California · Northern California
PACIFIC HALIBUT FISHING
IN HALF MOON BAY
Half Moon Bay is an excellent destination for pacific halibut fishing, with peak season in June, July and good catches in May, August. Book a charter and target pacific halibut with local experts.
About Pacific Halibut Fishing in Half Moon Bay
The barn door of the Pacific — halibut are massive flatfish that can exceed 300 pounds in Alaskan waters. Found from Central California to the Bering Sea, Pacific halibut are a bucket-list species prized for their incredible size, dogged bottom-hugging fights, and premium white flesh that rivals any seafood in the world.
Pacific Halibut are the largest flatfish in the world and one of the most sought-after species on the Pacific coast. These massive fish can exceed 300 pounds in Alaskan waters, earning the nickname "barn doors." Like all flatfish, halibut start life with an eye on each side of the head — the left eye migrates to the right (top) side during development. The upper side is dark olive-brown to gray, providing perfect camouflage against the ocean floor, while the underside is white. Homer, Alaska proudly claims the title "Halibut Capital of the World."
Scientific name: Hippoglossus stenolepis
Pacific Halibut Seasonal Calendar — Half Moon Bay
Month-by-month availability for pacific halibut in Half Moon Bay, CA.
How to Catch Pacific Halibut in Half Moon Bay
Techniques & Bait
Drifting or anchoring over sandy-gravel bottom near underwater ledges and structure in 100-400 feet is standard. Large herring, octopus, or salmon belly strips on circle hooks (16/0-20/0) with 1-3 lb lead weights fished directly on the bottom is the classic setup. In Alaska, "spreader bar" rigs with two hooks are standard. Jig fishing with large metal jigs (1-2 lbs) is growing in popularity and often produces larger fish. Keep the bait on the bottom — halibut are ambush predators that rarely chase food upward.
Recommended Tackle
Heavy conventional rod (5'6"-6'6"), large level-wind reel (Penn Fathom, Shimano Torium), 80-130 lb braided line, heavy monofilament or wire leader, circle hooks (16/0-20/0), 1-3 lb lead sinkers. Electric reels are common in Alaska for fish in deep water.
Best Bottom Fishing Fishing Spots in Half Moon Bay
Top spots where local captains target pacific halibut and other bottom fishing species.
Pillar Point Harbor
Pillar Point Harbor is a protected harbor in Half Moon Bay where halibut, striped bass, and jacksmelt hold around the docks, breakwater, and sandy bottom of the inner basin. Crabbing for Dungeness crab from the harbor docks is hugely popular during open season, and the harbor serves as the launch point for the area's charter fleet.
Princeton Jetty
The Princeton Jetty at Pillar Point Harbor's entrance channels tidal flow and attracts rockfish, cabezon, surfperch, and striped bass to its submerged rock structure. Shore anglers fish from the jetty rocks for accessible catches, while the channel between the jetty walls holds halibut on the sandy bottom.
Mavericks Beach
Mavericks Beach north of Pillar Point is famous for big-wave surfing but also offers productive shore-casting for striped bass and surfperch from its rocky-bottomed beach. The reef structure extending offshore from the beach holds cabezon and greenling accessible to rock-hopping anglers during low tides.
Pillar Point Marsh
Pillar Point Marsh is a restored tidal wetland adjacent to the harbor where small halibut, perch, and smelt use the shallow channels as nursery habitat. The marsh's outflow attracts striped bass and leopard sharks during higher tides, and shore anglers cast from the adjacent trail for light-tackle inshore fishing.
Other Species in Half Moon Bay
More fish you can target while visiting Half Moon Bay.
Pacific Halibut Fishing in Half Moon Bay — FAQ
The peak months for Pacific Halibut fishing in Half Moon Bay are June, July. During these months, Pacific Halibut are most active and abundant in the Half Moon Bay area.
Pacific Halibut fishing charters in Half Moon Bay are typically bottom fishing trips. Prices vary by trip duration and group size. Most charters include all gear, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning.
Drifting or anchoring over sandy-gravel bottom near underwater ledges and structure in 100-400 feet is standard. Large herring, octopus, or salmon belly strips on circle hooks (16/0-20/0) with 1-3 lb lead weights fished directly on the bottom is the classic setup. In Alaska, "spreader bar" rigs with two hooks are standard. Jig fishing with large metal jigs (1-2 lbs) is growing in popularity and often produces larger fish. Keep the bait on the bottom — halibut are ambush predators that rarely chase food upward.
No — when you book a charter in Half Moon Bay, your captain provides all required California fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Pacific Halibut regulations in California include minimum size limits and bag limits that vary by season. Your captain will know the current regulations and ensure compliance.
While targeting Pacific Halibut in Half Moon Bay, you may also catch Rockfish, Chinook Salmon, Lingcod, Dungeness Crab, Albacore Tuna. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
Ready to Catch Pacific Halibut in Half Moon Bay?
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