Homer's Ultimate Salmon & Rockfish Adventure
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Eighthour combo charter targets salmon and rockfish speciesSeason runs May through September with peak coho timingSingle guest capacity ensures personalized fishing experience
Step aboard with Inlet Charters Across Alaska Adventures for the kind of fishing day that keeps anglers talking all winter long. This 8-hour combo charter takes you into Homer's legendary waters where king salmon cruise the depths and rockfish stack up on the reefs. You'll get the full Alaska fishing experience – from the heart-pounding fight of a Chinook to the non-stop action when the coho are running. Operating out of Homer from May through September, this isn't just another fishing trip; it's your chance to target multiple species in waters that have made this town Alaska's fishing capital.
Your captain knows these waters like the back of their hand, switching between salmon trolling and rockfish bottom bouncing based on what's biting best. Early season trips from May focus heavily on those trophy king salmon that make grown anglers weak in the knees. Come mid-July through September 1st, the silver salmon show up in force, turning this into a true combo experience where you might land three different species before lunch. The boat stays busy all day – when the salmon slow down, your captain slides over to productive rockfish structure where the action picks right back up. Pack layers because weather changes fast out here, and bring your appetite for steady fishing action that rarely lets up.
This charter runs the gamut of inshore techniques that work best in Kachemak Bay. For salmon, you'll troll flashers and spoons at various depths, adjusting based on where the fish are marking on the sounder. The captain handles all the technical stuff – downrigger depths, lure selection, and speed changes – while you focus on fighting fish. When it's time for rockfish, the gear switches to heavy jigs and bait rigs designed to get down fast and stay put in the current. No previous experience needed; your guide walks you through everything from setting the hook to proper fish handling. All tackle is provided, though you're welcome to bring your own rods if you've got favorites. The boat's equipped with quality gear that can handle everything from feisty coho to the occasional halibut that crashes the party.
Chinook salmon are the undisputed kings of these waters, and for good reason. These bruisers average 15-30 pounds but can push well beyond that, offering fights that test both angler and equipment. Kings are most active from early May through July, often found in 60-120 feet of water where they chase herring and needlefish. What makes them special isn't just their size – it's their attitude. A big king will take line, jump, sound deep, then do it all over again. The meat is rich and oily, perfect for the smoker, and landing one is a rite of passage for any serious salmon angler.
Coho salmon bring a completely different energy to the boat when they arrive in mid-July. These silver rockets average 8-12 pounds but fight like fish twice their size, known for spectacular aerial displays that leave everyone scrambling for cameras. Coho are aggressive feeders, often hitting lures with authority that nearly yanks the rod from your hands. They school up in good numbers during their peak season, making for fast action when you find them. Their bright silver sides and acrobatic nature make them a favorite among anglers who value fight over size, and their firm, pink meat is outstanding on the grill.
Canary rockfish add the steady action element to this combo trip, providing consistent bites when salmon fishing slows. These bottom dwellers live around rocky structure and underwater pinnacles, typically in 100-300 feet of water. Canaries are beautiful fish with their bright yellow and orange coloration, and they're excellent table fare with firm, white meat. While they don't fight like salmon, they make up for it in numbers – it's not uncommon to boat a dozen or more during productive rockfish sessions. They're also a great species for building confidence, especially when salmon prove finicky or weather limits where the boat can fish safely.
This combo charter delivers exactly what serious anglers want – variety, action, and the chance at trophy fish in some of Alaska's most productive waters. With just one guest capacity, you get personalized attention and can fish at your own pace without worrying about crowded rails or tangled lines. The season runs May through September, but prime combo fishing happens July 15th through September when both salmon species are available. Book early because quality single-angler charters fill up fast, especially during peak coho season. Whether you're after your first Alaska salmon or adding to a lifetime of fishing memories, this Homer-based adventure puts you on fish in waters that have been producing for generations of anglers.
Sebastes PinnigerThese bright yellow-orange rockfish are some of the most colorful catches you'll bring aboard, averaging 20-23 inches with some reaching 30 inches. They school up over rocky bottoms in deeper water, making them perfect targets during our combo trips. Canaries are eager biters and great table fare with firm, white meat. We find them from July through early September when they're most active in our fishing zones. They'll readily hit jigs, shrimp flies, and baited hooks. What makes them special is their longevity - some live over 40 years, so you're catching a fish with serious history. Best tip: use rubber-tail jigs in bright colors and work them vertically through the schools. Once you find one, there's usually plenty more below.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKings are the trophy fish everyone wants to hook - these bruisers average 12-20 pounds but we regularly see 30+ pounders in Homer waters. They've got that distinctive black mouth and spotted tail, plus they fight like nothing else once hooked. Early May through September is prime time, with these salmon staying deep in the water column where it's cooler. The meat is that rich, orange-red color that makes for perfect grilling. Since kings are light-sensitive and hug the bottom, we run our gear deep with heavy weights. Pro tip: when you feel that first solid thump, don't set the hook right away - let them take it and run a bit first. Their size and strength make every hookup a real battle.
Oncorhynchus KisutchSilver salmon are pure dynamite on the line - they'll jump clean out of the water and put on an aerial show that gets everyone's heart pumping. These acrobatic fighters typically run 8-12 pounds and have that bright silver body with a white belly. From mid-July through September, they move into our area and make for some of the most exciting fishing you'll find. The meat is fantastic with that bright orange color, perfect for the dinner table. Cohos like to school up in the upper water column, so we adjust our trolling depths accordingly. Here's a local secret: when a coho jumps, bow to the fish by dropping your rod tip - it prevents them from throwing the hook on those wild leaps.
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