The waters of San Francisco Bay are currently teeming with an extraordinary abundance of halibut, creating a fishing bonanza that’s drawing both sport and commercial anglers. This year’s halibut season, which typically runs from April to October, has been described as “unbelievable” by local fishing enthusiasts and professionals alike.
Several factors have contributed to this exceptional fishing season:
- Unusually windy conditions along the coast have resulted in colder ocean temperatures, prompting more halibut to seek refuge in the bay’s warmer waters.
- Limited salmon fishing opportunities have shifted focus to halibut as one of the primary catchable species in the area.
- Cooler overall ocean temperatures in recent years, attributed to La Niña weather patterns, have influenced fish behavior and distribution.
Scott Sutherland, a charter booking agent at Berkeley Marina, reports that fishing boats are consistently reaching their daily limits of three halibut per person, often returning hours earlier than scheduled. The average catch weighs an impressive 18 pounds, with fish seemingly growing larger as the season progresses.
The species in question is the California halibut, a smaller and more delicate white fish compared to its Alaskan counterpart. This local delicacy is highly prized by chefs and seafood enthusiasts for its fresh, delicate flavor. Restaurants like the Good Good Culture Club in San Francisco are featuring innovative preparations, such as seaweed-marinated raw halibut served with pickled kumquats.
Commercial fisherman Ron Koyasako provides insight into the fishing techniques used to catch these elusive flatfish. He targets halibut in water depths ranging from 5 to 55 feet, using live anchovies as bait to attract these visual predators. Koyasako emphasizes the importance of finding clear water areas within the bay, as California halibut rely primarily on sight to hunt their prey.
While the current halibut abundance is a boon for anglers and seafood lovers, it’s important to note the environmental health guidelines. The California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment recommends that children and women of childbearing age limit consumption to once a week, while others can safely enjoy it twice weekly.
Looking ahead, experts predict that the strong winds experienced this spring could lead to an even more productive summer fishing season. The upwelling caused by these winds has brought nutrient-rich waters to the surface, supporting the growth of krill and anchovies – key food sources for halibut and other prized fish species.
As the commercial salmon season approaches its July 8 opening and sport salmon fishing resumes on June 23, halibut fishing continues to dominate the local angling scene. For those looking to experience this exceptional fishing opportunity, charter boat operators advise that catching two to three halibut per trip is now the norm rather than the exception.
This unprecedented halibut season not only provides a unique opportunity for anglers but also showcases the dynamic nature of marine ecosystems and the importance of sustainable fishing practices to maintain such abundance for future generations.
