Homer Two Species Fishing Sweet Action Alaska

Homer Alaska Two Species Fishing Trip

If you're looking to maximize your time on Alaska's waters, this combo trip delivers the best of both worlds. Sweet Action Charter's two-species adventure puts you right in the heart of Homer's most productive fishing grounds, where massive Pacific halibut cruise the bottom and hard-fighting Chinook salmon patrol the mid-water column. At eight hours on the water, you'll have plenty of time to work both target species without feeling rushed. This isn't just another cookie-cutter charter – it's a carefully planned day that switches between bottom fishing and trolling techniques based on what's biting and where the fish are holding.

What to Expect on the Water

Your day starts early at Homer Harbor, where you'll meet your captain and get the rundown on conditions, tides, and the game plan. Homer's location at the mouth of Kachemak Bay gives us access to some of Alaska's most diverse fishing opportunities, and we'll be hitting the spots that consistently produce both species. The first part of your trip typically focuses on halibut, dropping heavy tackle to the seafloor where these flatfish ambush prey. You'll be fishing depths ranging from 80 to 300 feet, depending on tides and fish movement patterns. Once we've got some barn doors in the boat, we'll switch gears and start working the salmon runs. This means changing up the whole approach – lighter tackle, trolling at different speeds, and reading the water for signs of feeding activity. The boat accommodates up to six anglers, so whether you're bringing the family or a small group of friends, everyone gets plenty of room to fish without crowding each other. All your gear is provided, including rods matched to each species, terminal tackle, and bait. Your guide handles the technical stuff like rigging and finding fish, while you focus on the fighting and landing.

Techniques & Tackle Breakdown

Halibut fishing means going heavy and going deep. We're talking 2 to 4-pound sinkers, circle hooks, and fresh bait that gets down fast and stays put in the current. The technique is straightforward but requires patience – drop your rig to the bottom, keep just enough tension to feel the bite, and wait for that distinctive halibut pickup. These fish don't mess around when they hit, but the initial bite can be surprisingly subtle for such large fish. When targeting salmon, we switch to trolling setups with downriggers or lead core lines. Chinooks in this area respond well to herring, spoons, and plugs worked at specific depths and speeds. Your captain reads the fish finder and adjusts the spread based on what's showing up on the screen. The key is covering water efficiently while maintaining the right presentation. During peak salmon runs, we might also try some mooching techniques in areas where fish are staging before heading up rivers. All tackle is provided and pre-rigged, but if you have favorite lures or want to learn specific techniques, most guides are happy to work with your preferences. Safety gear includes life jackets for all passengers, and the boat carries all required Coast Guard equipment plus emergency communication devices.

Top Catches This Season

Pacific halibut in Homer waters range from keeper-sized "chickens" around 30 pounds up to genuine barn doors pushing 200 pounds or more. These flatfish are ambush predators that lie camouflaged on sandy or muddy bottoms, waiting for prey to swim within striking distance. Peak halibut season runs from late May through September, with the largest fish typically caught during summer months when they're actively feeding before moving to deeper winter grounds. What makes halibut so exciting isn't just their size – it's the way they fight. A big halibut will use its flat body like a sail, creating tremendous resistance as you try to bring it up from deep water. The first run when you set the hook can strip line off your reel faster than you'd expect, and the battle often lasts 20 minutes or more for larger fish. Homer sits right in the heart of some of Alaska's most productive halibut grounds, where these fish have access to rich feeding areas and plenty of structure to ambush prey.

Chinook salmon, also called king salmon, represent the pinnacle of Pacific salmon fishing. These fish enter Homer waters from late May through July, with peak fishing typically occurring in June and early July. Mature Chinooks average 20 to 40 pounds, but fish over 50 pounds are caught every season, and the occasional 60 or 70-pound giant still shows up to make someone's trip legendary. What sets Chinook apart isn't just size – it's their fighting ability and the challenge of locating them consistently. These salmon are constantly moving, following baitfish schools and responding to tidal changes, water temperature, and other factors that keep guides on their toes. When a big Chinook hits your lure, the initial run is explosive. These fish will jump, dive deep, and use every trick in the book to throw the hook. The meat quality is outstanding, with rich, firm flesh that's perfect for grilling, smoking, or preparing sashimi-style. Chinooks also offer excellent photo opportunities, and many anglers consider landing their first Alaska king salmon a true milestone in their fishing careers.

Time to Book Your Spot

This combo trip runs $450 per person from June 1st through September 15th, plus Homer's local tax, making it one of the top-rated values for a full-day Alaska fishing adventure. The eight-hour format gives you serious time to work both species without the rushed feeling you get on shorter trips. With all tackle, bait, and instruction included, you just need to bring your fishing license, weather-appropriate clothing, and plenty of camera memory. Sweet Action Charter's reputation for putting clients on fish while maintaining a safe, professional operation has made this trip a customer favorite among both first-time Alaska visitors and seasoned anglers looking to add variety to their fishing. Summer dates book up fast, especially during peak salmon runs in June and July, so don't wait until the last minute to secure your spot. Whether you're after your first Alaska halibut, chasing a