TRIP INFORMATION
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 6:30am, 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.
Fuel Surcharge
A fuel surcharge may be added should the price of fuel rise above $5.00 per gallon at the fuel dock (Homer Marina/Petro Marine Services). The fuel surcharge would be commensurate with the fuel price increase. All guests would be informed of this surcharge prior to the scheduled charter date.
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. Please disclose and discuss up front any concerns you may have as crew and passenger safety are 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. There are instances where we can tailor a private charter with accommodations, but in filling a boat with various clients, we want to be sure each angler has the excellent experience they paid for.
License
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 and more information can be purchased online at Alaska Dept of Fish & Game or at most local sporting goods stores and tackle shops in Homer:
Fish Processing
While you do all the hard work of catching the fish and reeling up your dinner, we facilitate the processing for you. Filleting is done by an appropriately named fillet company called Buttwhackers located by Ramp 1 behind the Salty Dawg Saloon.
Arriving at the harbor, their fish haulers will come and grab your catch from the boat. They will hang your catch and clean them so you can have one last photo before your fish starts looking like dinner. Buttwhackers will then fillet the fish making for a great display of quality filleting. This service is included in your charter fee.
After the fish are filleted, if you’d like your fish processed (cut, vacuumed sealed, boxed, mailed, etc.), we recommend Homer Fish Processing (HFP). Buttwhackers will arrange with the processors to pick up your catch at the fillet tables. At this point you can pat yourself on the back and go get a drink at the Salty Dawg Saloon and tell your fishing stories with the array of characters found at the iconic bar. Homer Fish Processing will pick up the fillets from Buttwhackers. This is an add-on cost to you as personal preference after filleting requires making some choices.
Your choices include:
Cutting fish into 1lb, 2lb, or whole fillet pieces, vacuum seal, and can freeze.
You may choose to have some or all of your fish smoked
Additionally, HFP can box the fish for you to take on your drive/flight home. Box sizes range from 10lb up to 50lb.
Mailing your fish is the easiest way to remove the responsibility of ensuring your fish is kept frozen wherever you go next. The insulated boxes are great for 1-2 days, but they will need freezer time to ensure proper temperature. The boxes are mailed overnight at your mailing date preference so you may be home to accept your future fish and chips, salmon patties, or rockfish tacos.
More information on fish processing and pricing on our FAQ PAGE.
Clothing
While we hope that every day we have sunshine, no waves, and breaching humpback whales while you reel up your fish, we know that Alaska has a sense of humor when it comes to weather. Weather is unpredictable here regardless of the time of the year. We 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/fish-slime proof. While we ideally want to keep you clean and dry, we love when you look like you’ve been battling a fish and you won. Blood and scales are a sign of a successful trip.
Food & Drinks
You will need to bring your own lunch, snacks, and drinks. Glass is NOT ALLOWED on board, nor extremely large coolers. It will be a long day of fishing, so you will get hungry and need to stay hydrated. There are a few restaurants that offer boxed lunches. Safeway usually has some sandwiches prepared or you can easily find all the supplies to make your own.
While the captains also bring their own lunches, they tend to be extra happy when snacks are shared. Full bellied captains = happy captains.
Other Items
Our vessels are 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.
Motion sickness pills or patches are recommended. Dramamine, Bonine, and wrist bands can be real life savers if you are not used to being on boats. Plan ahead as sometimes taking a dose the night before can make a big difference for your body to be prepared. These can be found just about every local store both in town and on the spit.
Sunscreen – Even in overcast days, you could be getting strong sun rays.
Camera – Take pictures! There is so much wildlife on the water besides fish.
Prescription medications – Please share any important information with our captains if you have any severe allergies, carry an Epi Pen, an inhaler, or have medical conditions that may require attention.
Gratuity – Tips are an important part of our captain’s income and should reflect the effort they put in for your charter. When you show up to a clean boat with fresh bait, your captain has already put in a few hours of work. Many clients ask what is standard, and we recommend 15-25% of your charter fee.
