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Bottom's up...
Posted by AlaskanAuthor on Apr 26 2005
Bottom fish rank second only to King Salmon in the popularity of pursuit of all licensed AK anglers.
Most species are caught with baited hook, though artificials are sometimes also used. I've seen hooks rigged with salmon bellies, salmon heads, octopus tentacles, cut herring, and just about anything else ADF&G permits to entice. Artificials run the gammut from spoons, jigs, electronic flashing squids (yeah!), to even seat covers cut in strips and soaked in fish oil.
Fishing depths vary. Skippers venture to holes, pinnacles, wrecks, reefs, and anywhere else they determine their quarry might be. Bottom fish are hauled up anywhere from 30 feet to 300, but a lot of angling seems to take place at around 150. Distance from shore varies due to underwater terrain; sometime it's close-in, sometimes it's not.
Boats vary also relative to the pocketbook of the owner. I've observed it all the way from an open 16 footer (risky), to over 400 feet of a USCG tender. (halarious)
If you have not been on an ocean charter for bottom fish, then by all means book one and have some fun and learn the way things are. If you plan on slipping in your own craft and haven't been before, then be certain to ask around for advice. AK seas can kill both the experienced and the inexperienced, so make certain you are informed, prepared, and file a plan.
A great variety of bottom fish are regulated by ADF&G. Read the regulations and obide by their rules. Many are excellent table fare, and immedite bleeding and icing is always recommended. Even the lowly Irish Lord can be a prize, (flesh eaten raw behind the gills) or the ivory in a halibut's inner ear. (odolith jewelry worn by my wife set in gold now hangs from her pierced ears on ocassion)
And above all, "expect surprises". Anytime one takes to the seas in AK, it's bound to happen. Hope yours are the good ones...
http://www.alaskanauthor.com
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