SEA-ANGLING-IRELAND.ORG

everything you need to know, all on one site...

Halibut, Hippoglossus hippoglossus

Introduction: The Halibut is the real monster flatfish to be caught in Irish waters.  The current Irish record, of 156 lbs has stood for some time and the giant flatties have been caught with some regularity from all the main fishing centres in the West, from Valentia in Cork to Burtonport in Donegal. Halibut appear to prefer colder water, are usually found over rough ground and will take baits and artificial lures like heavy flashing spoon and pirks. Boat tactics: This is a flatfish like no other - if you ecounter one pray that you are using at least a 30 lbs standard boat rod, a wire or very heavy duty mono trace, and you need not be too dainty with the baits or hooks.  Think of the kind of rigs that you would use for Skate. Shore tactics: Not a hope in hell, unless you find a very deep cold water mark with strong tidal currents and you are happy to fish it in mid-winter... perfect for a madman seeking a huge challenge, provided you like a rural wind swept Donegal shore mark in December.