Aptly names Hippoglossus Hippoglossus in the scientific community, this fish certainly lives up to that name. A truly enormous flatfish that can reach weights upwards of 600lbs (272kg) and Orkney, where the current British record of 234lbs (106kg) was captured, is one of the few places this fish can still be caught around the British Isles. Halibut possess great strength, endurance and a “never give up” fighting spirit that every angler dreams of experiencing at least once in their angling career.

Easily identifiable compared to other flatfish due to its massive size. It is longer and narrower than other flatfish and the body is much rounder and thicker with a very large mouth and sharp teeth. It is usually brownish on the upper side and pearly white beneath.

Mainly a deepwater species the angler can successfully attempt to catch and land a fish of up to 150lbs (68kg) but after that – fishing is increasingly difficult. The larger specimens are found in very deep water usually out of the reach of the angler’s acceptable depth and the sheer size and fighting capability make the 200lb (90kg) plus fish extremely difficult to beat even on the heaviest of tackle. Halibut consume large volumes of food from shoaling fish and bottom dwelling species as such it is likely to linger around good feeding grounds, although due to its appetite these small areas of the sea are unlikely to support large numbers of Halibut. Fishing for Halibut is very difficult but well worth the rewards.

Halibut tend to favour gullies and ravines that fissure and split high ground in deep water. Mixed bottoms of rock interspersed by sandy, muddy or shingle patches often produce the most fish.

The Halibut is a fighter of great strength and endurance which runs fast and hard and may be fought several times up to the surface only for it to disappear on another tearaway run. With this in mind the tackle needs to be up to the job. For the smaller Halibut up to 20 or 30lb (9kg – 13.6kg) a 30lbs class rod is ideal and offers tremendous sport, although with larger specimens in fast tides and deep water its best to use tackle of 50lbs class with high capacity reels loaded with 50lb (22.68kg) line.

Terminal tackle is usually designed for drift fishing as this predator prefers to take moving baits. Boom rigs are the order of the day with a heavy sliding boom slid down the mainline. A large stop swivel is then attached to the mainline to stop the weight bearing boom from sliding down the trace. A trace of 4 to 6-feet (122cm – 183cm) 200lb (90.72) test commercial monofilament is connected to the stop swivel and crimped with proper big game crimping pliers offering the more secure hold. Another swivel is then crimped in and 10inches (26cm)of 150lb (68kg) 49-strand wire is crimped onto that. Slide a silver spoon (designed to flash as the bait spins and bumps into and around the seabed) onto the free wire end and then slide on 2inches (5cm) of hard plastic tubing and a bead. This is sufficient to keep the spoon away from the hook. Finally crimp in a 6/0 to 8/0 hook of an O’Shaughnessy type pattern.

Halibut are mainly fish eaters. Large fresh baits, as many as three whole Mackerel, can be used as well as larger 2lb (0.9kg) plus Coalfish and Pollack will tempt a Halibut. Flapper baits can work well as it increases the movement and smell emanating from the bait. Be liberal with all baits, remember this is a large fish with a large mouth and sharp teeth!

Scottish Record (also British) – 234lbs (106.1424 approx)