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DMR Home > Species Info > Halibut Fishing

Atlantic Halibut Fishing Information

Disclaimer

This page is meant only as guide for halibut fishers with information regarding the most frequently asked questions, and does not include all laws and regulations. Questions should be directed to your local Maine Patrol officer or the Division Office at Lamoine at 667-3373 or Boothbay Harbor at 633-9595. The complete Regulation in Chapter 34 is available on line at http://www.maine.gov/dmr/lawsandregs/regs.htm

Halibut Fishing Season:

The open season to fish for Atlantic halibut east of a line from Schoodic Point due South Magnetic in territorial waters shall begin at sunrise May 1st and end at sunset July 31st. The open season to fish for Atlantic halibut west of Schoodic Point due South Magnetic in territorial waters shall begin at sunrise April 1st and end at sunset June 30th

Size Limit:

It shall be illegal to land, sell or possess Atlantic halibut less than 38 inches head-on or head-off. The measurement for a 38 inch fish head-off would be made from the pectoral fin to the tip of the tail.

Possession Limits:

It shall be illegal to possess or land marine species other than Atlantic halibut while fishing for Atlantic halibut aboard commercial vessels. Other marine species caught while fishing for Atlantic halibut shall be immediately liberated. No more than one (1) Atlantic halibut may be landed per day from recreational, party or charter vessels. Commercial, recreational, party or charter vessels may not land more than 50 Atlantic halibut per season. It shall be unlawful to transfer Atlantic halibut between vessels.

Tagging Requirements:

All legal size halibut caught and retained by a Commercial Fishing license holder or recreational fisherman shall be immediately tagged with an approved landing tag. The tag must remain on the fish until the fish has reached its final destination. Commercial fishing license holders must declare the vessel that the license holder’s tags will be assigned to. Recreational fishermen must declare the registration number of the vessel the tags will be assigned to. Recreational fishermen shall contact the Recreational Fishing Program at 633-9500 to order tags. Commercial Fishing license holders shall contact the DMR licensing Division to order tags at 624-6550.

Gear Type and Limits:

It shall be illegal to fish for Atlantic halibut by any method other that using size 14/0, 15/0 or 16/0 circle hooks. No vessel may fish for Atlantic halibut using more that 450 circle hooks. All persons fishing for Atlantic Halibut must have marking buoys on each end of the trawl clearly labeled with their name and commercial fishing license number. All persons recreationally tub trawling for Atlantic Halibut must mark the trawl buoys with their name and words “Halibut Trawl”.

License Requirements:

All Commercial Fishing License holders fishing for halibut must obtain an endorsement on their license. Recreational halibut fishermen are not required to obtain an endorsement. To obtain an initial endorsement, license holders must contact DMR before March 1st at 633-9500 to schedule and complete a training program.

Reporting:

Future halibut endorsements will be dependant upon meeting all reporting requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • Question: Can I haul my halibut trawls on a day that I’m lobster fishing?
    Answer: Yes, lobster is not considered a “marine species” by definition therefore it is legal to have lobster aboard and be engaged in lobster fishing when hauling trawls or landing halibut.
  • Question: Can I set a “gangeon” off one of my lobster traps to fish for halibut?
    Answer: Yes, as long as the hooks are14/0, 15/0 or 16/0 circle hooks.
  • Question: If I hold a Federal Fisheries Permit am I limited to one halibut per trip?
    Answer: Yes, Permit holders are limited to one fish per trip whether fishing in State waters or Federal Waters.
  • Question: If I hold a Federal Fisheries Permit do I have to apply a landing tag and meet the 38 inch minimum size?
    Answer: Yes, all halibut landed in a Maine ports must have a landing tag and meet the 38 inch minimum size.
  • Question: While commercially fishing can I land more than 4 halibut/day?
    Answer: Yes, the 4 fish/day limit was removed for commercial fishermen.
  • Question: Does the minimum size apply to fish imported from Canada?
    Answer: Yes, all halibut coming into Maine must be 38 inches or larger.

This page was last updated on April 3, 2008