While anglers aboard his 43-foot FV Servant don't always hook into lunkers, it's not uncommon, either. Jackson put anglers onto fish fat enough to win the Seward Jackpot Halibut Tournament three times. The most recent victory was in 1998 with a 280-pounder, he said. The Seward Jackpot Halibut Tournament will run from May 15 through Aug. 1, offering cash prizes for first through third places. Holland America is offering a cruise for two, and all tournament entrants are eligible for the drawing, said Bobbie Miller, events coordinator for the Seward Chamber of Commerce.
Fishing is fishing, there is no guarantee.
Jackson will generally spend the early part of the day hunting those big halibut, and if the fishing is off he has other options. There are holes that hold plenty of smaller fish. Jackson can motor his clients east toward Montague Island or west to the Chiswell Islands. The fishing grounds offer more than 100 miles of picturesque coastline. While Jackson usually focuses on halibut or salmon, several species can sometimes be found at one spot.