There’s hope for getting a halibut

Neah Bay is Washington’s hot spot for halibut. So hot, in fact, that anglers often catch the state’s May season quota in a few days.

But the hunt for the one of the tastiest fish in the ocean doesn’t end with the Washington seasons. Several charter boats from Neah Bay motor out to fish Canadian waters, which have a much more liberal season.

New this year, smaller sport vessels get a head start on long-range charters to a portion of the state halibut quota with rules that restrict ocean fishing for the first two days of the season opening June 19.

Run just 7 miles from Neah Bay to a spot in Marine Area 4b called the “Garbage Dump” known for producing big fish. Soft plastic jigs, such as Scampi Tails or Tuna Tails, will work alone when baited jigs start attracting pesky dogfish. Concentrate on slack tides to beat the heavy currents.

Contact: Jambo’s Sport Fishing, (425) 788-5955; www.jambossportfishing.com.