HALIBUT CHARTER
Homer is the Halibut Capital of the World for a reason!
Halibut Fishing in Homer, Alaska
Each April, massive Pacific halibut return from their deep-sea spawning grounds to the nearshore areas of the Gulf of Alaska. They migrate into Kachemak Bay and Cook Inlet—following the vast schools of baitfish—creating one of the most prolific and famous fisheries on the planet.
This phenomenal feeding frenzy is the reason Homer, Alaska is proudly known worldwide as the Halibut Fishing Capital of the World.
What to Expect on Your Charter
When you book a dedicated Halibut Charter with Big Butt Charters, you are signing up for a premier offshore adventure. We typically depart the Homer Harbor early in the morning and cruise out into the pristine, wildlife-rich waters of the Cook Inlet.
- The Hunt: Depending on the tides and marine weather, our experienced captains will run anywhere from 20 to 50 miles offshore. We anchor on proven underwater structures, gravel beds, or steep drop-offs where trophy halibut ambush their prey.
- The Gear & Technique: We supply heavy-duty offshore rods, robust conventional reels, and a custom combination of scent-soaked bait (herring, octopus, salmon bellies) and large colorful jigs to draw these bottom-dwelling predators out of the depths.
- The Fight: Pacific halibut are incredibly powerful swimmers built like underwater kites. Hooking into a \"barn door\" halibut is a serious test of endurance. You will feel the unmistakable, heavy head-thumps as the fish fights aggressively to keep itself pinned to the ocean floor.
A World-Class Alaskan Adventure
Joining one of our adventures is more than just reeling in big fish—it’s an immersive Alaskan experience. You'll learn about our complex marine ecosystem, spot incredible wildlife like humpback whales and sea otters, and bring home boxes of premium, snow-white halibut fillets to enjoy with your family all winter long!
Where & How We Fish
Kachemak Bay, Cook Inlet, Gulf of Alaska. Your guide will determine all the factors to get you to the best fishing grounds considering weather, tides, and other factors. Fishing grounds are anywhere from 20 miles to 50 miles from the Homer Harbor.
We use an assortment of tackle including baited circle hooks, jigs with grub tails, and more.
Trip Pricing
2026 Limit Rules
- 2 per day, one any size and one 28" and under
- No halibut fishing on Wednesdays
- No annual limit
Get to Know Your Catch
- Halibut and other flatfish are flattened laterally, and swim sideways, with one side facing down and the other facing up.
- The upper side is dark with mottling and numerous spots to blend in with a sandy or muddy bottom.
- The underside is typically white to match the lighter surface if seen from underneath by predators.
- Virtually all halibut are right-eyed, meaning both eyes are found on the upper, dark side of the body. Left-eyed halibut are rare.
- Life span can be up to 55 years.
- Size range can be from a few inches to the size of an adult person and can weigh as much as one as well.