actively battling for more quota but that hase t happened in years and I don’t see it happening again.
I don’t no the details but I believe a guide can get 20 pounds of quota and then transfer it and pay for more after the fish is caught.
I also find it weird that that could make or break someone booking like there is always the chance you catch nothing or not get limits but I guess it’s about selling the opportunity of a big one.
Doug
Well-Known Member
I agree that most fish caught are probably under 102cm in area 19/20.
I don't know about a fish sizes report and sure would like a copy.
There are guys who fish race rock, and Oak Bay, and they know what they are doing and catch bigger than 102cm 70% of their trips.
Here is the halibut catch and release info from 2024 Creel Survey Report. Feb 2025
Page 17, table 15, is the recreational kept halibut catch estimates.
Page 18, table 16, is the released halibut catch estimates.
I don't know about a fish sizes report and sure would like a copy.
There are guys who fish race rock, and Oak Bay, and they know what they are doing and catch bigger than 102cm 70% of their trips.
Here is the halibut catch and release info from 2024 Creel Survey Report. Feb 2025
Page 17, table 15, is the recreational kept halibut catch estimates.
Page 18, table 16, is the released halibut catch estimates.
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wildmanyeah
Crew Member
You can take the weight and devide it by the piece count to get the average size caught,
This is obviously bias as it’s retain fish but the average sizes in most areas are below 15 pound fish.
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SpringVelocity
Crew Member
Should have been opened from June to August. That was a mistake in my opinion.
Wasn't my call though.
Wasn't my call though.
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fishinforever
Well-Known Member
lol just get rid of the South Island fishery entirely?
Yah for those 2 good tide days in area 19 in August.
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