The small community of Homer, Alaska, offers big opportunities to fish for tasty, healthy halibut. Your arms will appreciate the adventure because the sheer size and weight of the fish mean you might enjoy a strenuous workout to bring one in. Take a boat or use a charter boat company to head out to Kachemak Bay or Cook Inlet to fish for the trophy-sized beauties. After you're done fishing, the area offers an abundance of outdoor recreation, including wildlife viewing, kayaking and hiking at nearby Kachemak Bay State Park.
About the Area
Homer is located on a 4 1/2-mile long spit that extends into Kachemak Bay in Cook Inlet. You can reach Homer by road, driving 225 miles south of Anchorage along the Seward Highway before connecting with Sterling Highway. You can also fly into Homer from Anchorage. Once you arrive in Homer, drive down the long spit for views of the area's jagged mountains and green coastline.
Planning Your Trip
Pack for cool, damp weather by bringing layers of clothing. Bring rain gear and rubber boots to keep warm. Light gloves and thermal underwear also come in handy. Once you're back on shore, carry and use bug spray to keep the swarms of mosquitoes to a minimum. You'll find plenty of lodging, grocery stores, restaurants and sporting goods stores in Homer to make your trip comfortable.
Licenses
Anglers between the ages of 16 and 59 need to buy an Alaska state fishing license. As of October 2010, licenses ranged in price from $24 annually for residents to $20 per day for nonresidents. Fishermen under the age of 16 do not need a license. Buy the licenses online. Or, you can also purchase them at sporting goods or bait and tackle shops in Homer.
Seasons and Restrictions
Halibut season starts in February and continues through December. The best time to fish, though, occurs from mid-May through September. Fall storms in October cause the ocean to become turbulent, and most halibut charters stop taking anglers out then. Although there is no size limit for halibut, you can only keep two fish daily and have four in your possession.
Charters and Guides
Charter boats and knowledgeable guides make a good choice when halibut fishing near Homer. Hiring an experienced guide to take the boat to the hot spots lets you focus on catching the big one rather than on navigation. Most charter boat companies offer full-day trips because it takes a while to reach the deeper waters where halibut live. A few offer half-day excursions if you're watching your budget. Most Homer charter boat companies provide bait, tackle and lunch while you're on the boat. They also offer services to process and ship your catch.
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