Cook Inlet Halibut Fishing
Cook Inlet Halibut Fishing - it's some of my fondest memories - time spent in a 16 foot Zodiac out on the water with my husband and his dad, waiting for the fish to bite!
Alas for me, the big ones never did bite...but my memories are rich and full. I was fortunate that every time I was out on Cook Inlet waters, the conditions were perfect, with very little chop and good weather.
It was always wise to wear a sweatshirt - in fact, dressing in layers was the best way to cope with cooler temperatures on the water.
Wearing rain gear was smart as well; even if the weather and conditions were perfect, the spray from sailing along in the Zodiac could get you soaked very quickly and being at least somewhat waterproof was the best insurance against hypothermia. We would often put the boat in the water at Deep Creek, which is very close to Ninilchik; another favorite place was Whiskey Gulch, which is between Ninilchik and Seldovia. On a clear day it's almost possible to believe that you can see forever...but it is true that you can see for a very long way. And the quiet out there, once the boat motor is off, is a thing of beauty. Halibut fishing gives you the opportunity to sit and reflect on anything upon which your mind touches. For example, I've never been to Juneau, and cruises are something I've never even considered trying. And I often have marveled, sitting out there on the water, why my father in law was so fond of fishing, but so completely hated eating seafood of any sort. Never did manage to reconcile that one! Sometimes when we were out on Cook Inlet, we would see beluga whales...otters...of course, we saw many gulls. Some final thoughts on halibut fishing in Cook Inlet: be prepared (dress in layers), bring some food and water, check your gear, and wear a flotation device AT ALL TIMES. If you're fishing in a rubber raft, remember when you gaff the halibut - don't puncture the boat! Also, don 't get too far out - rowing is dreadfully difficult when the current gets running against you. Last of all, if you're able to take a trip to Alaska and experience Cook Inlet halibut fishing, you will have the thrill of a lifetime. Fish on!
Alaska Halibut Fishing
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