Do I need a fishing license?

Yes. All anglers must have appropriate Alaska fishing licenses; the charter will register licenses and issues federal Halibut stamps onboard for anglers 18 and older.

What is the GAF program and when does it apply?

GAF (Guided Angler Fish) permits allow guided charters to retain additional halibut under NOAA rules; Fish the 49th runs GAF on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and offers prepaid permit options.

How many people are on board?

Private bookings are limited to a maximum of six people for personalized attention and efficient line handling.

What if I get seasick?

Bring and take recommended motion-sickness medication before departure; discuss prescription options with your physician—crew cannot administer meds.

Are beverages allowed?

Beer and wine are permitted for guests 21+ in moderation; no liquor or glass containers are allowed aboard.

Will my catch be cleaned?

When conditions permit, deckhands will clean and vacuum-pack fillets before returning to Port of Homer so you can transport fish home easily.

Hooking Giants: 9-Hour Homer Halibut & Multi-Species Charter with Fish the 49th

On the edge of the Kenai Peninsula’s rugged coast, Homer, Alaska is the launch point for a full-day chase after north Pacific giants with Fish the 49th Charters. Their Private 9 Hour GAF Halibut (Tues and Weds) /Rockfish/Ling Cod/Salmon/Multi Species trip takes anglers from the Port of Homer into the Gulf of Alaska and Kachemak Bay, fishing 3 to 80 miles offshore for halibut, rockfish, lingcod and salmon. The scene is raw water, cold spray, rolling swells and deep-sea drop-offs where flatfish lie on muddy bottoms and lingcod lurk among rocky structure.

Boarding begins with a captain’s safety briefing and license checks; anglers 18 and older obtain required federal Halibut stamps onboard. Experienced crew run the show: they read tides and weather, set mooching lines for salmon, and guide fighters into the rail with tackle and technique. The charter participates in the NOAA Guided Angler Fish (GAF) program on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, meaning GAF permits can allow keeping halibut outside the normal size or daily limits—ask the operator about prepaying GAF permits to guarantee availability.

What makes this operation distinct is scale and local knowledge. The crew’s ability to range from nearshore structure to productive continental-shelf grounds—3 to 80 miles offshore—means the day adapts to conditions and target species. Deckhands fillet and vacuum-pack your catch when weather allows, so you go home with fillets, not just photos. The boat limits private bookings to six, keeping service personal and lines efficient through the long Alaska day.

Practical notes: this is a long, physically active trip—expect hours on-deck, hauling fish, and walking wet, pitching decks. Seasickness is common; the charter’s materials emphasize prescription scopolamine patches or over-the-counter motion-sickness meds taken before departure. Dress in warm, moisture-managing layers, waterproof shoes, and bring sunscreen and sunglasses—the sun can be intense even at 60°F.

Beyond fishing, the waters can host seabirds, seals and whales—bring a scope between drifts. The trip links to Homer’s culture: a working harbor with a long history of commercial fishing and a community that still depends on the sea. Fish the 49th Charters balances angler opportunity with rules: strict no-drug policy aboard, federal permit requirements, and closed-containment handling of catches under NOAA rules.

For anglers looking for a serious, skipper-led Alaska fishing day that can land you halibut of any size under GAF rules, or a mixed-species western Gulf haul, this charter is a purposeful, efficient way to experience Homer’s offshore productivity. Expect hands-on instruction for gear handling, knot tying, and fileting basics; first-timers learn to fight fish alongside seasoned anglers, while experienced fishermen find tactical approaches to structure and drift. Bring cash for the federal stamp and thoughtful crew gratuities; a 20–25% tip reflects the long hours and skill aboard.