Quebec Fishermen Land Record 244-Pound Halibut for Science

Standing in zero-degree cold on a frozen Quebec fjord, six friends had no idea they were about to make history. After more than two hours of arm-burning effort, they hauled up a 244-pound Atlantic halibut, the largest ever recorded in the Saguenay Fjord.

The fishermen were part of a research project run by the local Fjord Museum, where scientists have been studying halibut populations since 2022. Around 35 special fishing licenses are granted each winter to tag, track, and study these massive flatfish, helping researchers understand how they migrate and survive in the isolated fjord waters.

The January 31 catch tested everyone's patience and strength. "You got to be really patient and you have to head on to physio after because your arms are just killing you," said Marc-André Galbrand, president of the Ha! Ha! Bay Watershed Committee.

About 75 minutes into the fight, disaster almost struck. The halibut suddenly plunged deep, and the team thought they'd lost it for good. But the line held strong, and an hour later, the six-and-a-half-foot fish broke the surface.

The previous record was 194 pounds, set just last winter. This monster shattered that mark and gave scientists a treasure trove of data to study.

Atlantic halibuts are the world's largest flatfish, sometimes growing up to 15 feet long and living 50 years. They have a unique feature: both eyes sit on the right side of their bodies, leaving the left side completely blind.

Why This Inspires

The fishermen weren't just chasing thrills or trophies. Every halibut they catch advances our understanding of these mysterious creatures and how climate and environment affect isolated fish populations. Scientists will study the record-breaker's head bones to trace its movements through the Saguenay and St. Lawrence River, while stomach contents reveal what these giants eat.

This was the 27th halibut caught this season as part of the project. After researchers remove organs for study, the team will split about 170 pounds of fresh meat, a well-earned reward for their frozen fingers and sore arms.

"To me, this was a beautiful day of fishing with friends that ended very well," said Alain Hamel, the fisherman credited with the catch. Sometimes the best days combine adventure, friendship, and making a real difference for science.