Homer fishing charters can get you on unimaginable amounts of big, tasty fish. Spend a day battling monster King Salmon, “barn door” Halibut, or deep-water delicacies like Rockfish and Lingcod. What you catch is up to you, with a trip for every combination. Whatever you choose, you’ll end the day with enough fresh fillets to feed an army.
Choosing Your Charter
Charters work differently in Homer than in many places. For starters, half day trips aren’t really a thing here. On top of that, shared charters are more common than private ones, although you can book the whole boat at a discount if you’re in a group. Lastly, trips are categorized mainly by what they target. These are the main options.
Halibut Charters: The Local Speciality
Halibut are the most popular fish in Homer. This is the “Halibut Fishing Capital of the World” after all. Trips usually last eight or 10 hours. Standard full days target smaller fish in local waters. Extended charters go after the big “barn doors” farther away. Bear in mind that, by law, you can’t catch Halibut on Wednesdays, or on Tuesdays mid-July through mid-August.
Salmon Charters: Awesome Angling, Every Day
Homer is famous for its Flatfish, but you shouldn’t overlook the amazing Salmon fishing here. King and Silver Salmon hit trophy sizes in the waters very close to town. You can also catch every other Pacific Salmon species during their summer spawning runs. Salmon trips are great fun, and are a no-brainer on days when Halibut is closed for harvest.
Combo Trips: Fill the Boat
Can’t decide what to target? Why not catch ‘em all! Combo trips are the ultimate way to load up on fish. You can target Halibut and Salmon, Halibut and Rockfish, or all three. These charters generally last 10 hours, but you can also head out on overnight adventures to fish the most remote spots and reel in two days’ worth of fish.
What to Expect from Your Trip
Homer Charter Rates
An eight-hour Salmon or Halibut charter will cost you around $300–$350 per person. Combo trips are a little extra, especially if you’re targeting Rockfish. Even so, a 10-hour Halibut and Rockfish combo won’t usually be much more than $400 per person. Don’t forget, you can save a fair amount of money by booking the whole boat if you already have a group.
Getting Your Fish Home
Most visitors to Homer arrive by plane. This can make getting your catch home complicated. Luckily, there’s a simple solution: have it shipped straight to your door. Charter captains often arrange this for you after the trip. If not, they can point you to a nearby processing plant, where your fish will be vacuum sealed and packaged, ready for transit.
Homer fishing charters are designed to let everyone enjoy Alaska’s incredible angling and outstanding natural beauty. You can join as a group or on your own. Target one species or go after them all. Whatever you’re after, you’ll find an experienced captain and a sturdy boat waiting to take you out.