Large Halibut

[Wang]

There was a picture yesterday in the Statesman Journal of a local guy standing next to a #300 plus halibut. From glancing at the article it sounded to be some kind of line record. I've seen many pictures of people keeping these" barndoors". My question is, is that fish worth keeping? Aren't the big halis female that lay millions of eggs? I've also heard they dont eat as well as the smaller halis. So, record or no record would you keep it and whats the reel truth about "barndoors".

[ 07-21-2002, 01:58 PM: Message edited by: Wang ]

[sturgn]

If I ever get the chance at a "Barndoor" Halibut I will most likely keep one, but truth be told the majority of Halibut caught are small. Especially in Oregon, only heard of a couple over 100lbs here. I have gone to B.C. a couple times trying to catch one of these big guys and no luck yet, but someday I will get one.

[bigshark]

I am told that all halibut over 90# are female.
The biologist at Deep Creek gave us a long lecture on halibut facts. The big ones are good eating as far as flavor, it is a larger flake but not really tougher. If I had my choice of taking home a couple of 70 pounders or a single 150 pound fish I would elect for the two smaller fish.
Yep, that 300# fish is broodstock and I hope laws will change that follow the "Over Size" rules we have for sturgeon. When those really large fish become very common we could reverse it for a while. But maybe thats too simple. Halibut is my favorite fish for the table but the least fun to catch in my book.

[Deepslayer]

I think it's more than enough work pulling up a smaller one. I don't want to strain my milk on a barn door.
,Ed