Overnight Halibut Fishing Charters
Comfortable Beds, Hot Showers & Great Fishing
Halibut Only Charters
Halibut Combo Charters
Multispecies Charters
Overnight Charters
Kenai Sportfishing’s Overnight halibut fishing charters, is a unique Homer-based experience that goes beyond the day’s catch. This exclusive adventure offers an immersive two-day fishing adventure, combining the thrill of angling with the comforts of home. We’ll be targeting up to 4 different species of fish, including halibut, rockfish, salmon, and after July 1st, lingcod. This overnight trip lets you catch up to two days’ limits and includes a cozy stay with comfy beds and showers. In the evening, relax and bond with your crew over a great dinner, sharing tales and connecting. As the second day begins, prepare for more exciting multi-species fishing before we head back to Homer. This trip is not just about the catch; it’s an all-encompassing experience, making your time with Kenai Sportfishing unforgettable.
Kenai Sportfishing offers 7 different halibut fishing options all departing from Homer, Alaska.
Trip Minimums and Details
Because this trip involves overnight accommodations there are certain restrictions on this trip.
- Single party/group reservations only. No split parties. When you book this trip your group will be the only group on the trip
- Minimum of 5 people, maximum of 6 people. It is okay if you’re group is less than 5 people but a minimum of 5 seats must be purchased
- Please bring a light-weight overnight bag with essentials (toothbrush etc.). Also bring water/drinks/snacks, fishing licenses, and lunch for your first day. A cooler will be provided on the boat for any personal food, snacks, and drinks.
- Day 1 dinner will be with the crew at one of Seldovia’s local restaurants. Day 2 breakfast will be in Seldovia, and the crew will provide lunches for day 2.
Our Overnight MULTISPECIES Homer fishing grounds
Our overnight halibut fishing charters depart and return to Homer, Alaska. These trips ypically span 8 to 9 hours of fishing per day. We target up to 4 highly sought after species of Alaskan fish: halibut, rockfish, salmon and after July 1, lingcod. We will split our time for the day fishing part time for rockfish and part of the time for Halibut. Lingcod are often caught during the rockfish fishing part of this trip. After halibut, rockfish, and lingcod we usually target king salmon or silver salmon.
Our fishing grounds range more than 4000 square miles of some of Alaska’s most productive fishing waters. Where we go will depend on the time of year, weather, recent fishing conditions, tides and winds.
Overnight Halibut Fishing Charters Meeting Times and Location
All of our homer halibut fishing charters meet at The Homer Harbor boat launch 6:30AM. Departure time is 7:00AM.
This boat launch is easy to find. As you walk down to meet the boat there are public bathrooms. Parking is located a very short 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. 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. In addition to fishing, Homer is known for its 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. Our trips all depart from the Homer Marina.
Overnight Halibut Fishing Charters Trip Itinerary
- Day 1:
- Meet at Homer Halibut Hunters Meeting Spot at 6:30AM at The Home Harbor
- 8-9 hours of multispecies halibut fishing
- Return to Seldovia, Alaska
- Dinner with crew in Seldovia
- Overnight at Seldovia Boardwalk Hotel
- Day 2
- Breakfast in Seldovia
- Meet at boat at 7:30AM
- 8-9 hours of multispecies halibut fishing
- return to Homer Harbor around 4PM
Overnight Halibut Fishing Charters Lodging
Nestled in a serene and picturesque setting, Seldovia, Alaska, offers a truly unique experience for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure. Truly, this is our unique pleasure to host you on a trip because Seldovia is a fantastic little community hardly anyone gets to see.
Population and Community: Seldovia is a small town with a population of around 250-300 residents. The community is known for its close-knit and friendly atmosphere, with a mix of native Alaskan and non-native residents. The town has a small downtown area with essential services and facilities catering to the needs of both locals and visitors.
Economy and Lifestyle: Fishing and tourism are the mainstays of Seldovia’s economy. The town’s remote location and natural beauty attract visitors looking for outdoor adventures, such as fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. The lifestyle in Seldovia is typically laid-back and closely connected to the natural environment, with residents and visitors alike enjoying the tranquility and slower pace of life away from urban centers.
This charming town, accessible only by plane or boat, stands apart from the more frequented Alaskan destinations like Homer and Seward, offering a tranquil and intimate encounter with nature. Ideal for overnight fishing charters, Seldovia invites guests to immerse themselves in its untouched beauty and local culture. Its isolation from the roadway system only adds to its allure, making a visit here a rare and unforgettable experience for the few who venture to this hidden gem.
Regulations, Limits & Restrictions
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Regional Administrator for Alaska (RAM) usually announce halibut rules, including for Area 3A, early in the year. These rules are often set and shared around late February or early March. This schedule considers the latest science data and stock reviews, and allows time for public feedback and regulatory steps to finish.
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.
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 Rockfish Limits(expected):
- 3 per person per day
- Only 1 may be a nonpelagic rockfish (yelloweye, tiger, copper, quillback, silvergray, china)
Rockfish Fishing Techniques
When fishing for rockfish, we switch from stiff rods, heavy reels, and heavier weights to lighter rods and reels with better action. We also replace our halibut weights, sometimes up to 4 pounds, with smaller, streamlined jigs that move fast in water. These bullet-shaped lures, just a few ounces, let you feel the rockfish’s strong strikes.
Kenai Sportfishing uses various jigs and lures for our rockfish charters, and we’re particularly fond of the sassin jigs from p-line. Just adding a small piece of herring or salmon to the hook is enough to attract any of the 30 different rockfish species in Alaska’s waters!
Even though we’ve switched to lighter rods and reels to target rockfish, since lingcod are often in the same area things get very exciting when you get a 50+ pound lingcod on this light tackle! The only thing better than the fight will be enjoying it on the dinner table at home.
Lingcod Fishing
In Homer, Alaska, lingcod fishing presents a unique aspect of the angling experience. Lingcod can be difficult to target consistently but, fortunately, they are often found with rockfish. At Kenai Sportfishing, while we don’t offer dedicated lingcod trips due to the fact these fish are a little harder to target specifically, the probability of encountering lingcod is high on our rockfish charters.
Lingcod, famous for their hunting ways, usually live in the same rocky underwater areas as rockfish. This lucky habitat overlap means anglers often get a thrilling chance to catch a lingcod while fishing for rockfish. It’s exciting to pull up a 12-pound yelloweye and see a 50-pound lingcod chasing it to the surface! This happens more often than you’d think.
It’s important to note that, in accordance with Alaska’s fishing regulations, lingcod can only be legally retained after July 1st each year. This regulation is a key part of sustainable fishing practices, ensuring the health and longevity of the lingcod population. Thus, while our rockfish charters may not specifically target lingcod, they offer a thrilling chance to potentially catch and keep these formidable fish, adhering to the regulated season.
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.
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.
Our Boats
Every vessel in the Homer Halibut Hunters’ 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.
Our fishing season kicks off in mid-May and extends through October. We venture out daily into Kachemak Bay, Cook Inlet, and the areas near 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 We Halibut Fish’ 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, is a top saltwater fishing destination. It combines abundant marine life, stunning scenery, and a fishing-loving community. Here, both new and expert anglers find unmatched fishing. The waters are rich with halibut, various salmon, rockfish, and lingcod. The town offers diverse fishing charters led by experienced crews. Every trip, no matter your skill, is rewarding and memorable.
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.
For those eager to embark on a saltwater fishing adventure in Homer, look no further than Homer Halibut Hunters. As a wholly-owned subsidiary of Kenai Sportfishing, they offer tailored experiences focusing on halibut and other saltwater species, ensuring a professional and thrilling fishing journey. Whether you’re dreaming of reeling in a trophy halibut or experiencing the thrill of Alaska’s world-renowned salmon runs, Homer Halibut Hunters is your gateway to an unforgettable fishing experience.
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.