Homer Alaska Rockfish Halibut Sweet Action

Homer Alaska Halibut and Rockfish Charter

When you're looking for the best of both worlds in Homer's legendary fishing scene, this halibut and rockfish combo trip delivers exactly what serious anglers want. Sweet Action Charter has dialed in the perfect balance – you'll spend your day targeting massive Pacific halibut while also loading up on some of Alaska's most prized rockfish species. This isn't your typical tourist trip where you're crowded in with a dozen strangers. With space for just six guests, you get the personal attention and prime fishing spots that make all the difference between a good day and an epic one.

What to Expect on the Water

Your six-hour adventure kicks off from Homer's world-class harbor, where Captain and crew have been perfecting this combo approach for years. The beauty of this trip lies in its variety – one minute you're wrestling with a barn door halibut that could easily tip the scales at 50+ pounds, the next you're bringing up a gorgeous yelloweye rockfish with those trademark bulging eyes and vibrant colors. The fishing happens in Homer's most productive local waters, areas that consistently produce both species without burning half your day running to distant spots. Families absolutely love this setup because there's always something biting, keeping everyone engaged whether you're eight or eighty. The crew provides all your gear – quality rods, reels, and tackle that can handle whatever decides to grab your bait down there.

Bottom Fishing Techniques

This trip focuses on proven bottom fishing methods that have been putting fish in the boat for decades around Homer. You'll be dropping heavy jigs and bait rigs down to depths where both halibut and rockfish love to hang out, typically anywhere from 80 to 200 feet depending on conditions and what's biting best. The crew will set you up with the right weight for the current and depth, usually running 12 to 20-ounce jigs tipped with fresh herring or other local bait. The technique is straightforward but effective – drop your gear to the bottom, lift it up a few cranks, then work it with subtle jigging motions. When a halibut hits, you'll know it – they grab hard and heavy, then try to head straight back to the bottom. Rockfish tend to bite more aggressively but fight differently, using the current and their knowledge of the rocky structure to their advantage.

Target Species You'll Hook

Pacific halibut are the undisputed kings of Homer's inshore waters, and for good reason. These flatfish can grow absolutely massive – we're talking fish that can weigh anywhere from 20 pounds up to genuine trophies pushing 100+ pounds. Peak season runs from May through September, with early season often producing some of the biggest fish as they move into shallow water after spawning. What makes halibut so exciting isn't just their size, but their fight. A big halibut will use every trick in the book – powerful runs toward the bottom, dead weight tactics, and last-minute surges right at the boat. The meat is absolutely phenomenal too, with firm white fillets that taste like nothing else you've ever had.

Yelloweye rockfish bring a completely different energy to your day, and they're arguably one of Alaska's most beautiful fish species. These guys live long – some of the bigger specimens you'll catch might be 50+ years old – and they're incredibly smart about using rocky structure to break you off. They typically run 5 to 15 pounds around Homer, with their distinctive yellow and red coloration making them absolute photo favorites. Yelloweye are available year-round but fishing is typically best from May through October when they're more active in the feeding zones. What guests love about targeting yelloweye is the consistency – when you find them, you usually find several, and they're aggressive biters once you dial in the right presentation.

Time to Book Your Spot

At $400 per person during the early season window from May 15-31 (plus Homer's 7.85% local tax), this combo trip offers serious value for six hours of guided fishing in some of Alaska's most productive waters. The fact that Sweet Action Charter limits this to just six guests means you're getting a premium experience without the premium price tag you'd pay for a completely private charter. Keep in mind that deposits are non-refundable, so make sure your dates work before you commit. Early season is particularly attractive because you're hitting the water when both species are most active after the long winter, and you'll avoid the summer crowds that can make Homer feel more like a circus than a fishing destination. This trip consistently ranks as the most requested option for good reason – it delivers variety, action, and the kind of memories that keep you planning your next Alaska fishing adventure before you even get back to the dock.