TRIP INFO
Read over our policies, instructions, and what to bring to ensure your day on the water is spectacular.
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations prior to 30 days of departure are fully refundable.
- Cancellations within 30 days of the charter are non-refundable.
- Cancellations by the captain due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances are fully refundable.
Meeting Instructions
Our meeting time is 6:30 am at the boat in the Homer Harbor for summer charters. Please don’t arrive early as the captain is still preparing for the day by getting tackle ready or prepping the right equipment for the charter.
At 6:30 am, your captain will allow you to board the boat, introduce themselves, talk about any need-to-know boating and safety information as well as ensure you are fully prepared with your fishing license and creature comforts.
Winter charters are arranged on a per case basis as daylight dictates starting time.
Health & Safety
Ocean fishing is fun and can be physically taxing. Please discuss with us AHEAD of time any concerns you may have. If you are not in optimum health (heart conditions, prone to seizures or fainting) or have a condition that precludes you from being away from immediate health care, this may not be the excursion for you.
Passenger safety is our #1 priority. Anglers must be able to navigate the fishing deck, the ramps to the boats in the harbor, and the boat restroom facilities. While we can sometimes tailor a private charter with accommodations, in filling a mixed-client boat, we want to be sure each angler has the excellent experience they paid for.
Fishing Licenses
You will need to present your fishing license prior to departure in the morning. Unless you are fishing multiple days, a 1-day license should be sufficient ($15 fee). If you are targeting King Salmon, you will need a King Salmon Stamp ($15 fee). There are multiple day licenses and stamps available if you have more than one charter booked.
For those under age 16, no license is needed, but you will need to bring a harvest card, which is free.
Licenses can be purchased online at the Alaska Dept of Fish & Game or at most local tackle shops in Homer (Ulmer's, Tackle Shack, Safeway).
Fish Processing
While you do all the hard work of catching the fish, we facilitate the processing for you. Arriving at the harbor, fish haulers will grab your catch from the boat and take them to Buttwhackers (located by Ramp 1 behind the Salty Dawg Saloon).
They will hang your catch for photos, and then fillet the fish—a service included in your charter fee.
After your fish are filleted, if you’d like your fish processed (vacuumed sealed, boxed, mailed), we recommend Homer Fish Processing (HFP). This is an add-on cost based on your specific preferences:
- Cutting into 1lb or 2lb pieces, vacuum sealing, and freezing.
- Smoking some or all of your fish.
- Boxing the fish to take on your flight home in 10lb - 50lb insulated boxes.
- Mailing your fish overnight at your date preference so you can accept it at home.
Clothing & Gear
Weather is unpredictable in Alaska regardless of the time of the year. We heavily recommend dressing in layers. The cabs of our boats are heated and very comfortable, however, you can’t fish from inside the cab.
Plan for multiple layers with the exterior layer being water and fish-slime proof. Shoes/boots should also be non-slip as well as water proof.
Important Rules & Reminders
Food & Drinks
Bring your own lunch, snacks, and drinks suitable for a long day. Glass is not allowed on board, nor are extremely large hard-sided coolers.
Zero Tolerance
Our vessels are NON-SMOKING. Marijuana is legal in Alaska, but our boats are federally regulated making it illegal to possess or consume marijuana while onboard.
Motion Sickness
Dramamine, Bonine, or wrist bands can be life savers. Plan ahead—sometimes taking a dose the night before helps your body prepare.
Gratuity
Tips are an important part of our captain’s income. When you arrive to a clean boat with fresh bait, they have already worked hours. We recommend 15-25% of your charter fee.