California Halibut

California halibut are flatfish that are found from northern Washington state to Baja California. Though common along the Pacific coastline, the majority of fishing activity occurs between Central and Southern California. California halibut live on the bottom of the ocean in soft sand and mud habitats. They have an flat, oval body with eyes facing upwards. They typically grow to about 45 inches long. They reproduce through broadcast spawning, where eggs and sperm are released into the water column for fertilization. Given their flat bodies, California halibut often settle and hide under seafloor sediment waiting to ambush unsuspecting small fish and invertebrates. Their ability to hide and their coloring that looks like sand and rock help them largely evade predators, except some marine mammals and large sharks. 

Overall availability

California halibut are fished year-round (using one or more gear types) in most areas of California, with peak availability in the summer months. It is primarily sold live or fresh whole or filleted. 

Management

California halibut is commercially fished using longline, pole or handline, trawl ​​​​and set gillnet gear. This fishery is managed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.