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Fishing in Alaska can deliver a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and for Jake Birkett, an accountant from upstate New York, it certainly did. On his very first fishing trip to Alaska, Jake landed a 245lb Pacific Halibut—a catch that any angler would dream of. But the story doesn’t stop there. Jake turned down an offer of a free fishing trip to release the giant halibut. Instead, he kept the fish, marking the moment with both pride and effort, as the process of subduing and reeling in the massive halibut took an unexpected turn.
In this article, we dive into Jake’s incredible experience, why catching a halibut of this size is so extraordinary, the steps he took to bring it onboard, and why he made the decision to keep his catch. We’ll also explore Alaska’s famed halibut fishing spots, the best time to fish for halibut, and how you can enjoy premium halibut fillets at home.
For the freshest and highest-quality halibut, explore Global Seafoods’ selection of Pacific Halibut, including Halibut Steaks, Halibut Cheeks, and more.
Jake Birkett’s halibut fishing trip took place near Homer, Alaska, a location known as the "Halibut Capital of the World." After only an hour into his first fishing session, Jake hooked what would be his biggest catch ever—a 245lb halibut at a depth of 340 feet. Reeling in such a large fish required both stamina and skill, as Jake battled the fish for over an hour before it finally reached the surface.
Alaska is one of the premier destinations in the world for halibut fishing, thanks to its cold waters and abundance of large Pacific Halibut. These powerful flatfish can reach weights of over 400 pounds, with the largest ever recorded tipping the scales at more than 500 pounds. Cook Inlet, where Jake fished, offers some of the best halibut fishing opportunities due to its rich marine ecosystem and ideal deep-water fishing conditions.
“Alaska is the place for halibut fishing,” says Captain Bird of Fishing Excursions Inc., who guided Jake’s trip. "In the past three weeks, we’ve caught five halibut weighing over 200 pounds. The summer months are the best time to come, especially around Homer and Kodiak Island."
If you're looking to try your hand at halibut fishing, Alaska’s fishing season runs from May through September, with the summer months offering prime conditions.
After finally pulling the 245lb halibut to the surface, Jake Birkett faced a tough decision. The fishing charter company offered him a $250 gift voucher for a free fishing trip if he released the fish back into the water. However, Jake was too excited about his trophy catch to part with it. The chance to bring home a year’s supply of premium halibut fillets was too good to pass up.
Halibut is one of the most prized fish in the world, both for its size and its flavor. The cost of Alaskan halibut can exceed $30 per pound, making Jake’s 245lb fish worth a small fortune in fillets. By keeping his catch, Jake not only secured a massive quantity of fresh fish but also the experience of a lifetime.
Once Jake had reeled in the giant halibut, the next challenge was subduing the fish. Halibut of this size are incredibly strong, and when pulled to the surface, they often thrash violently, putting the boat and crew at risk. In Alaska, it’s common practice to use firearms to subdue large halibut before bringing them onboard.
Jake’s crew used a .38 special to safely disable the fish, followed by the use of three gaffs to haul it onto the boat. Captain Bird explained: “For any halibut over 100 pounds, it’s essential to subdue it before pulling it onboard. A 200-pound fish can easily damage the boat or injure passengers if it starts thrashing.”
If Jake’s story has you dreaming of your own halibut fishing adventure, you’re not alone. Alaska offers some of the best halibut fishing in the world, and several key locations are known for consistently producing large fish.
Homer, Alaska: Known as the "Halibut Fishing Capital of the World," Homer is where Jake caught his 245lb fish. The area is famous for producing some of the largest halibut in the state, and fishing charters in Homer often guarantee catches.
Kodiak Island: This area offers excellent fishing for both halibut and other species, making it a great destination for anglers seeking variety.
Seward, Alaska: Another popular spot, Seward offers abundant halibut and stunning views of Resurrection Bay.
Fishing charters in these areas provide all the necessary gear and guidance, making them perfect for both beginner and experienced anglers.
After bringing home a massive halibut like Jake’s, the next step is preparing it. Halibut is prized for its firm, mild-flavored meat, which can be used in a variety of dishes. Whether you’re grilling, baking, or frying, halibut is versatile and delicious.
Halibut Fillets: Perfect for grilling, broiling, or baking. These are the most popular cuts of halibut and are available at Global Seafoods.
Halibut Steaks: Thick, meaty cuts that are ideal for pan-searing or grilling. Explore Halibut Steaks for the best cuts.
Halibut Cheeks: A delicacy known for their sweet, tender texture. Halibut cheeks are highly prized by chefs for their unique flavor. Check out Halibut Cheeks for a gourmet option.
If you’re interested in trying these cuts yourself, Global Seafoods offers a wide selection of fresh Pacific Halibut and flatfish, perfect for your next seafood feast.
While the thrill of catching a giant halibut is unmatched, it’s important to remember that safety comes first. Halibut over 100 pounds are pure muscle, and their violent thrashing can pose serious risks.
In Alaska, it’s common and often necessary to use firearms to subdue large halibut before hauling them onto the boat. Captain Bird explained, "A 200-pound fish can easily damage a boat or injure the crew if it’s not subdued. Using a gun ensures the fish is safely and humanely brought onboard."
Jake Birkett’s 245lb halibut will be a story he shares for years to come—a once-in-a-lifetime catch that required skill, determination, and quick thinking. The thrill of halibut fishing in Alaska is unmatched, and whether you’re after a trophy fish like Jake’s or just looking to experience the excitement of reeling in a large halibut, Alaska is the place to go.
If you’re inspired to bring home your own halibut fillets, check out Global Seafoods for the freshest selection of Pacific Halibut, Halibut Steaks, and more. And don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel for more seafood tips and recipes.
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