As many of you already know there are new halibut regulations that were recently announced by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO). One halibut has to be under 83 cm (32.7 in.), about a 15 lbs. fish. Your second halibut has to be under 126 cm (49.6 in.), about a 60 lbs. fish. Both can be under 83 cm but only one can be greater that 83 cm. In each boat will be a measuring device to make the process simple and easy. We are excited that the DFO has taken this precautionary approach to the harvest of the larger halibut. These big halibut are often the female breeding stock that are crucial to maintaining and regenerating the fish population.

Having said that, the DFO has also established a new program called the Experimental Recreational Halibut Fishery.The 2013 halibut regulations allow for the retention of 1 Halibut/day and 2 in possession to take home. This is the same as in 2012. The only difference for 2013 is that DFO have now imposed a "slot limit" on the size of the halibut that you are allowed to keep. This program is now available to fishing lodges whereby we can purchase extra commercial halibut quota and pass that on to you. What this will mean is that you will now have the option of retaining any oversized halibut and we will simply pay a fee/pound. There will be no charge to you and you can still take home that trophy halibut. The other big change for 2013 is that all halibut must now be recorded on your fishing licence as soon as it has been boated.

These new halibut regulations will help ensure that we have halibut to catch for years to come and for future generations of anglers.

GUEST TESTIMONIAL
I go on fishing trips all over the world each year but I always make sure I get back to the Sportsman's Club in Rivers Inlet. It's not only the place I love, but the people that run the lodge. The energy, professionalism and high standard the Kelly family and their staff exhibit is truly amazing. No matter if I'm up with a group of guys, or if I'm visiting with my wife and family, I know we will be treated like royalty. I am planning on bringing my eight year old Son up again this summer. He can't stop talking about our last trip and keeps asking me, 'when are we going back Dad?'

RB Las Vegas NV