There's nothing more satisfying that bringing home your fresh catch for dinner. From reeling in and seeing your fish appear from water and onto a boat is an exciting experience! Looking down at your fish, it's not uncommon to begin wondering how much fish you're going to be bringing home? This is the most common question we get from our clients and we're here to breakdown the math to make it easier! Below, we explore live weight vs. dressed weight, review halibut sizing based on length, and working with a processor to ensure quality.
Halibut Weight Chart | Live Weight vs. Dressed Weight
The biggest question we get from fishing clients is "how much fish am I bringing home?" This can be tricky and understanding live weight versus dressed weight can be helpful! Live weight is the weight of the whole fish, carcass and all, before filleting. Dressed weight pertains to only the fillets. When comparing the two, there is a significant difference in what you can expect to take home. While fish vary in size, you can expect to retain at least 50% of the meat, once the fish is dressed. Below is an example of what you can expect based on length of fish and an estimated take home weight.
Halibut Weight Chart Example
You catch a 44 inch halibut
Estimated live weight: 40 lbs | Estimated dressed weight: 30 lbs
This example would leave you with an estimated 30 lbs to take home. Since most charters are not equipped with scales on board, you'll get the most accurate weight once your fish is processed! More on that below.
Halibut Weight by Length | Halibut Weight Chart
While aboard, you'll get an estimated live weight for your halibut and can use the halibut weight chart to further determine estimated take home weight. Below is the most current halibut weight chart that we use:
Working With a Processor | Halibut Weight Chart
Once your fish is filleted, it's bagged up and ready to be fully processed. At this point, you already know that your fish already has an estimated weight after being filleted. Now that your fish is being processed, how is your fish handled during the processing stage?
The Actual Weight Determined | Halibut Weight Chart
While on board, you can only expect an estimate. That is because a majority, if not all, charters are not equipped with scales to weigh fish. During your fishing trip, the captain and crew rely heavily on measuring length and giving an approximate weight. Once your charter is complete and your fish is filleted, only the processing company can give you an actual weight. When you fish arrives at the facility, it is immediately weighed and assigned to be vacuum sealed. At this point, you can call the processor and ask for the actual amount of pounds your catch produced.
Vacuum Sealing Options | Halibut Weight Chart
When your fish is first picked up, you have a few options of how you'd like your fish to be packaged. It's important to have an idea of this ahead of time so you can be prepared. The most common option our guests choose if for their fish to be cut into 1 lb fillets, which is great for individual portions. Processors also offer 2 lb options, making it easier for those cooking for more than one! Another option is to have the whole fillet packaged. This is the perfect option for when you're hosting a dinner party!
By having your catch vacuum sealed, your fish will remain refresher longer and hold it's delicious flavor!
Shipping vs. Pick-Up | Halibut Weight Chart
A common question we are asked is whether clients should have their fish shipped or if they should plan to pick it up. Our answer is about personal preference. Shipping your fish is the more costly option, however allows the most flexibility with planning and less to manage. Picking up your fish is cost effective, as it's considered a check bag on your flight, however it requires picking up and managing until you're able to check it. Processing companies offer both options to anglers.
Homer Fish Processing
During the summer months, we partner with Homer Fish Processing for all of our client's processing needs. At the end of your trip, the captain will give them a call and one of their team members will meet us at the docks. From there, they will collect all fish and process your orders! They are exceptionally professional and easy to work with. If you have additional questions on pricing processing, give them a call today!
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[…] at first, there are some key differences to keep in mind. The biggest difference is in their sizes. Halibut are the largest member of the flatfish family and can reach sizes up to 8 feet in length! […]