Homer Rock Fish Charter Sweet Action Inshore

Homer Alaska Rock Fish Fishing Charter

When halibut season takes a breather but you're still itching to get on the water, this combo charter is exactly what you need. Sweet Action Charter runs this top-rated 6-hour salmon and rock fish trip that's become a customer favorite on those mid-week days when the big flatties are off-limits. You'll spend your time trolling for salmon and dropping lines for colorful rock fish in Homer's productive local waters. It's perfect for families, small groups, or anyone who wants a solid day of fishing without the pressure of chasing trophy halibut. The trip maxes out at 6 anglers, so you get plenty of personal attention and room to move around the boat.

What to Expect on the Water

This charter shines on Wednesdays and select Tuesdays from June 20 through August 15, when the timing is just right for both species. You'll start your morning heading out from Homer's harbor into Kachemak Bay, where the captain knows exactly which spots are producing. The beauty of this combo trip is the variety – one minute you're trolling flashers and spoons for salmon, the next you're bouncing jigs off rocky bottoms for lingcod and yelloweye rockfish. The crew provides all your rods, reels, and tackle, plus they'll walk you through every technique so even first-timers feel confident. Homer's 7.85% local tax gets added to the $450 base price, and heads up – deposits are non-refundable, so make sure your dates work before you commit.

Trolling and Bottom Fishing

The salmon action typically happens in the first part of your trip, with the boat moving at a steady pace while lines trail behind loaded with dodgers, flashers, and cut herring or spoons. You'll learn to read the downrigger and feel for that telltale thump when a king salmon grabs your bait. When it's time to switch gears for rock fish, the captain will anchor up or drift over rocky structure where these bottom dwellers hang out. Rock fishing means dropping heavy jigs or baited hooks straight down, sometimes in 100-200 feet of water. The key is keeping contact with the bottom and being ready for that aggressive bite. The crew will show you how to work the jigs with short pumps and drops, and trust me, when a big lingcod or yelloweye hits, you'll know it. The variety keeps things interesting – no two fish fight the same way.

Top Catches This Season

Yelloweye rockfish are the stars of the bottom fishing show here in Homer's waters. These bright red and orange beauties can live over 100 years and grow to impressive sizes, with fish in the 8-15 pound range being common catches. They're bottom huggers that love rocky reefs and ledges, typically found in 80-300 feet of water. What makes yelloweye so exciting is their incredible strength – they'll use every rock and crevice to try and break you off, so you need to horse them up quickly once hooked. Peak season runs from June through early September when they're most active and feeding heavily. The meat is absolutely phenomenal – firm, white, and sweet. Many anglers consider yelloweye one of the best eating fish in Alaska waters.

Chinook salmon, or kings as we call them locally, are the other main target and arguably the most prized catch in these waters. Homer's kings typically range from 15-40 pounds, with the occasional monster pushing 50-plus. These fish are here from late May through mid-August, with July often producing the biggest specimens. What sets king salmon apart is their raw power and endurance – they'll make blistering runs and jump repeatedly when hooked. The fight can last 15-20 minutes with a good fish, and watching that silver torpedo explode out of the water never gets old. Kings are also world-class table fare, whether you smoke, grill, or can the rich, red meat. The combination of incredible fishing action and unmatched eating quality is why anglers travel from around the globe to target Homer's chinook salmon.

Time to Book Your Spot

This combo charter fills up fast during peak summer weeks, especially since it runs on specific days when halibut fishing is closed. The 6-hour format gives you serious fishing time without the full-day commitment, making it perfect for families with younger kids or anyone wanting to explore Homer's other attractions. You'll come back to the dock with coolers full of premium fish and stories that'll last a lifetime. The crew's local knowledge and patient instruction ensure everyone has a great time, regardless of experience level. Don't wait too long to secure your dates – the best fishing days of summer book solid, and with only 6 spots available per trip, your window closes quickly. Give Sweet Action Charter a call and get your name on the list for this renowned Homer fishing adventure.