TRIP INFO

Everything you need to know before your Homer, Alaska fishing adventure.

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 6:30am, 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.

Fishing License

You will need to present your fishing license prior to departure in the morning. A 1-day license should be sufficient ($15 fee). Targeting King Salmon? You will need a King Salmon Stamp ($15 fee).

For those under age 16, no license is needed, but you will need to bring a harvest card, which is free.

Where to buy in Homer:

HOMER HARBOR

Early Riser: Ramp 4 - Q36
Bait Ball: Ramp 4 - Q35
Booty Call: Ramp 4 - Q34

Park in the free public lot near Ramp #4. Enter the harbor through Ramp #4, turn left at the bottom, and proceed to the Q float.

Homer Boat Harbor Map showing Big Butt Charters locations

THE ESSENTIALS

Clothing

Alaska has a sense of humor when it comes to weather. The cabs of our boats are heated, however, you can’t fish from inside the cab. Plan for multiple layers with the exterior layer being water and fish-slime proof.

Layers, layers, layers!
Non-slip boots/shoes
Waterproof outers

Food & Drinks

You will need to bring your own lunch, snacks, and drinks. It will be a long day of fishing, so you will get hungry and need to stay hydrated. Safeway usually has sandwiches prepared.

"Full bellied captains = happy captains." Feel free to share snacks!

NO Glass allowed
NO Extremely large coolers

Personal Items

Motion Sickness: Dramamine, Bonine, and wrist bands can be real life savers. Take a dose the night before so your body is prepared.
Sunscreen & Camera: Even on overcast days, you get strong UV. Bring a camera for the whales!
Medications: Carry your Epi Pen or inhaler. Disclose severe allergies to the captain!

WHAT HAPPENS TO MY FISH?

While you do all the hard work of catching the fish and reeling up your dinner, we facilitate the processing for you. It's a seamless operation from boat to freezer involving two local businesses.

STEP 1: FILLETING

Buttwhackers

Arriving at the harbor, their fish haulers will grab your catch from the boat. They will hang your catch so you can have one last photo. Buttwhackers then fillets the fish right by the Salty Dawg Saloon.

INCLUDED IN CHARTER

STEP 2: PROCESSING

Homer Fish Processing

At this point, you can pat yourself on the back and go get a drink! HFP will pick up the fillets from Buttwhackers directly. They will portion, vacuum seal, flash freeze, and overnight ship your fish home.

ADDITIONAL COST

Boat Rules

• Our vessels are completely NON-SMOKING.
• No illegal drugs onboard. Marijuana is legal in Alaska, but our boats are federally regulated making it illegal to possess or consume marijuana while onboard.

Health & Safety

Ocean fishing can be physically taxing. Anglers must be able to navigate the fishing deck, the ramps to the boats, and the boat restroom facilities.

If you have a heart condition, are prone to seizures, or cannot be away from immediate health care, please discuss this with us ahead of time.

Cancellation Policy

Refundable: Cancellations made 30+ days prior to departure, or if the captain cancels due to weather.
Non-Refundable: Cancellations made within 30 days of the trip are fully non-refundable.

Fuel Surcharge & Gratuity

Gratuity: Tips are an important part of our captain’s income. When you show up to a clean boat with fresh bait, your captain has already put in hours of work. We recommend a 15-25% tip.

Fuel: A fuel surcharge may be added should the price of fuel rise above $5.00/gallon at Petro Marine Services. All guests will be informed prior to the charter.