Two anglers in Quebec recently landed a colossal Atlantic halibut weighing over 100 pounds during an extraordinary ice-fishing expedition. Rémi and Mathieu Aubin, assisted by two other fishermen, battled for four hours to pull the 109-pound flatfish through the ice, widening their fishing hole in the process. This remarkable feat highlights the rare opportunity to ice fish for the world’s largest flatfish.
While anglers in the U.S. often target Pacific halibut in Alaskan waters or Atlantic halibut off the coast of Maine, such a catch through the ice is almost unheard of. The Saguenay Fjord in Quebec’s Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region is one of the few locations in North America where this is possible. This fjord, where the Saguenay River meets the St. Lawrence River, offers a unique fishery where freshwater flows over saltwater, freezing into a solid surface ideal for ice fishing.
The halibut caught by the Aubin brothers was part of the Atlantic Halibut Winter Fishing Project for Scientific Purposes, introduced in 2022. This initiative allows a limited harvest of 100 Atlantic halibut annually from the Saguenay Fjord under a special permit. The harvested fish must measure at least 85 centimeters (33 inches), with smaller ones released unharmed. Data from this project helps scientists better understand the isolated halibut populations in the fjord.
The 109-pound halibut was the first harvested this season under the project. Videos shared online captured the intense fight, triumphant landing, and weighing of the fish at the Musée du Fjord. In a Facebook post, Mathieu Aubin expressed deep gratitude for sharing this experience with Rémi, who had introduced him to fishing as a child. He further shared plans to donate the fish’s meat to 16 people in need, emphasizing a commitment to generosity and conservation.
This remarkable catch demonstrates the unique opportunities and scientific contributions made possible by sustainable fishing practices in the Saguenay Fjord.
Image/Source: OutdoorLife
