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Area 17 is divided up into 21 subsections. Each area has it’s own regulations that pertain to fish, Shrimp, Prawns, crabs and more. Any area may have spot closures for different items.
Sponge reef’s and specific rock cod species have closures in effect until further notice. As well Salmon species are included in closures so study the regulations before you fish in any area. Charter Guides stay informed so they can safely access fishing areas for their guests, with assurance we are fishing legally.
AREA 17 Georgia Straight & Southern Gulf Islands
AREA 29 Georgia Straight & Salish Sea
http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/rec/species-especes/halibut-fletan-eng.html
RECREATIONAL – Fin Fish (Other than Salmon)
Packaging for Transport
Any halibut that you catch may be left whole, may have the head removed, or may be filleted as noted below.
Halibut may be packaged by a registered fish processing establishment. Some lodges are registered and provide this service and most coastal communities have certified establishments that also offer this service.
Filleting
Halibut that are too large for your cooler may be filleted for transport however some care must be taken to ensure that the fish you possess can be readily measured if inspected by a fishery officer.
In order to comply with minimum or maximum length regulations you must either leave your halibut with the head and tail attached, or you may fillet it so that one fillet has the tail and the pectoral fin attached.
This will allow the length from the end of the tail to the most forward anterior point where the pectoral fin is attached to be measured.
Once filleted you should have no more than seven pieces from each halibut including the one whole fillet with the tail and pectoral fin attached.
To remove the fillets so that you can comply with the maximum length requirement remove the top (dorsal) fillets first.
Remove the bottom (ventral) fillet from one side. This leaves you the last remaining fillet still attached, the backbone, tail, and the pectoral fin on the side opposite to where the first ventral fillet was removed.
You must retain the pectoral fin and the tail attached to the last fillet. Beginning at the pectoral fin, start to remove the fillet towards the tail as you normally would.
Once near the end of the fillet, cut through the spine above the tail being careful to leave the skin facing you at the tail attached.
When you have cut through the spine you can cut through the flesh at the end of the fillet down to the skin without cutting it through which then will act like a hinge allowing the tail to be folded under the fillet for transport.
If this last halibut fillet is still too long to fit your cooler, you may make a cut through the flesh of the fillet down to the skin without cutting through into two pieces. This fillet can then be folded at the cuts to permit storage in your cooler and allow the length of your catch to be readily measured.
The dorsal fillets and the fillet without the tail and pectoral fin may each be cut into two pieces for ease of storage until you arrive at your ordinary residence.
Keep the pieces of each fillet together in its own bag.
The ventral fillet that has the tail and pectoral fin attached must remain in one piece. Should you make a mistake during this procedure on removal of this last fillet, retain the pieces from it and keep them together in a separate bag so that they may be inspected if required.
Fillet pieces that are frozen must be frozen separately so that each piece may be measured if required. Avoid cutting fish into smaller pieces.
The regulation states that the fish you possess must be readily measureable to determine that it is in compliance where size limits apply.
You are responsible to comply with this requirement.
See packaging and transport guidelines for all species.