Sitka Halibut
The commercial halibut fishery in Sitka does not come close to the scale of the salmon fishery, at least not by volume or total value. However, per pound, halibut brings in a hefty price at the dock and at the retail level. The only fish currently bringing a higher price per pound it the sablefish (black cod).
Halibut is a white fish with a delicate, sweet flavor and a firm, flakey texture. It is an excellent source of protein and minerals and has very few bones after processing.
Halibut are bottom dwellers and can be found in fairly deep water. Commercial fishermen mainly use bottom longline gear to harvest halibut.
While sport fishermen target the largest haibut, weighing over 100 pounds (the record sport caught fish is 459 lbs.), these are not the best eating fish. Fish this large have a tougher, drier flesh. The ideal size preferred by local subsistence fishers is in the 30 to 60 pound range.
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Holy Butt Fish?
Yes, the word halibut was originally "holy butt." In fifteenth century Europe the fish was usually eaten on Church holy days (now called holidays) and during that time all the flatfish, including skate and flounder, were called "butt." The term holy butt became the more common word we know today "halibut."
