Homer's Best Salmon & Halibut Combo Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fullday private charter targets salmon and halibut speciesExpert guides accommodate both beginner and experienced anglersFourperson capacity ensures personalized fishing experience
When you're talking world-class inshore fishing, Homer sits right at the top of the list. This 8-hour private combo charter puts you and three buddies on some of the richest fishing grounds Alaska has to offer. We're talking about waters where 200-pound halibut cruise the bottom while salmon runs stack up thick enough to keep your rods bent all day. With Homer Charter Fishing, you're getting a captain who knows these waters like the back of his hand and won't waste your time running to mediocre spots. This is the real deal – a full day targeting the fish that put Alaska on the angling map.
Your day kicks off early at the Homer Harbor, where you'll meet your captain and get a quick rundown of the game plan. We'll be working the inshore waters of Kachemak Bay and the lower Cook Inlet – prime habitat where the Pacific meets Alaska's legendary fishing grounds. The boat's rigged with quality gear, but if you've got lucky rods or favorite tackle, bring them along. Most days, we'll start by targeting halibut on the deeper structure before moving up to work the salmon zones. The beauty of this combo trip is the variety – one minute you're battling a barn door halibut trying to sound, the next you've got a chrome-bright king making screaming runs toward deep water. Weather permitting, we'll cover different zones to maximize your shots at both species, adjusting tactics as conditions and fish activity dictate.
For halibut, we're talking heavy tackle with circle hooks and plenty of lead to get down where these flatfish hang out. Bait fishing with whole herring or salmon bellies works best, especially when we're working the 60 to 150-foot range where the big ones cruise. The key is keeping your offering right on the bottom and being ready for that telltale tap-tap-pull that signals a halibut pickup. For salmon, we'll switch between trolling and drift fishing depending on what's producing. Trolling lets us cover water with flashers and hoochies or whole herring, while drift fishing with jigs or bait can be deadly when we mark schools. Your captain will have the boat positioned right and the gear dialed in – your job is staying alert and being ready when that rod tip starts dancing. We run quality reels spooled with fresh line, and there's always backup gear if something decides to part ways with a monster fish.
The chinook salmon rolling through Homer's waters are the stuff of legends. These kings average 20 to 40 pounds, with plenty of fish pushing the 50-pound mark and occasional monsters topping 60. They're built for power, with thick shoulders and that classic hooked jaw that makes them instantly recognizable. Peak season runs from May through July, when fresh chrome-bright fish are staging before their spawning runs. What makes chinooks special isn't just their size – it's the way they fight. First comes the head-shaking surface thrash, then they'll sound deep, trying to wrap your line around anything they can find. The meat is rich and oily, perfect for smoking or grilling, and there's nothing quite like the satisfaction of landing your first Alaska king.
Pacific halibut are the real bruisers of these waters, and Homer consistently produces some of the biggest fish in Alaska. We're talking about flatfish that can stretch over six feet and weigh well into the triple digits. The smaller "chickens" in the 20 to 40-pound range are fantastic table fare, while the bigger "barn doors" over 100 pounds are pure adrenaline. Halibut fishing peaks from June through September, when these bottom-dwellers are most active and feeding heavily. What makes halibut fishing addictive is the surprise factor – you never know if that bite is a nice eating-sized fish or a genuine monster that's going to test every piece of gear on the boat. They fight dirty too, using their flat profile to plane against the current and make even modest fish feel like submarines.
Coho salmon bring a different kind of excitement to the mix. These silver bullets average 8 to 15 pounds but make up for their smaller size with pure acrobatics. When a coho hits, you'll know it immediately – they come out of the water jumping and tail-walking like they're trying to throw the hook through sheer attitude. August and September are prime time for cohos in Homer's waters, when schools of fresh fish are staging before heading up their natal streams. The fight is spectacular, but don't sleep on the table quality either. Coho have firm, flavorful meat that's excellent grilled or baked, and they're the perfect size for a family dinner. Many anglers consider them pound-for-pound the strongest salmon species, and after you tangle with a few acrobatic silvers, you'll understand why.
This combo charter delivers exactly what serious anglers come to Alaska for – legitimate shots at trophy fish in some of the most productive waters on the planet. With only four spots available, you're getting personalized attention and plenty of room to fish without bumping elbows. Homer Charter Fishing has built their reputation on putting clients on fish, not just burning fuel and hoping for the best. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to add Alaska species to your list or someone ready to experience what world-class fishing really means, this 8-hour adventure delivers the goods. The fish are there, the guides know where to find them, and all that's missing is you with a rod in your hands. Don't let another season slip by – book your Homer combo charter and get ready for the kind of fishing day that reminds you why you picked up a rod in the first place.
Our 29-foot DAS fishing vessel cuts through Homer's waters at a steady 17.2 knots, getting you to the prime halibut and salmon grounds quickly. Built for serious anglers, this boat handles up to 4 guests comfortably while you target those monster Pacific halibut and hard-fighting salmon. The onboard fish finder helps locate schools of fish, while radar keeps you safe when Alaska's weather rolls in. With plenty of deck space for landing big fish and room to move around during long fights, this boat is designed for productive fishing days. The stable platform makes it easier to work lures and bait, whether you're dropping down for halibut or trolling for chinook and coho salmon in these rich Alaska waters.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaThe king of salmon, Chinooks are what most anglers dream about landing. These silver-sided beauties with blue-green backs can hit 30+ pounds in our waters, though most run 15-25 pounds. They're deep feeders, staying near the bottom where it's darker, so we use downriggers and heavy tackle. Summer through early fall gives us the best action when they're feeding hard before their spawning run. What makes them special? That legendary fight and the richest, most flavorful meat you'll find. Pro tip: when we're trolling, watch for that subtle tap-tap before the rod loads up - kings often mouth the bait first before committing to the strike.
Oncorhynchus KisutchSilver salmon are pure adrenaline on a fishing rod. These acrobatic fighters typically run 8-12 pounds but make up for size with attitude - they'll jump clear out of the water and peel line like crazy. We find them in the upper water column, often feeding near the surface on baitfish. Late summer into fall is prime time as they stage near river mouths. Cohos are perfect for lighter tackle fishing, and their bright orange meat tastes fantastic. They're also great for families since they bite aggressively and put on a show. Here's a guide secret: when a coho jumps, bow to the fish by dropping your rod tip - it prevents them from throwing the hook on a tight line.
Hippoglossus StenolepisHalibut are the barn doors of the sea - flatfish that can stretch over 100 pounds and fight like bulldogs. They live on the bottom in 150-500 feet of water, ambushing anything that swims by. We target structure like ridges and drop-offs where they wait for an easy meal. Best fishing runs May through September when they move into shallower feeding areas. What guests love most is the surprise factor - you never know if it's a 20-pounder or a 200-pounder until it surfaces. The meat is some of the finest eating you'll find. Local trick: once you feel that heavy weight, keep steady pressure and pump-and-wind - halibut will use their flat body to plane in the current if you give them slack.
Homer, AK