Halibut and lingcod are biting in state's hot spots | Outdoors

The halibut and lingcod fisheries in Puget Sound, the Strait of Juan de Fuca and two southern coastal ports started off on a high note.

The eastern Strait of Juan de Fuca and north Puget Sound generated good catches of halibut when the areas opened last weekend.

"I've never seen such a phenomenal halibut fishery on the (May 1) opening day like this one," said Larry Bennett, the head state Fish and Wildlife sampler in the Strait.

"We saw 150 boats with 118 halibut at three launch sites (Ediz Hook ramp, John Wayne Marina and Port Angeles West ramp)," Bennett said.

"Usually a good opening day is half as many fish as there are boats. I'd say it was much (better) than last year's opener."

Bennett was at the John Wayne Marina in Sequim on May 1, and the largest fish weighed 100 pounds and measured 61 inches long. He also saw a few in the 65- to 68-pound range, with most weighing 20 to 35 pounds.

Other places to try for halibut are Mutiny Bay, Freshwater Bay, Low Point, Green Point, Partridge and Dallas banks, Whiskey Creek and off Fort Casey on Whidbey Island.

Lingcod fishing in Puget Sound started off fairly well, although angler pressure was light due to the spot shrimp fishing opener last Saturday.

"We caught eight lingcod on the first day, and released one that was well over 35 pounds," said Gary Krein, owner of All-Star Charters in Everett. "We've gotten at least one (keeper-sized) lingcod for everybody we've taken out, and I'd say it is better than last year."

Good lingcod holes are Possession Bar off Whidbey Island, the south side of Hat Island, south of Alki Point, jetties off the Edmonds, Elliott Bay and Everett marinas, Point Evans, Blake Island and Toliva Shoal.

On the coast, the halibut opener started off with rough water conditions, but those who braved the elements found good fishing.

"It was pretty rough (Tuesday), but (last Sunday's) opener was very good and pretty much everyone got limits of halibut," said Larry Giese, owner of Deep Sea Charters in Westport.

Giese said the derby-winning halibut weighed 82 pounds.

Ilwaco is open for halibut Tuesdays through Saturdays; Westport is open Sundays and Tuesdays; Neah Bay and La Push open May 13; Port Angeles into the Everett area, including the San Juan Islands are open Thursdays to Saturdays; and Sekiu opens May 28.

Lastly, bottom fishing for lingcod and black rockfish remains very good off Westport and Neah Bay.

Mark Yuasa: 206-464-8780 or myuasa@seattletimes.com