Full Day Homer Alaska Halibut & Salmon Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Private 10-hour charter targeting halibut, salmon, and rockfishGAF program allows one halibut harvest per personProfessional cleaning and filleting services included
When you're looking for the real deal in Alaska fishing, this private charter with Big Butt Charters delivers exactly what serious anglers want. We're talking about a full 10-hour day on the water in Kachemak Bay, where the fishing is legendary and the scenery doesn't hurt either. Your group of up to six gets the entire boat to yourselves, which means no strangers crowding your spots and plenty of room to work those fish. The 6:30 AM departure gives us the jump on prime feeding times, and trust me, after 20 years guiding these waters, timing makes all the difference between a good day and a day you'll be bragging about for years.
This isn't your typical crowded party boat situation. You're getting a dedicated captain who knows every productive reef, drop-off, and current break in Kachemak Bay. The Tuesday and Wednesday slots run under Alaska's Guided Angler Fish program, which is a game-changer because it lets each person keep one halibut regardless of size. No more watching that perfect eating-size fish swim away because of slot limits. We'll be targeting multiple species throughout the day, adjusting our approach based on what's biting and what your crew wants to focus on. Some groups go all-in on halibut, while others love mixing it up with salmon runs and rockfish action. The boat comes loaded with quality rods, reels, and all the terminal tackle you'll need, plus we handle the messy work of cleaning and filleting your catch at the end of the day. All you need is your Alaska fishing license, some bait, and whatever food and drinks keep you happy during the long haul.
We fish these waters using a combination of bottom fishing for halibut and rockfish, plus trolling and drift fishing when we're chasing salmon. For the big halibut, we're dropping heavy jigs and circle hook rigs down to 100-200 feet, depending on where the fish are holding. The key is reading the sonar and positioning over structure where these flatfish ambush bait. When we're after Chinook salmon, we'll switch to trolling setups with downriggers, running flashers and spoons or herring at specific depths and speeds. The rockfish and lingcod bite best on vertical presentations near rocky bottoms, using heavy jigs tipped with bait. Pacific cod respond well to similar techniques but usually in different areas. Every angler gets hands-on instruction, whether you're a complete beginner or just want to learn local techniques. The gear is maintained to tournament standards because there's nothing worse than losing a trophy fish to equipment failure.
Pacific Halibut are the main attraction here, and for good reason. These barn-door flatfish can range from perfect 20-pound eating size up to genuine monsters over 100 pounds. They're ambush predators that lie buried in sand and mud, waiting to crush anything that swims overhead. Peak season runs from May through September, with the biggest fish typically caught in deeper water during summer months. What makes halibut special is the fight - they're pure dead weight until they see the boat, then they go absolutely ballistic. Landing a big halibut is a full-body workout that'll have you shaking with adrenaline.
Chinook Salmon, also called King salmon, are the crown jewel of Pacific salmon species. These chrome-bright fighters average 15-30 pounds in Kachemak Bay, with occasional fish pushing 40-plus pounds. They're incredibly strong swimmers that make long, powerful runs and acrobatic jumps. Chinooks are most active during incoming tides and low-light periods, which is why our early start pays off. The meat is rich, oily, and perfect for grilling or smoking. When you hook into a fresh king salmon, you'll understand why they're considered the ultimate prize for Pacific Northwest anglers.
Yellowtail Rockfish are scrappy fighters that school up around rocky reefs and underwater structure. They typically run 2-5 pounds and have excellent white meat that's perfect for fish and chips. These guys bite aggressively and provide constant action when we locate a good school. They're available year-round but fish best during summer months when they move into shallower water to feed.
Black Rockfish are another popular bottomfish that congregates around kelp beds and rocky areas. They're similar in size to yellowtail rockfish but tend to be more aggressive biters. Black rockfish have firm, flaky meat and are considered one of the better-eating rockfish species. They're particularly active during slack tide periods when the current isn't running too hard.
Lingcod are the monsters of the rockfish family, commonly reaching 10-20 pounds with occasional fish over 30 pounds. They have huge mouths filled with sharp teeth and will attack almost any bait or lure. Lingcod are ambush predators that hide in rocky crevices and dart out to grab prey. The meat is snow-white and has a unique, firm texture that's fantastic prepared almost any way. They're seasonal fish, with the best fishing typically from May through October.
This private charter setup is exactly what discriminating anglers are looking for - professional guide service, top-quality equipment, and exclusive boat access in some of Alaska's most productive fishing waters. The GAF program halibut opportunity alone makes this trip special, but when you add in the salmon and rockfish possibilities, you're looking at a world-class fishing experience. The 10-hour format gives us time to really work different areas and species without feeling rushed. Whether you're planning a guys' trip, family fishing adventure, or corporate outing, having the entire boat to yourselves makes all the difference. Spots fill up fast during peak season, especially for these Tuesday and Wednesday GAF slots, so don't wait until the last minute to
Get ready to fish Alaska's legendary waters aboard the Early Riser, a 31-foot North River Seahawk built for serious angling. Twin 300 HP Yamahas power this fishing machine through Kachemak Bay's productive grounds where halibut, salmon, and rockfish wait. The boat's fish finder helps locate the hotspots while GPS and radar keep you on course even when fog rolls in. Between hookups, relax in the heated cabin with its comfortable dinette and galley setup. When nature calls, there's an onboard flushing toilet so you don't miss fishing time. With room for up to 6 anglers and all the gear provided, this boat gives your group everything needed for a productive day targeting Alaska's prized fish species. The captain knows these waters and will put you on the fish.
Sebastes MelanopsBlack rockfish are some of the most reliable fish in our waters - they bite aggressively and are found around virtually every rocky structure from shallow reefs to 200+ feet deep. They average 3-5 pounds and have that classic bass-like shape with dark coloring that lightens with age. These aren't picky eaters and will hit jigs, bait, or lures with enthusiasm. The meat is good eating - white and flaky when cooked properly. You'll find them schooling around jetties, rocky reefs, and anywhere there's structure and current. They're active most of the year, making them great targets when other species aren't cooperating. One thing to remember: use barbless hooks since they're prone to barotrauma when brought up quickly, and it helps with safe release of smaller fish.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKings are the biggest salmon species and the prize fish of Alaska waters. These silver-sided beauties with blue-green backs typically range 15-30 pounds, but 40-50 pounders show up regularly in our area. They're strong fighters that make long runs and jump when hooked. You'll find them in deeper water during summer months, often 60-150 feet down following bait schools. Early morning and evening bites are usually best since they're light-sensitive. The meat is rich and oily with that classic salmon flavor - perfect for the grill or smoker. Pro tip: troll with flashers and spoons, but keep your speed consistent around 2-3 knots. Kings are picky about presentation, so matching the right color combo to light conditions makes all the difference.
Ophiodon ElongatusDespite the name, lingcod aren't actually cod but greenlings with a gnarly appearance - huge teeth, spiny fins, and mottled coloring that helps them ambush prey from rocky lairs. These aggressive predators typically run 15-30 pounds, though Alaska produces some real monsters over 70 pounds. You'll find them hanging around rocky bottom in 30-300 feet, especially where there's current. They're active year-round and put up a solid fight once hooked, but won't run far from their territory. The meat is excellent - firm white fillets that taste great. One tip: use a heavy jig and bounce it right on the rocks where they hide. They're lazy hunters that prefer easy meals, so make some noise to get their attention.
Hippoglossus StenolepisPacific halibut are the giants of our flatfish world and what many folks dream about when they come to Alaska. These diamond-shaped bottom dwellers commonly run 20-40 pounds, but we see plenty of 100+ pounders, and the real monsters can push 300-400 pounds. They live on sandy and muddy bottom in 80-400 feet, migrating seasonally between feeding and spawning areas. Summer months are prime time when they're actively feeding in shallower water. The fight is memorable - they're incredibly strong and stubborn once hooked. The meat is outstanding too - firm white fillets that are perfect for any cooking method. My go-to technique is using circle hooks with heavy weights to get salmon bellies or halibut bait right on bottom, then just wait it out. Patience pays off with these fish.
Sebastes FlavidusYellowtails are one of the more cooperative rockfish species, schooling over rocky structure and reefs throughout our waters. They average 12-15 inches but can reach over 20, with that distinctive yellow tail fin and greenish-brown body. Unlike other rockfish, they handle pressure changes well, so you don't see the bulging eyes when bringing them up from depth. They're active during the day and make great table fare - flaky white meat with a mild, slightly sweet taste. You'll find schools anywhere from 100-600 feet over rocky bottom or near underwater pinnacles. Spring through fall fishing is most productive when they're actively feeding. Simple tip: use a multi-hook setup with small jigs or bait, and once you find a school, work that area thoroughly.
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