Homer Alaska Early Season Salmon & Rockfish Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Six-hour salmon trolling and rockfish combo charter tripAccommodates up to six guests with all equipment includedEarly season discount available May 15-31 at reduced rates
When halibut season takes a breather but your fishing fever doesn't, Sweet Action Charter has you covered with this solid 6-hour salmon and rockfish combo trip. Based out of Homer—Alaska's halibut fishing capital—this charter gives you the perfect excuse to stay on the water even when the barn doors are closed. We're talking prime salmon trolling mixed with some serious bottom fishing for rockfish, all while soaking up those long Alaskan summer days that make Homer such a legendary fishing destination.
This trip runs most Wednesdays and select Tuesdays from June 20th through August 15th, which puts you right in the sweet spot of Alaska's fishing season. You'll be working productive local waters where salmon are moving through and rockfish are stacked up on structure. The boat takes up to 6 anglers, making it perfect for families or small groups where everyone from kids to grandparents can get in on the action. Don't worry about bringing gear—we've got all the rods, reels, and tackle dialed in, plus you'll get hands-on instruction throughout the day. Whether you're a seasoned angler or still figuring out which end of the rod to hold, our crew will get you hooked up. The regular rate is $450 per trip, but if you can swing it during the early season window from May 15th through May 31st, you'll snag the deal at $400. Just remember to factor in Homer's 7.85% local tax, and keep in mind deposits are non-refundable once you're locked in.
We'll be running two distinct fishing styles on this trip, and both are proven producers in these waters. For salmon, we're trolling with downriggers and diving planers, working different depths until we dial in where the fish are holding. You'll be running flashers and spoons, herring, or whatever the salmon are keying on that particular day. The beauty of trolling is that it covers water efficiently and keeps multiple lines working while we cruise productive areas. When we switch gears to rockfish, it's all about vertical jigging and bottom fishing around structure where these colorful fighters like to hang out. We'll anchor up or drift over rocky bottom, drop heavy jigs and baited hooks down to where the yelloweye and other rockfish species are waiting. The key is getting your bait right on the bottom and being ready for that telltale thump when a rockfish picks up your offering. Both techniques are straightforward enough for beginners but effective enough to keep experienced anglers engaged all day long.
Yelloweye Rockfish are the main attraction on the bottom fishing side of this trip, and for good reason. These bright orange and red beauties can live over 100 years and grow to impressive sizes, with fish in the 10-20 pound range being common catches. They're found along rocky bottoms and structure in 180-300 feet of water around Homer, and they fight harder than you'd expect for a bottom dweller. What makes yelloweye special is their prehistoric look and the fact that you're potentially tangling with a fish that's been cruising these waters since before your grandparents were born. They bite best during slower current periods and are active feeders throughout the summer months, making them reliable targets when salmon fishing gets tough.
Chinook Salmon, also known as king salmon, are the crown jewel of Alaska fishing and the main reason most anglers make the trip north. These silver bullets can range anywhere from 15-pound jacks to monsters pushing 40-50 pounds, though fish in the 20-30 pound range are more typical. Chinooks are incredibly strong fighters that will test your drag system and your arms, often making long runs and jumping clear out of the water. They're moving through Homer waters from late spring through summer, with the early season often producing some of the largest fish of the year. What gets anglers hooked on kings is their combination of size, fight, and table fare—these fish are absolutely premier eating and the reason many people plan entire Alaska vacations around landing one.
This combo trip fills a perfect niche for anglers who want to maximize their time on Alaska's world-class fishing grounds. You're getting two completely different fishing experiences in one charter, targeting species that represent the best of what Homer waters have to offer. The 6-hour timeframe gives you plenty of opportunity to get into fish without committing to a full-day adventure, and the mix of trolling and bottom fishing keeps things interesting for everyone on board. With early season pricing available and limited spots throughout the summer, this charter represents solid value for groups looking to experience authentic Alaska fishing. Sweet Action Charter knows these waters and has the local knowledge to put you on fish when conditions align. Don't let halibut closures keep you off the water—book this salmon and rockfish combo and discover why Homer's reputation extends well beyond just halibut fishing.
The 26' aluminum Almar is your ticket to Homer's legendary fishing grounds. This single-engine workhorse runs on a reliable Evinrude 150 and was designed specifically for Alaska's challenging waters. The aluminum hull cuts through chop while keeping you stable when the salmon are biting or you're working rockfish on the bottom. What sets this boat apart is the full heater system – crucial for those early morning starts when the fog rolls in thick. The onboard radar keeps you fishing safely even when visibility drops, so weather won't cut your day short. With room for up to 6 anglers, there's plenty of space to spread out whether you're trolling for kings or dropping lines for rockfish. The boat's layout gives everyone access to the action without crowding, and the heated cabin provides a warm refuge between fishing spots. Built tough for Alaska conditions, this Almar handles everything from calm morning waters to afternoon winds that kick up around Kachemak Bay.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKing salmon are the heavyweight champions of Alaska fishing, and our Homer waters produce some beauties. These silver-sided giants average 15-25 pounds, but don't be surprised if you hook into a 30+ pounder during peak season. They cruise in 40-80 feet of water, often near baitfish schools along the shelf break. Kings fight hard with powerful runs and head shakes that'll test your drag. The rich, red meat is what makes them so prized at the dinner table. Early morning and evening bites are usually best when they're actively feeding. During our June-August runs, I like to troll herring or spoons just above the thermocline. Keep your drag smooth but firm - these fish will find every weak spot in your setup.
Sebastes RuberrimusThese bright orange-red rockfish with their signature yellow eyes are some of the most rewarding bottom fish you'll encounter in Alaska waters. They typically run 5-15 pounds, though we've seen 20+ pounders come up from the deeper spots. Yelloweyes live around rocky structure and boulder fields, usually 100-400 feet down in our local areas. The meat is sweet and flaky - some of the best eating you'll find. They put up a solid fight on the way up, but the real challenge is getting them out of the rocks before they wrap you up. My advice: once you hook one, keep steady pressure and don't give them any slack to dive back into their hideout. Heavy jigs and cut herring work best in our waters.
Alaska