Discover the Largest Halibut Ever Caught in California

California has some of the best fishing opportunities. You can choose from deep lakes, rushing rivers, and gorgeous beaches to fish. A popular fish that anglers love to look for is the California halibut. This challenging flatfish is massive! But just how big can it get? Follow along to discover the largest halibut ever caught in California.

What is the Largest Halibut Ever Caught in California?

The largest halibut ever caught in California weighed 67 pounds and 4 ounces. This is an ocean-angling record. On July 1, 2011, Francisco J. Rivera caught this massive fish while fishing on Santa Rosa Island. In California, there is also a California halibut ocean diving record, which is larger than the ocean angling record. While diving, William Skwarlo caught a 72-pound and 8-ounce halibut, also on Santa Cruz Island.

About California Halibut

California halibut are large fish! They are sometimes also called California flounders. The scientific name for these large flat fish is Paralichthys californicus. Now that we’ve learned California’s halibut record, let’s learn more about this incredible fish!

Appearance and Size

So, what does a California halibut look like? California halibut are long and flatfish. They are generally smaller than other halibut, including Pacific halibut. Generally, they weigh between 6 to 30 pounds. They are rarely longer than 45 inches, although the largest reported California halibut was 60 inches long.

California halibut fish lies on its side. This large-tooth flounder has two very different sides. The top side is a mottled brown color. Its eyes are usually on this side. The other side is an off-white. This coloration keeps them safe from predators and helps them sneak up on prey.

Distribution and Habitat

By its name, you can guess where you can find the California halibut. This fish is native to the waters of the Pacific Coast of North America. You can find it from Washington State to California. It mainly lives near the shore, burrowed in the sand, or as deep as 1,040 feet.

Diet

California halibut aren’t picky. They eat small fish, shrimp, and crabs. Typically, California halibut hunt their prey while hiding and lying still on the sandy bottom of the ocean. Sometimes though, they swim up to schools of fish.

Predators

California halibut hides from predators by blending in with the sandy bottom of the ocean. They hide underneath the sand or gravel. They are hunted by sea lions, dolphins, sharks, and other large fish-eating ocean animals. Humans though are their main predators.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Greg Amptman/Shutterstock.com