Homer's Ultimate Halibut & Salmon Adventure
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
8hour combo charter targets salmon and halibut in Homer watersKing salmon up to 70 pounds available May through SeptemberSingle guest capacity ensures personalized fishing experience
Picture this: you're anchored up in some of the richest fishing waters Alaska has to offer, rod bent double with a barn door halibut on one end and pure adrenaline pumping through your veins. That's exactly what you'll get on this world-class 8-hour combo charter out of Homer. We're talking about a full day targeting three of Alaska's most prized species—king salmon that'll test your tackle, Pacific halibut that can literally feed your family for months, and silver salmon that fight like they're twice their size. From the moment we fire up the engines until we tie back up at the dock, you're looking at non-stop action that'll have you planning your next trip before this one's even over.
This isn't your typical weekend fishing trip—we're talking about a serious day of angling in some of the most productive waters on the planet. Your captain knows these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on fish using decades of local knowledge. The beauty of this combo charter is the variety. One minute you're trolling through salmon runs with your downriggers set perfectly in the zone, the next you're anchored up over a productive halibut hole with heavy tackle and fresh bait. The action switches up throughout the day, keeping things interesting and maximizing your chances at filling the cooler. We run rain or shine, so come prepared for typical Alaska weather—layers are your friend out here. Most anglers are surprised by just how fast-paced these trips can be. There's rarely a dull moment when you're fishing waters this rich.
We've got all the gear dialed in for this combo approach. For salmon, we're running downriggers with proven spreads—usually a mix of spoons, hoochies, and cut plug herring depending on what the fish are telling us. The trolling speed and depth changes throughout the day as we follow the bites and work different water columns. When we switch gears for halibut, we're talking heavy bottom rigs with circle hooks and fresh bait—typically herring, but sometimes we'll switch to salmon bellies if that's what they're wanting. The tackle is sized right for the job, meaning you can actually fight these fish without getting completely worked over. Your captain will coach you through the fight, especially on those bigger halibut that like to do their barrel rolls near the surface. We keep things simple but effective—no need for fancy techniques when the basics work this well in Homer's waters.
The king salmon run here is legendary for good reason. These aren't your typical 15-pound fish—we're regularly seeing kings in the 25 to 70-pound range that'll give you a workout you won't forget. They hit hard and make long runs, often jumping clear out of the water in their attempt to throw the hook. Pacific halibut are the real stars of the show for many anglers. These flatfish grow massive in Alaska's cold, nutrient-rich waters, and hooking into a 100-plus pounder is a real possibility on every trip. The fight is completely different from salmon—more of a stubborn, bulldogging battle that tests your endurance. Silver salmon round out the trio with their acrobatic fights and aggressive strikes. They might not be the biggest fish in the cooler, but pound-for-pound, they're some of the hardest fighting fish you'll encounter. What really sets this charter apart is the timing—we hit the water when multiple species are active, giving you legitimate shots at a true mixed bag.
Chinook salmon, better known as kings, are the heavyweight champions of the Pacific salmon world. In Homer's waters, these fish are feeding heavily as they prepare for their spawning runs, making them both aggressive and incredibly strong. The best action typically runs from early May through mid-summer, with fish averaging 30 to 40 pounds and plenty of opportunities at fish pushing 50 pounds or better. What makes them special is their fighting ability combined with their incredible table fare—rich, buttery meat that's perfect for grilling or smoking. Kings don't give up easy, often making multiple long runs and showing their silver sides as they jump.
Pacific halibut are prehistoric-looking flatfish that can live for decades and grow to truly massive sizes. Homer sits right in prime halibut habitat, with these fish feeding on the abundant baitfish in the area. The bigger females, which can exceed 200 pounds, provide an arm-burning fight that's unlike anything else in Alaska waters. They feed year-round but are most active during our charter season. What gets anglers hooked on halibut fishing is the mystery—you never know if that bite is going to be a 20-pounder or a fish that'll take an hour to get to the surface. The meat is firm, white, and incredibly versatile in the kitchen.
Coho salmon, or silvers, are the acrobats of the salmon family and absolute customer favorites for their fighting ability. They show up in Homer's waters from mid-July through early September, feeding aggressively and providing some of the most exciting fishing of the season. These fish typically range from 8 to 15 pounds, but what they lack in size they make up for in attitude. A hooked silver will jump, tail-walk, and make blistering runs that'll have your drag screaming. They're also excellent eating, with firm, flavorful meat that's perfect for the dinner table.
This combo charter delivers exactly what serious anglers are looking for—variety, action, and legitimate shots at trophy-class fish. You're getting the best bang for your buck with three target species, eight hours on the water, and a captain who knows how to put you on fish. The season books up fast, especially during peak silver salmon time from July through August. Homer's reputation as the "Halibut Fishing Capital of
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKing salmon are the giants of the salmon world, and around Homer we see them running 25-70 pounds from early May through September. These silver-sided bruisers with black-spotted backs stay deep in the water column, which is why we troll weighted gear to reach them. What makes kings special is their incredible fight - they'll peel line and test your arms on every run. The meat is rich and buttery with that beautiful orange-red color that makes for perfect grilling. Kings prefer the cooler morning and evening hours when the light is low. My tip: when you hook one, keep steady pressure but don't horse it. Let the fish tire itself out on those first few runs, and you'll boat more of these trophy salmon.
Oncorhynchus KisutchSilver salmon are pure dynamite on the end of a line - they'll jump 6 feet out of the water and put on an aerial show that gets everyone on the boat excited. Running 8-15 pounds around Homer, they show up strong from mid-July through early September. We find them in the top 40 feet of water, often chasing baitfish near the surface. Cohos are aggressive feeders and will hit bright spoons and flies with authority. The orange-red meat is fantastic on the table, and their fighting spirit makes them a favorite among anglers who want non-stop action. These fish can leap vertically and twist like crazy, so keep your rod tip up and let your drag do the work. Quick tip: bright chartreuse and pink lures work best on overcast days when the silvers are really feeding.
Hippoglossus StenolepisPacific halibut are the barn doors of the deep - these bottom-dwelling flatfish can reach 200+ pounds, though most we catch run 20-80 pounds. They live on sandy and muddy bottoms from 100-400 feet deep, which is why we anchor up and drop heavy gear straight down. Summer months are prime time when they move into shallower feeding areas. What guests love about halibut fishing is the surprise factor - you never know if that tap on your rod is a 20-pounder or a 200-pounder until it's halfway up. The white, flaky meat is some of the best eating in the ocean. Pro tip: when you feel that subtle bite, don't jerk the rod. Let them take it for a few seconds, then set the hook hard. Halibut have tough mouths and you need good penetration.
Fairbanks