Q. How do I get to Homer?
A. Most often, flying into Anchorage and renting a car is the way to go. The 4.0 hour drive down will take you through the pass, along the Kenai River and is spectacular. Another option is a 45-minute flight on RAVN or Alaska Air Taxi.
Q. I'm hesitant to book a charter due to previous experience with seasickness, is there anything I can do to alleviate this?
A. We know how seasickness can affect the quality of your trip and so we have installed a new Seakeeper 6 gyro stabilization system on our vessel. This technology reduces vessel roll by 90% and nearly eliminates the cause of seasickness. We sea trialed another vessel with a Seakeeper installed. One of the passengers noted that the relief was 100% and almost immediate when the Seakeeper was engaged.
Q. Do I need to bring anything for your fishing packages?
A. Fishing equipment, and bait are provided on all of our trips. If you have special dietary needs, we will do our best and will notify you if we are not able to accommodate. It is recommended that you bring rain gear and a couple of layers of warm clothes. Our boat has plenty of heat, but the ocean breeze can be cool while fishing on the back deck. Wearing rubberized shoes or boots are best.
Q. Do I need a license?
A. Yes... You will need to purchase a fishing license and if your trip includes trolling for King/Chinook Salmon, you will need a separate King Salmon stamp. You can purchase online at http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=license.main
Q. Who cleans my catch and how do I get my fish home?
A. Our crew will expertly fillet your fish as part of your adventure. If you choose, Homer Fish Processing will meet us at the boat and take your fish to their facility for vacuum sealing and flash freezing. It can be boxed for shipping or as airline baggage and will be kept until you are ready to leave Homer. For cost visit https://www.myalaskafish.com/ . The Anchorage airport has a huge walk-in freezer near the baggage claim and will store your fish during the remainder of your trip.
Q. Are there any special rules for Halibut charter fishing?
A. In the Central Gulf of Alaska (area 3A which includes Homer), customers are limited to one trip per calendar day and two fish per day (one fish under 28" and one fish of any size). Halibut is open 7 days a week! Rockfish and Salmon charters are open all season. Lingcod opens July 1st.
Q. What else is there to do in Homer?
A. Homer is packed with options! We recommend guided sea kayaking, hiking across the bay, our Wildlife and Waterfalls dinner cruise, bear viewing, the Ring of Fire Tour scenic flight, or Salmon and Rockfish are open to fishing all summer.
Q. Where do I stay while in Homer?
A. It really depends on your budget and expectations. For large groups, we recommend Second Star Mansion on Kachemak Drive. See our "Lodging" page for details. For smaller groups, there are dozens of options from hotels like Best Western and Aspen Suites or we have hundreds of cabins and local VRBO/Airbnb rentals to choose from. Book early as it can be difficult to find lodging during peak season.
Q. Are there any hidden costs with your adventure packages?
A. Our packages do not include the local sales tax of 7.85% for all services. If your captain and deckhand do a good job, gratuities are greatly appreciated.
Q. Do you require payment to hold our seats and do you take credit cards?
A. Yes... Our calendar fills up quickly in the spring and early summer so payment is required at the time of booking. Visa and Mastercard are accepted. We can take personal and business checks, however, your reservation is not secure until the check clears.
Q. What is your Cancellation Policy?
A. For Reserved Fares: Cancellation of trips any time before 90 days prior to your trip you will receive a full refund less a 10% administrative fee. After that time, payment/deposits are non-refundable. In the event we cancel a trip due to weather, safety issues, or events beyond our control, you have the option of a full refund or to reschedule on a space available basis. Due to the expense of these trips, we highly recommend purchasing travel insurance to cover any unforeseen circumstances.
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