Homer Halibut-Salmon Charters
Homer's Top Choice For Halibut And Salmon Trips
Halibut Only Charters
Halibut Combo Charters
Multispecies Charters
Overnight Charters
For those looking to fill the freezer with both wild-caught Alaska halibut and wild-caught Alaska Salmon, our Homer halibut-salmon charter is the trip for you! Depending upon the time of year our halibut-salmon combo trips will focus on either king salmon and silver salmon. We offer a wide range of fishing options including 3/4-day excursions, full-day single-species trips, a variety of combo charters such as halibut-rockfish & halibut-salmon, and multispecies, as well as our immersive overnight adventures. The Halibut-Salmon combo trip, however, captures the essence of Alaskan fishing at its finest. It brings together two of the most sought-after catches – halibut and salmon. Both of which are top customer favorites for their exceptional table fare quality. Join us for an unforgettable experience, where the thrill of the catch meets the delight of the table!
Our Homer Halibut-Salmon Charter Fishing Grounds
Our Homer halibut-salmon charters, typically spanning 7 to 8 hours, as we fish for both salmon and halibut, two of the most popular and productive fish we target out of Homer. We will split our time for the day fishing part time for salmon and part of the time for Halibut. We usually try and target halibut before moving on to salmon.
Our fishing grounds on these trips cover an entire 4,000 square mile area. Where we go will depend on the time of year, weather, recent fishing conditions, tides and winds.
Halibut-Salmon Charter Meeting Times and Location
Our Homer halibut-salmon charters meet at The Homer Harbor boat launch 6:30AM and target a departure of time 7:00AM.
This boat launch is easy to find, as you walk down to meet the boat there are public bathrooms, and parking is located just a few minutes walk from the boat launch right behind the bathrooms.
As you are coming onto the Homer Spit, make a left at Freight Dock Road. You will see the boat launch ramp on your right. You will see a public bathroom facility at the top of the ramp and convenient day parking is located right behind the public bathrooms. Grab your belongings and walk down to meet your boat and crew. Its time to go fishing!
The Homer Spit is easily accessible from the city and is a hub of activity, especially during the summer months. It’s a popular spot for both tourists and locals, known for its fishing opportunities, scenic views, bird watching, and an array of shops, restaurants, and accommodations. The Spit also houses the Homer Harbor, which is a key location for boating and fishing activities in the area, and where to meet our boats!
Regulations, Limits & Restrictions
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Regional Administrator, Alaska Region (RAM), typically announce halibut regulations, including those for Area 3A, early in the year. These regulations are often finalized and published around late February or early March. This timing allows for the consideration of the most recent scientific data and stock assessments, and for public input and regulatory processes to be completed.
Each year there are typically restrictions limiting each angler to 2 fish per day as well as restrictions on how big the 2nd fish can be. Additionally, it has been normal for every Wednesday to be closed to halibut fishing and then each spring we will get guidance on how many Tuesdays will also be closed.
Limits on our Homer halibut-salmon charter is as follows:
2024 Halibut Limits(expected):
- 2 Halibut: one halibut can be any size and the second halibut must be 28 inches or less, which is approximately a 10 lb fish. No annual limit
- No charter halibut fishing allowed(expected):
- On Wednesdays and Tuesdays from June 18 – August 13 (9 Tuesdays) without special permit – which we have
2024 Salmon Limits(expected):
- 2 King salmon per person per day
- 5 King salmon per year from the Cook Inlet watershed
- 3 Silver salmon per day
Salmon Fishing TEchniques
We use a lot of different techniques for targeting king salmon and silver salmon on these Homer halibut-salmon charters. One of our favorites is using downriggers for targeting salmon at various depths, working in tandem with fish finders to locate and target salmon effectively.
By using downriggers, we can fish multiple lines simultaneously, doubling or even quadrupling the chances of a catch. The process involves attaching the downrigger weight to the cable, positioning the boom, and deploying the bait at the desired depth and we’ll target several different depths simultaneously utilizing both sides of the boat.
We keep a constant eye on boat turns and tide patterns and use a variety of baits and lures like herring, hoochies, and trolling spoons, enhanced with scents and positioned behind flashers for added attraction. Light weight, high action rods leave no doubt when a king salmon or silver salmon strike the bait.
Our Boats
Every vessel in the our fleet is outfitted with state-of-the-art electronics, advanced navigation systems, and comprehensive safety equipment. Beyond these technical essentials, our boats boast heaters, cozy cabins, restrooms, and high-quality fishing gear to enhance your comfort and experience. Our seasoned captains, licensed by the US Coast Guard, helm these well-equipped and fully insured boats, ensuring a secure and enjoyable experience on the water. Furthermore, they are perfectly designed to perform on a Homer halibut-salmon charter.
Our fishing season kicks off in mid-May and extends through October. We venture out daily into Kachemak Bay, Cook Inlet, and the proximate regions of the Gulf of Alaska. Thanks to our consistent summer schedule, our crews have a deep understanding of these waters and know precisely where the fish are. For a seamless trip, all you need to pack are warm, comfortable attire, rain gear, your preferred snacks and food, and a valid fishing license. For more comprehensive guidelines, be sure to visit our ‘How to Fish For Halibut‘ and ‘What To Bring’ pages.
We provide all necessary bait, gear, and tackle, and also take care of filleting your catch. Our charters can comfortably accommodate groups as large as 18, making us an ideal choice for both small and large gatherings seeking an unforgettable fishing adventure.
Processing and Shipping Your Catch
How to process the fish and get it home is a common question. Our Homer halibut-salmon charters are usually very productive so it’s great to be thinking ahead. However, there is no need to worry about this one as we take care of this for thousands customers ever summer.
There are two companies located in Homer that do an excellent job: Coal Point Seafood Company and Homer Fish Processing. Both companies portioning, vacuum seal, freeze, and store fish. Coal Point Seafood Company, located on the Homer spit, is open daily during summer from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Coal Point offers early pickup arrangements if needed. Homer Fish Processing, at the entrance to the Homer spit, operates from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM starting May 14.
Shipping your catch is another crucial aspect, with two main options: as checked baggage or through shipping services. The most economical and easiest way is to take your catch home as checked baggage. Fish boxes are available in several different sizes and airline-approved. Additionally, these boxes are designed to keep your vacuum-sealed and frozen fish secure during travel. In cases where shipping is the only option, such as when continuing a vacation elsewhere, the same fish boxes are used, but they are dropped off at FedEx or UPS for 2-day shipping.
Also, if you are fishing with us on the Kenai or Kasilof Rivers following your halibut fishing charter we can absolutely take care of processing, freezing, storing your fish, and getting it boxed up and ready for the journey home with you.
Ready to Visit Homer & go Fishing?
Homer, Alaska, stands as a premier destination for saltwater fishing, offering a unique blend of abundant marine life, breathtaking natural beauty, and a welcoming community steeped in fishing tradition. From the novice angler to the seasoned fisherman, Homer’s waters provide an unmatched fishing experience, teeming with halibut, various salmon species, rockfish, and lingcod. The town’s diverse range of fishing charters, led by experienced crews, ensures that every trip is both rewarding and memorable, regardless of your skill level.
Beyond fishing, Homer enchants visitors with its scenic vistas, from the majestic mountains and glaciers framing Kachemak Bay to the charming allure of the Homer Spit. The local culture celebrates fishing as a way of life, adding depth and authenticity to your Alaskan adventure. Whether you choose the rustic experience of camping by the water or the comfort of a fisherman-friendly lodge, Homer caters to all preferences, further enhancing its appeal as a fishing haven.
Don’t miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich fishing culture of Homer, Alaska. Book your trip with Homer Halibut Hunters and cast your line into the pristine waters of this angler’s paradise. It’s more than a fishing trip; it’s an adventure that calls to the heart of every fishing enthusiast.