Homer Halibut Fishing Charters
Our Full Day Single Species Halibut Fishing Charters
Halibut Only Charters
Halibut Combo Charters
Multispecies Charters
Overnight Charters
Our Homer halibut fishing charters offer a diverse range, each tailored for a unique, unforgettable Alaskan fishing experience. The Full-Day Halibut Trip is a popular choice, designed for full immersion in halibut fishing. Ideal for avid anglers and newcomers to sportfishing, this trip offers a deep dive into fishing. Our Full-Day Halibut Trips offer more than fishing; they’re a chance to connect with the sea and Alaska’s beauty. These trips promise excitement, stunning landscapes, and the thrill of pursuing prized ocean catches. Join us for a day on the water, challenging your skills or simply enjoying the scenery, with our Full-Day Halibut Trip.Spend a day in Homer’s pristine waters, the “Halibut Fishing Capital of the World,” guided by our experienced crew.
Our Homer HaliBut Charter fishing grounds
Our Homer halibut fishing charters, typically spanning 7 to 8 hours, and focus solely on the pursuit of halibut. By only targeting one species this creates the best opportunity to focus on “the big one.” Its not uncommon to release a dozen fish on these trips in search of the “barn door.”
Our fishing grounds on these trips cover an are more than 4,000 square miles. What specific area choose to fish will depend on the time of year, weather, recent fishing conditions, tides and winds.
Meeting Times and Location
All of our Homer halibut fishing 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!
Regulations, Limits & Restrictions
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) typically announce halibut regulations, including those for Area 3A, early in the year. Authorities often finalize and publish these regulations around late February or early March. This timing allows them to consider the latest scientific data and stock assessments, and to complete public input and regulatory processes.
Annually, regulations usually restrict anglers to catching 2 fish per day, with size limits on the second fish. Authorities typically close halibut fishing every Wednesday, and each spring, they provide guidance on additional Tuesday closures.
The expected 2024 limits on our Homer halibut fishing 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 halibut limit
- No charter halibut fishing allowed(expected):
- All Wednesdays in 2024
- Tuesdays from June 18 – August 13 in 2024 (9 Tuesdays) without special permit – which we have!
Halibut Fishing TEchniques
This first consideration for a successful Homer, halibut fishing charter is the selection of the fishing spot. This often starts as much as 48 hours in advance and is adjusted daily. This decision is influenced by a multitude of environmental factors, including weather, tides, currents, and winds. Understanding how these elements affect halibut behavior is crucial for a successful fishing trip. For instance, halibut locations can shift with tidal movements, and their feeding patterns may change based on current and weather conditions. Seasonal variations also play a role, with certain times of the year offering peak conditions for halibut fishing. Our experienced guides and anglers use their knowledge of these factors, combined with local expertise, to try and identify the most promising fishing areas long before we’ve left the harbor.
Bait & Tackle
Bait Selection: The choice of bait plays a crucial role in attracting halibut. Popular options include herring, squid, octopus, and salmon heads. Circle hooks are often rigged with these baits, which are effective in securely catching halibut without the need for a traditional hook set.
Chumming: To lure halibut, chumming is sometimes employed. This involves dispersing smaller baitfish or pieces into the water, creating a scent trail. Halibut’s strong sense of smell draws them toward the chum and, subsequently, the anglers’ bait.
Jigging: Jigging, a more active fishing technique, involves lifting and dropping a lure to mimic injured prey. This method can be physically demanding but is particularly effective in areas with a high population of halibut.
Circle Hooks: When using circle hooks, the traditional practice of “setting the hook” is not necessary. These hooks are designed to catch in the corner of the fish’s mouth as it swims away, reducing the likelihood of gut hooking and facilitating easier and safer catch-and-release. This feature of circle hooks aligns well with the selective approach of single-species halibut trips, allowing anglers to be more discerning about which fish to keep and release.
Processing and Shipping Your Catch
How to process the fish and get it home is a common question. There is no need to worry about this one as we take care of this for several hundred 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, offering 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 in “fish boxes,” available in different sizes and airline-approved. 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.
Our Boats
Every vessel in the fleet features state-of-the-art electronics, advanced navigation systems, and comprehensive safety equipment. Our boats feature heaters, cozy cabins, restrooms, and top-notch fishing gear for your comfort and an enhanced experience. Seasoned captains, licensed by the US Coast Guard, helm these well-equipped, fully insured boats for a secure and enjoyable water experience.
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. Our crews’ consistent summer schedule gives them deep knowledge of where the fish are in these waters.
For a seamless trip, bring warm clothes, rain gear, snacks, 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.
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 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.