General Information
Tides
The tides in Homer are the second largest in the world. At times there is 25 feet of water moving through Kachemak Bay and Cook Inlet in a 6 hour period. For Halibut fishing Daniel prefers the larger tides for fishing the shallow water in the kelp beds and the smaller tides for fishing the deeper waters of this area. Depending on the tide Daniel will choose to fish Salmon in a spot he has found most successful to accommodate the amount of water flowing. Our motto is no tide is a bad tide because Daniel is adept at catching fish on all tides.
Packaging Your Catch
There are several facilities that package fish in Homer. Coal Point Trading is where we get our fish packaged. They do a beautiful job of packaging and preserving the fish you’ve caught. For more information please click on their name or give them a call at 907-235-3877 or 800-325-3877.
Remember: A 100 lb Halibut yields about 50 lbs-60 lbs of meat so when you’re fishing please be thinking about the cost of processing your fish and how much fish you really need. It costs about $4.50 per pound to have it vacuum packed and FedEx to your door or about $1.80 per pound to just have it vacuum packed and frozen. If you don’t want to pay to have it processed or don’t want to eat it, please release it.
Fishing Licenses*
There are a wide variety of fishing licenses available for the Alaska Sport Fishery.
- Nonresident Sport fishing licenses: 1 day license for $25, 3 day license for $45, 7 day license for $70, 14 day license for $105
- Nonresident King Salmon tag fees: 1 day for $15, 3 days for $30, 7 day $45, 14 day for $75.
- Resident Sport fishing Licenses**: $29 annual fee, $10 annual King Salmon Stamp fee.
- Halibut Stamps $20 *more info below
Purchase your license online from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game and receive it immediately after your purchase.
* Resident anglers younger than 16 do not need a license. Non-Resident anglers younger than 18 do not need a license. Residents 60 and older do not need a license but must apply for a Permanent Identification Card.
** A resident is a person who for the preceding 12 consecutive months, has maintained a home in Alaska with the intent to stay and does not claim residency in any other country, territory or state.
New requirement for Halibut Stamps in 2026
For the 2026 Alaska Pacific halibut fishing season, all charter anglers 18 or older must purchase an electronic halibut stamp ($20), to legally retain halibut in Areas 2C (Southeast) and 3A (South Central). The stamp is required for each day an angler intends to catch and keep halibut and must be purchased before starting the fishing trip.
These stamps will be purchased directly from Daniel’s Personalized Guide Service for the cost of $20 the morning of your fishing charter. We will be taking CASH ONLY for these stamps. No credit cards will be accepted.
Tipping Etiquette
We are frequently asked by customers: What is considered a good tip? and Who do I tip?
- On THE OPTIMIST, the Captain and the Deckhand split gratuities 50/50, so you may tip either one and not feel like any one is being left out.
- Usually, it is customary to follow the same standards used in many other tipping situations. Much like restaurant servers, a good rule of thumb is 10 to 20 percent for good service. Keep in mind your guide and deckhand have just spent 8 to 10 hours with you, giving you their undivided attention in an effort to make your day successful.
- Tips are not mandatory but, they are very much appreciated!
How to Get Here from There
Homer is located 220 miles Southwest of Anchorage. The drive from Anchorage takes 4 hours and the scenery along the way is well worth it!
For those who prefer to fly, Aleutian Airways is the only carrier who makes the 45 minute trip between the two cities several times daily. For more information please click on their name or give them a call at 1 (907) 600-7090.
Plan to spend a few days taking in the sights and fully enjoying Homer’s relaxed atmosphere.
Lodging
Lookout Apartment (sleeps 5) is available for your next fishing trip.
How to Dress and What to Bring on Board The Optimist
I get asked all the time how to dress for the trip. I am a firm believer in layers, as temperatures can vary from 40 to 75 degrees in the summer and 25 to 50 degrees in the Fall and Winter months. By layering up you can always layer down depending on what Mother nature throws at us.
For Summer months, a pair of jeans and a pair of rain pants are usually adequate – mostly for shedding the blood and slime from all the fish that you are going to catch. For upper body, an under layer, hooded sweatshirt and a wind/rain jacket will usually suffice.
As far as footwear goes I, myself, wear a pair of ankle-high rubber boots. You can also wear waterproof hiking boots.
For Fall and/or Wintertime add a layer of long underwear, a good hat and warm gloves.
I try to keep extra rubber fishing gloves on the boat in different sizes but, if you have a good pair that fits you well, bring them too.
List of Other Things you Should Bring for your Fishing Trip
- Lunch/snacks.
- Drinks, soda, beer, etc. (we have bottled water and coffee on board and alcohol is okay to bring).
- Sunscreen and sunglasses.
- Fishing License and a King stamp, if you will be fishing for King salmon. If you have a resident permanent fishing license or a kid under 16, bring your harvest card.
- Charging cord for your cell phone (we do have 110 volts for charging on the boat).
How to Prepare for a Day on the Water
If you are concerned with seasickness when on the water, it could be a good idea to prepare yourself. Many people take something like Dramamine or Bonine. I have also noticed people having great results with Scopolamine (prescription medication) patches which are put on behind your ear.
The key to any of the Seasick remedies is to take/start them the night before, that way it is in your system and has a chance to work. If nothing else, you will get a good night’s sleep.
What you eat and drink makes a big difference as well, try not to consume large amounts of alcohol the night before. In the morning try and eat something solid like oatmeal, a bowl of cold cereal or toast. Stay away from greasy stuff like sausage or bacon and acidic foods/beverages like orange juice and coffee, this gives you a good start for your day on the water.
While on the boat try to drink plenty of water and stay hydrated throughout the day.
Packing for Your Trip
Remember to pack light so you can take fish back on the plane with you. Most airlines allow two 50lb bags. Otherwise it’s so expensive to ship.