California · Central Coast
PACIFIC HALIBUT FISHING
IN MONTEREY
Monterey is a solid destination for pacific halibut fishing, with peak season in June and good catches in May, July, August. Book a charter and target pacific halibut with local experts.
About Pacific Halibut Fishing in Monterey
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 — Monterey
Month-by-month availability for pacific halibut in Monterey, CA.
How to Catch Pacific Halibut in Monterey
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 Monterey
Top spots where local captains target pacific halibut and other bottom fishing species.
Monterey Municipal Wharf #2
Monterey's Fisherman's Wharf #2 provides free pier-fishing over sandy bottom where halibut, surfperch, jacksmelt, and squid are caught year-round. The wharf's position in Monterey Harbor puts anglers over productive water, and squid fishing under the lights during spawning season is a unique Monterey experience.
Monterey Harbor Breakwater
The Monterey Harbor breakwater shelters the harbor from Pacific swells and its submerged rock structure holds rockfish, cabezon, and perch along the entire length. Shore anglers fish from the breakwater wall for accessible catches, and the calm inner harbor holds halibut and bat ray on the sandy bottom.
Cannery Row Kelp
The kelp forests directly offshore of historic Cannery Row harbor a diverse assemblage of rockfish, lingcod, cabezon, and kelp greenling in structure visible from shore. Kayak anglers launch from nearby beaches to fish the kelp canopy for nearshore species in one of Monterey Bay's most iconic settings.
Wharf #1 Pilings
Fisherman's Wharf #1 in downtown Monterey offers pier-fishing from the historic tourist wharf where surfperch, jacksmelt, and small rockfish hold around the old wooden pilings. The wharf's location in the harbor provides sheltered fishing conditions and easy access for visiting anglers.
Other Species in Monterey
More fish you can target while visiting Monterey.
Pacific Halibut Fishing in Monterey — FAQ
The peak months for Pacific Halibut fishing in Monterey are June. During these months, Pacific Halibut are most active and abundant in the Monterey area.
Pacific Halibut fishing charters in Monterey 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 Monterey, 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 Monterey, you may also catch Rockfish, Lingcod, Chinook Salmon, Dungeness Crab, White Seabass. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
Ready to Catch Pacific Halibut in Monterey?
Compare verified charter captains, check availability, and book your pacific halibut fishing trip today.
Get Charter Quotes