King Salmon And Tanner Crab Charter | 7-Hour Private Trip
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Private 7hour charter targets King Salmon and Tanner CrabWinter season fishing from October through February in Kachemak BayAccommodates up to 6 anglers with all equipment provided
Picture this: you're out on Kachemak Bay in the dead of winter, pulling up heavy crab pots while your downriggers are set deep for monster King Salmon. This isn't your typical summer charter—it's Alaska's best-kept secret fishing season. From October through February, when most tourists have gone home, the locals know this is when the real fishing happens. Our 7-hour private charter takes up to 6 anglers into some of the most productive waters in Alaska, where you'll experience the rare combo of world-class salmon trolling and fresh Tanner crab hauling. The bay stays fishable through winter, and these Kings are feeding heavily before heading offshore. Plus, there's nothing like pulling up a pot full of fresh crab to add to your cooler.
We'll start early, heading out to set our crab pots in prime spots I've been working for years. These Tanner crab don't mess around—they're sweet, meaty, and way less crowded than the summer Dungeness spots. Once the pots are soaking, we shift gears to serious salmon trolling. We're talking downriggers set between 60-120 feet, working the thermoclines where these Kings cruise. The winter bite is different—these fish are aggressive and feeding hard. You'll be running multiple lines with flashers and spoons, covering water methodically. The bay has incredible structure with underwater shelves, drop-offs, and current breaks that hold fish. Weather can change fast out here, but that's part of the game. We monitor conditions constantly and adjust our approach. Some days we're fishing protected coves, other days we can push further out into the bay. The trip runs 6-8 hours depending on how the fish are biting and sea conditions.
This is serious trolling country, and we've got the gear to match. All rods, reels, and tackle are included—we're talking heavy-duty downrigger setups with quality Penn and Shimano reels that can handle 40-pound Kings. We run large flashers with cut-plug herring, spoons, and occasionally hoochies depending on what the fish want that day. The key is getting your bait down to where these salmon are cruising and keeping it in the strike zone. For crab, we use regulation pots with the right mesh size and escape rings—all legal and properly tagged. Bait varies, but we've got what works for Tanner crab in these waters. You'll learn proper technique for setting the drag when a big King hits, how to work the fish without breaking it off, and the right way to net a chrome-bright salmon. The crab hauling is straightforward but satisfying—there's real technique to reading the pots and knowing which spots produce consistently. Don't forget your Alaska fishing license and King Salmon stamp—you'll need both, and we check everyone before we leave the dock.
Chinook Salmon are the crown jewel of Alaska fishing, and winter fishing in Kachemak Bay offers some of the most consistent King action you'll find anywhere. These aren't just any salmon—we're targeting mature fish in the 20-40 pound range, with the occasional monster pushing 50 pounds or more. Winter Kings are chrome-bright and incredibly strong, having spent months feeding in the rich waters of the Gulf of Alaska. What makes this fishery special is these salmon are actively feeding rather than just migrating through. They're hitting hard and fighting with that raw power that makes Kings legendary. The best action typically happens during tide changes, especially incoming tides that push baitfish up against the structure. These fish prefer depths between 80-150 feet during winter months, and they're not picky about weather—some of our best days happen when it's blowing 15-20 knots and other boats stay home. Tanner crab add a completely different element to the trip. These crabs are sweet and meaty, often bigger than what you'll find in most restaurants. They prefer deeper, colder water and are most active during winter months. A good pot pull might yield 15-20 keeper-size crab, and there's something deeply satisfying about hauling up pots full of fresh seafood while salmon fishing.
This top-rated winter charter fills up fast with repeat customers who know what they're getting. It's a customer favorite because you're not just fishing—you're experiencing Alaska the way locals do it. The combination of trophy King Salmon and fresh crab makes this trip unbeatable value, especially with all gear included. Weather windows can be limited during winter months, so booking early gives you the best shot at multiple date options. Remember, deposits are non-refundable for this trip, but that's because we're committing to specific dates and turning away other bookings. Pack warm layers, waterproof gear, and bring a camera for those grip-and-grin shots with your fish. Most importantly, come ready to learn—every day on Kachemak Bay teaches you something new about reading water, understanding fish behavior, and appreciating why Alaska fishing has such a legendary reputation. Whether you're an experienced angler or new to offshore fishing, this charter delivers the kind of memories that keep people coming back to Alaska year after year.
Your fishing machine for this King Salmon and Tanner Crab adventure is a rock-solid 32' Pro Apollo aluminum boat that cuts through Kachemak Bay's chilly waters like a champ. Built in 2016 with twin 300HP Suzuki engines, this rig cruises at a steady 30 knots, getting you to the hot spots fast and keeping you comfortable during those long winter trolling runs. The aluminum hull handles Alaska's rough conditions while you work the lines for trophy kings and haul crab pots loaded with sweet Tanner crab. GPS and radar keep you on track when the weather gets sketchy, while the fish finder helps locate schools lurking in the depths. With space for 6 anglers and essential amenities like a head, you'll have everything needed for a solid day of winter fishing in Homer's productive waters.
Homer, AK, United States