Alaska claims some of the best halibut fishing in the world for both numbers and size, and there is a thriving halibut fishing charter industry throughout the southern ports of the state. Halibut can grow to be hundreds of pounds in size and are an extremely aggressive species.
Licenses
You need a sports fishing license if you are 16 years or older. As of 2010, residents can purchase an annual license for $24. Non-residents have five choices, based on length of time. A 1-day license costs $20; a 3-day $35; a 7-day $55; and a 14-day costs $80. An annual license for non-residents costs $145.
Regulations
Regulations vary across the state. This means that if you fish for halibut off of Juneau or in the southeast, different rules and regulation apply than if you choose to fish out of Anchorage or Homer. Many areas in the southeast limit halibut catches to one per person per day. Anchorage, Homer, and other towns along the Kenai Peninsula allow two halibut per person per day in most areas.
Charters
The best way to go halibut fishing in Alaska is by renting a charter. Charters are operated by professional captains who know where the biggest halibut are being caught, what the best tactics are for catching them, and they will provide all equipment and gear. There also are many lodging and charter specials that include obtaining the necessary licenses, lodging and fishing, although these packages will cost more than just taking a boat out for the day.
Homer Alaska
Homer offers the best halibut fishing in Alaska. The community is located at the tip of the Kenai Peninsula, and visitors are greeted by a sign declaring, "The Halibut Capital of the World." There are literally dozens of charter boats down at the dock. Homer also hosts one of the most vibrant artistic communities in the entire state of Alaska, and if you have an extra day, it's worth a water taxi to Kachemak State Park and the extreme wilderness trails to really see Alaska's wild beauty first-hand.
South Alaska Coast
Virtually every coastal town or city in southern Alaska has paid charters to go halibut fishing. These fish are plentiful from the southeast islands where Juneau and Sitka are located, all the way up to Anchorage and the Kenai Peninsula, further west to the Aleutian Islands.
Seasons
You can fish for halibut in Alaska waters from February 1 through December 31. January is the only month where halibut fishing is not allowed. The best fishing times are from May through September, with many areas reporting June as the best overall month in the number of fish caught and the size of the halibut.
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