Homer Halibut & Rockfish Charter | 8-Hour Trip
Shared Trip
Offshore Fishing
8hour shared charter targets massive halibut and rockfishFully equipped 32foot vessel with tackle and experienced crew includedOperating April through September in Homer's prime fishing waters
Picture this: you're standing on the deck of a solid 32' Pro Apollo, watching your rod tip dance as something massive takes your bait 200 feet down in Cook Inlet. That's what we're talking about when we say Homer is the "Halibut Fishing Capital of the World." This isn't just marketing speak—it's the real deal. Our 8-hour shared charter puts you right where the action is, from April through September, targeting the giants that made Homer famous plus some of the tastiest rockfish you'll ever pull up from the deep.
We run this top-rated charter six days a week (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday through Sunday) because that's when conditions are prime and the fish are biting. You'll be sharing the boat with fellow anglers—usually makes for great stories and friendly competition over who lands the biggest halibut. Our experienced crew knows these waters like their own backyard, and they'll put you on fish while handling all the technical stuff. The Pro Apollo is built for Alaska's offshore conditions, giving you a stable platform to work from whether you're fighting a 50-pound halibut or pulling up a limit of rockfish. Don't worry about gear—we've got quality rods, reels, and tackle covered. Just grab your Alaska fishing license beforehand and show up ready to fish. The day averages 8 hours, but we adjust based on conditions and how the bite is going.
Halibut fishing is all about getting your bait down to the bottom where these flatfish are hanging out, usually in 150-300 feet of water. We use heavy tackle—think 50-80 pound class gear—because when you hook into a barn door halibut, you need equipment that won't quit. The technique is pretty straightforward: we'll anchor or drift over productive bottom structure, drop down circle hooks baited with herring or salmon bellies, and wait for that telltale thump-thump on your rod tip. Rockfish are a different game entirely. They're more aggressive feeders, so you'll feel those hits right away. We'll target them around underwater pinnacles and rocky areas where they school up. The crew will coach you through proper fish handling, especially with the bigger halibut—these fish can weigh over 100 pounds, so there's a technique to getting them boat-side safely.
Pacific Halibut are the main event here, and for good reason. These fish are absolute monsters—we regularly see halibut in the 30-80 pound range, with occasional giants pushing 100+ pounds. They're bottom dwellers that feed on everything from cod to octopus, which is why they get so big. The best fishing typically runs from May through August when they're most active and feeding heavily before winter. What makes halibut so exciting isn't just their size—it's the fight. They'll make powerful runs toward the bottom, trying to wrap your line around structure. Landing a big halibut is a team effort between you and the crew, and that first glimpse of a huge flatfish coming up from the depths never gets old. The meat is phenomenal too—firm, white, and perfect for the grill.
Yelloweye Rockfish are the other star of this show, and locals will tell you they're some of the best eating fish in Alaska waters. These bright orange and yellow fish live around rocky structure in 200-400 foot depths, and they can live over 100 years—some of the fish you'll catch might be older than your grandparents. They typically run 3-8 pounds, though the occasional monster can hit 15+ pounds. Yelloweye are known for their aggressive strikes and strong initial runs. They school up around underwater peaks and ridges, so when you find them, you usually find a lot of them. The fishing stays consistent throughout our season since they don't migrate like salmon. What anglers love most is how cooperative they are—once you locate a school, you can often fill your limit pretty quickly while working toward that trophy halibut.
This world-class fishery doesn't wait around, and neither should you. Our Homer halibut and rockfish charter fills up fast, especially during peak summer months when the fishing is absolutely on fire. You're looking at a full day on some of Alaska's most productive waters, targeting fish that'll give you stories for years. The crew knows how to put you on fish, the boat is built for the job, and all you need to bring is your license and enthusiasm. Remember, deposits are non-refundable, so when you're ready to experience why Homer earned its reputation as the halibut capital, lock in your dates. Whether you're after that trophy halibut for the wall or a cooler full of rockfish for the table, this charter delivers the goods. Book now and get ready for some serious fishing.
Set out for deep waters aboard this rock-solid 32' Pro Apollo aluminum fishing boat, your ticket to Homer's legendary halibut and rockfish grounds. Built in 2016 with twin 300HP Suzuki engines, this fishing machine cruises at 30 knots to get you to the hotspots fast. The boat's equipped with GPS navigation, radar for those foggy Alaska mornings, and a fish finder to locate where the big halibut are hiding. Room for 6 anglers means you'll share stories and fishing tips with fellow anglers while targeting some of Alaska's most prized catches. The onboard toilet keeps you comfortable during those long 8-hour fishing sessions. With all rods, reels, and tackle provided, just grab your Alaska fishing license and prepare to battle fish that could easily outweigh you in the waters around the "Halibut Fishing Capital of the World."
Hippoglossus StenolepisHomer's claim to fame - these barn door flatfish are what dreams are made of. Average catch runs 20-40 pounds, but landing a 100+ pounder happens more often than you'd think. The giants can hit 300-500 pounds and stretch over six feet long. They live on sandy and muddy bottoms, typically 150-500 feet deep around here. Summer months are prime time when they move up to shallower feeding areas and get aggressive. What keeps people coming back? The fight is legendary - pure power and stamina that'll test your arms. Plus, there's nothing like fresh halibut on the grill. My go-to tip: when you get a bite, don't rush the hookset. Halibut are notorious for picking up bait and swimming with it. Give them a few seconds to really commit, then drive that hook home hard.
Sebastes RuberrimusThese golden-eyed beauties are some of the biggest rockfish you'll find in Alaska waters. Most yelloweyes we see run 5-15 pounds, but don't be surprised if you hook into a 25+ pounder - they can live over 100 years and get massive. You'll find them hanging around rocky bottoms and boulder fields, usually 150-400 feet down. The younger orange ones stay shallower while the big yellow adults go deep. Summer through early fall gives you the best shot at them. What makes yelloweyes special? That sweet, delicate meat is restaurant-quality, and they put up a solid fight coming up from depth. Here's a local trick: when you feel that first bite, don't set the hook hard right away. Let them chew on it a second - these fish are cautious and will often mouth the bait before committing.
Homer, AK, United States