Is this charter suitable for children?

This charter is not recommended for children under 16 without prior coordination; contact the operator for specific requirements.

What species will we target?

Primary target is halibut plus up to three additional species chosen by the captain—rockfish, lingcod, yelloweye, Pacific cod, or salmon, depending on season and regulations.

Do I need a fishing license?

Yes. A valid Alaska fishing license—either electronically signed or a paper copy with signature—is mandatory to fish onboard.

Are restrooms and amenities available?

Yes. The vessel has a bathroom (head), a microwave, and a coffee maker for basic onboard comfort.

What happens if weather cancels the trip?

Because this is a long-range run, the captain prioritizes safety; trips may be rescheduled or refunded per operator policy—call ahead for details.

How many anglers are required to depart?

The operator requires at least four anglers scheduled for the trip to leave the harbor; availability depends on group size and weather.

Homer Long-Range Multispecies Charter: Halibut, Lingcod & Rockfish in the Gulf of Alaska

Launch from Homer, Alaska, aboard FV/ WANKER for a daylong open-ocean chase into the Gulf of Alaska that reaches 50 to 70 miles offshore. This long-range multispecies charter targets halibut plus up to three other species—rockfish, lingcod, yelloweye, Pacific cod, and salmon—chosen by the captain based on seasonal runs and regulations. Departures typically leave the harbor at 7:00 a.m. and return between late afternoon and early evening, making for an entire day on the water. The FV/ WANKER is equipped with a microwave, coffee maker, and a head, giving anglers modest comforts while fishing in remote Gulf grounds. Because fishing grounds sit along steep drop-offs, rocky pinnacles, and cold upwelling currents, crews target structure where halibut and deepwater rockfish concentrate. This is an anglers’ trip: expect heavy bottom rigs, frequent jigging, long hauls, and the physical work of hauling large fish aboard. Bring a valid Alaska fishing license (electronic or signed paper), weather-appropriate layers, gloves for handling fish, and your own lunch and nonalcoholic drinks; the charter does not provide soda or beer. The operator requests at least four anglers per trip to justify the long-range run; check availability and book by calling 907-598-3391. Lingcod season opens July 1, and this particular charter runs in July and August at a listed rate of $565 per person when scheduled. Because weather governs how far the captain can travel, flexibility and patience are part of the experience—and safety takes precedence. For visitors based in Homer, the Spit provides quick harbor access and a reminder that this is working-Alaska fishing, with winches, braided line, and the honest reward of a heavy fish on deck. If you want a long-range trip that reaches deep structure, delivers mixed-species action, and challenges both stamina and technique, this Homer multispecies charter is a direct line to Gulf fishing at scale. Offshore you may pass kelp beds, sea lion rookeries, and the occasional humpback breach; gulls and fulmars track the boat when baitfish are torn open by predators. The geological transition from shallow coastal bays to the continental shelf creates dramatic depth shifts and concentrated feeding zones that make long-range access essential. Local fishing history runs deep here; Homer has long supported commercial and charter fleets, and experienced captains read tides and soundings the way others read maps. Plan for seasickness mitigation: bring medication, ginger, and an ability to stay hydrated, because even calm mornings can become choppy far offshore. This charter balances hard-core angling with reliable logistics: a seasoned crew, basic onboard amenities, and the ability to reach fishable structure that shorter trips miss, making it ideal for experienced anglers seeking mixed-species limits and an unfiltered day in Alaska’s productive Gulf waters and lasting sea stories ashore.