Canadian Angler Catches Record Halibut Through Ice for Scientific Research

Unraveling the Mysteries of the Deep: A Record-Breaking Catch for Science

A Remarkable Feat in the Saguenay Fjord

Alain Hamel, a dedicated angler from Quebec, achieved an impressive feat in early February by successfully landing a colossal 244-pound Atlantic halibut while ice fishing. This monumental catch, described as a "barn door" due to its immense size, took place in the Saguenay Fjord, at an astonishing depth of 600 feet. The fjord, known for its deep waters, eventually connects to the expansive Saint Lawrence Seaway.

Beyond Sport: Fishing for Knowledge

While halibut fishing is typically restricted in the Saguenay Fjord, Hamel's endeavor was part of a special scientific permit project initiated in 2022 by a local museum. Marc-Andre Galbrand, CEO of Contact Nature, one of the two environmental organizations collaborating with the museum on this research, lauded Hamel's catch as "amazing" and "truly a cool thing." This initiative allows selected anglers to contribute valuable data to scientists studying the local halibut population.

The Challenge of Landing a Giant

Extracting such a massive flatfish through a narrow ice hole is an arduous task. Galbrand recounted the immense difficulty, highlighting another angler's experience the day after Hamel's record catch, where a halibut was lost at the surface after a grueling six-hour struggle. Hamel's own battle with the enormous fish lasted nearly three hours. With the assistance of fellow anglers, they employed hooks to carefully secure and extract the halibut, mindful of its formidable teeth. Following its capture, the fish was immediately handed over to biologists at the Fjord Museum for scientific analysis.

Scientific Contributions from a Colossal Catch

Upon receiving the 6-foot, 9-inch halibut, museum personnel meticulously removed its head and emptied its stomach. These specific parts are invaluable for research into the halibut species inhabiting the region. For instance, the bones within the halibut's head can reveal insights into its migration patterns, birth locations, and dietary habits. This information is crucial for developing a comprehensive understanding of the species' life cycle and ecosystem.

A Moment of Triumph and Community Spirit

Despite the fish's immense size, Hamel was able to hoist it completely off the ground for a commemorative photograph, showcasing the strength and determination of the local community. Galbrand lightheartedly remarked on the "strong men and women" of Saguenay. In recognition of his efforts and the scientific contribution, Hamel and other members of the museum's fishing team were allocated an estimated 170 pounds of the halibut's meat, ensuring minimal waste and fostering community engagement in the research. Notably, Hamel's catch surpassed a previous record of 194 pounds set by another team member the preceding year.

The Path to Halibut Recovery

Recreational halibut fishing in the fjord was halted in 1998 due to declining populations. However, a noticeable increase in incidental halibut catches within the fjord prompted the launch of the current research project in 2022. The primary objective is to gather more accurate data on the size and overall health of the local halibut population. Galbrand explained in a Canadian television interview that the project aims to determine if the population has recovered sufficiently to sustainably reintroduce recreational fishing. Over a thousand anglers currently hold permits as part of this project, which Galbrand views as an effective way to make science more accessible and engaging for the public. While commercial fishermen in adjacent areas like the Saint Lawrence Seaway occasionally catch halibut weighing up to 400 pounds, the average size in this recreational scientific study ranges between 80 and 150 pounds. Therefore, a 244-pound catch is considered exceptionally impressive within the context of the research. It's worth noting that the IGFA record for the largest Atlantic halibut caught with a rod and reel stands at just under 419 pounds, achieved by Thomas Nielsen in Norway in 2004.

Collaborative Research for a Sustainable Future

The Atlantic Halibut Winter Fishing Project for Scientific Purposes, based at the Musée du Fjord in Saguenay, Quebec, represents a unique collaboration. This initiative brings together the museum, the Comité de bassin de la baie des Ha! Ha! (CBBH), and Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO). Now in its fifth year (as of winter 2026), the project has garnered significant international recognition, particularly following recent record-breaking catches. Operating under a stringent scientific permit, the program engages experienced ice anglers to target these deep-water giants. Museum biologists then analyze crucial biological data from the catches, focusing on stomach contents and ear bones to track growth rates and migration patterns that were previously unknown. This research is uniquely facilitated by the fjord's distinct dual-layer water system, which allows anglers to fish from solid ice while accessing the cold, saline depths where halibut thrive. This partnership, which exchanges scientific samples for high-quality meat, benefits both the local community and the scientific community by enhancing understanding of the species.