WINTER CRAB & KING SALMON

Most people visit Homer in the summertime, but winter in Kachemak Bay is a destination on its own. After being closed for several years, harvesting crab is becoming a popular sport during the winter in Homer.

Chinook (King) Salmon can be found in Kachemak Bay year-round. These are “feeder” kings. Originally from waters close to Canada and the Pacific Coast they come to Kachemak Bay and Cook Inlet to feed and grow until they are ready to return to their natal stream to spawn. 

Crab & Salmon Special October 1 - Feb 28

$350 a seat | $2,100 Private

Winter King Salmon March 1 - April 30

$300 a seat | $2,100 Private

2024 REGULATIONS

• Crab: 3 per person per day (20 annual limit) Oct 1 - Feb 28

• Salmon: 2 king salmon per person per day (no annual limit Sept 1 - April 1)

WHERE & HOW WE FISH FOR CRAB & SALMON

When we first set out on Kachemak Bay, we'll stop to bait and splash the crab pots. Alaska Department of Fish and Game regulations require you to participate in this process. 

Next, we’ll head off to the salmon grounds to troll for King salmon. The Kings typically range between 8 and 25 pounds, sometimes even bigger. These are referred to as either Feeder Kings or Winter Kings because they are present year-round for their “ocean life” prior to returning to their natal streams to spawn.

After trolling, enjoy the scenery as you return to the crab pots on your way back to the harbor. A four to six-hour soak is optimal for crab. With the use of a pot-puller, the pots are pulled from the depths to see what you have legally harvested. With any luck, your pot will be full! Then, return to port where you can have your photo taken and your catch cleaned. Captain Josh can arrange for further processing, packaging, and shipping after your return.

GET TO KNOW YOUR CATCH

• Tanner crab are found throughout the North Pacific Ocean and Bering Sea along the continental shelf and coastal waters.

• Chionoecetes means snow (chio) inhabitant (ioketes), and Tanner crab are often marketed under the name “snow crab.”

• Typically weigh 1-4 lbs

• Tanners are “true” crabs with four pairs of walking legs and one pair of pincers.