Not All Alaska Halibut Are Barn Doors!

Alaska Outdoor Journal's Photo of the Day!

Records Are Made To Be Broken!

You'd think that every Alaskan who has lived in the state and fished for halibut over several decades would have at least one Barn Door to their name. But if you ask around, you will be surprised at what the locals might tell you is their biggest halibut they've caught so far.

Such is the case with the Klondike Kid, who despite having caught a few hundred flatfish in his lifetime, 60 pounds was his pride and joy. And even at that it was bigger than several of my friends best fish. This summer I got lucky I guess and although it still wasn't a "barn door", it did put my record up a notch to 82 pounds now.

Most anglers interested in Alaska halibut fishing have heard the stories and reports, and seen the photos of some real giants of the deep. But in all fairness to you readers, consider the fact that in 1997, 451,000 halibut were hooked just in Kenai Peninsula saltwater, and of that only 224,000 were keepers that ended on the fish rack. And of those, there may have been a dozen or two over 200 lbs., maybe a few hundred over 100 pounds. But the vast majority of keepers run from 30-50 pounds....and that's nothing to be ashamed of by any means. You can see by the photo that even an 80 pounder is a huge fish worth bragging about.

So whether you go out and make the big score, or just end up with a cooler of fillets from a couple of 40 pounders, the experience is part of the reward. And who knows, you may be able to see one of your fellow anglers land one of the giants...and THAT is awesome to watch!

Keep your hooks sharp,
-KK-

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