Cook Inlet Halibut: Deep Creek or Homer, and What the Day Looks Like

Few fish get people talking like a Cook Inlet halibut. Our guests use words like huge, massive and giant, and even our most seasoned clients have a hard time with them. This is what a halibut day with us looks like, from the launch to the fish house, so you know what you are signing up for.

The fish

Our halibut average 25 to 50 pounds. Hundreds are caught over 100 pounds each year, and some seasons guests have landed fish in the 200 and 300 pound class. We can never promise a size, since that is up to the fish, but the odds of a memorable one are good. Halibut fishing runs from May through September, and the action is steady across the whole season.

Two launches, two kinds of boats

We fish Cook Inlet from two places: Deep Creek, near Ninilchik, and Homer. They are different experiences, so it helps to know the difference.

Out of Deep Creek, we run our 33 foot Hatco offshore cruisers, six boats we commissioned in 1999 and designed for Alaskan waters. They are launched off the beach at Ninilchik with log skidders, powered by Yamaha four-stroke outboards, and cruise around 30 miles per hour. Each has a heated, enclosed cabin, a huge fishing deck and a marine bathroom.

Out of Homer, we run two 43 foot Delta Marine boats that we partnered to buy in 2017. They are US Coast Guard inspected for up to 16 passengers, but we fish only 10 to 12 anglers for comfort. With dual diesel inboards, they offer a soft ride to the fishing grounds.

Getting there

You drive yourself to the launch, and it pays to be on time, since our captains like to be on the water early. From the lodge, Ninilchik halibut is about one hour away and Homer is about two. Your package lists a Cook Inlet or Homer halibut charter, so ask us when you book which launch fits your dates. Guided charters run 6 to 8 hours, weather permitting, and a packed lunch and drinks are a good idea.

Heavy tackle for a heavy fish

The boats carry heavy duty saltwater series rods and two-speed Shimano reels spooled with 100 pound Spectra line. It is heavy equipment on purpose: a big halibut can feel like pulling a car up from the bottom. You do not need to bring tackle for the charter, because all gear, tackle and bait are provided.

Halibut fishing is mostly lifting and winding, over and over. Take breaks, let the crew help when you need it, and drink water. A good crew will keep you on the fish without wearing you out before the fight is over.

Limits and rules

Historically, the daily limit has been two halibut, one of any size and one under 27 inches. Those rules are not set in stone. Halibut restrictions can be changed by NOAA and the Alaska Department of Fish and Game at any time, so check the current rules before your trip. One guest wrote that they limited out on their halibut charter from Deep Creek, which gives you a feel for how the fishing can go.

Weather, high seas and substitutions

The ocean makes its own schedule. For your safety, we cancel saltwater trips for high seas based on the captain's recommendation. We try our hardest to reschedule the trip, but at times that is not possible, so we substitute other trips to keep you fishing. It helps to build a little flexibility into your week and to ask us about weather as you get close to your dates.

Seasickness is manageable

Plenty of people who have never been offshore do fine, and plenty of seasoned anglers still take something. Think about Dramamine or Bonine, and visit your physician about scopolamine patches. Take it before you get to the dock. Eat something light, stay near the middle of the boat, and keep your eyes on the horizon when the swell picks up.

What to wear and bring

• Layers, since it is colder on open water than it is at the lodge, plus a rain suit.
• Polarized sunglasses and a ball cap.
• A small backpack with a packed lunch, drinks and a waterproof bag for valuables.
• Your Alaska fishing license if you are 16 or older, bought online at www.adfg.alaska.gov.

After the dock

Your halibut goes in the group's tote and back to our fish house, where we fillet, vacuum seal, freeze and box it. A single big fish can fill a good part of a box, so keep that in mind when you plan your trip home.

To talk through which launch and which week suit your group, call us at 1-800-625-2324.