Licenses A valid Alaska Fishing License is required all non-residents aged 16 and over, and most Alaskan residents from 16 to 59, to fish in all Alaskan fresh and salt waters. There are exceptions for Alaskans over 60 and Alaska resident disabled veterans (a PID card is required instead of a license)
Anyone under the age of 16 is not required to have a license.
Your license must be in your possession while you are sport fishing.
A King Salmon stamp is required for anglers fishing for sea run king salmon in addition to the fishing license. If you are not required to have a license, you are not required to have a king salmon stamp.
From April 1 through September 31, all fishermen fishing for king salmon must have in their possession a king salmon harvest record, including fishermen not required to have a license or salmon stamp. The harvest record is on the back of your fishing license. For those not required to have a license, a separate harvest record is available from license vendors. Upon landing a king salmon 20 inches or longer, the angler must immediately fill out the harvest information on the harvest record.Sound confusing? It is! See www.admin.adfg.state.ak.us/license for more details or to purchase licenses online.Licenses are available in town at Eagle Groceries, Ulmer’s Hardware, and the Kachemak Gear Shed, and on the Homer Spit at the Sport Shed.

Clothing & gear The weather is variable in Kachemak Bay, so be prepared for the worst. Layering of clothing is recommended and rain gear (pants and jacket) is a must. Waterproof footgear that provides good traction is essential. Gloves and a warm hat are a good idea too!

Food & fluids Bring your lunch and snack foods, and drinks. Lunches to go are available from several vendors in town and on the spit. We will provide coffee and drinking water.

Children Your safety is our primary concern! Children are always welcome, but please give consideration to the following:

• Small kids will require the attention of their parent or guardian at all times.
• Life preservers are required to be worn at all times by children under the age of 13.
• The long, somewhat confined nature of our trips may tax the patience or physical endurance of younger fisherpeople and their parents.

Health issues Ocean fishing can be a strenuous physical activity, even in the relatively smooth waters of Kachemak Bay. An average person should have no problem. Some physical limitations can be accommodated. Please let us know in advance of any such limitations, so these issues may be addressed in a safe and comfortable manner. Kachemak Bay has some of the largest tides in the world. The ramps down to the docks can be steep at low tide.

Seasickness An important issue in planning your trip is thinking ahead about seasickness. Ocean trips and seasickness are an unfortunate fact of life. Many over the counter and prescription medications are available to combat motion sickness. If you have never been on the ocean, or know that you are susceptible to motion sickness, please consult your physician and plan accordingly. Remember that medication for seasickness must be taken in advance of your trip in order to be effective. As a final thought, we recommend a light breakfast (for obvious reasons).

Timing and location:
Departure times:
The length of your trip can vary depending on fishing success and of course, weather. Typical summer trips can run as long as 12 hours, winter trips up to 8 hours. We like to depart early to take advantage of lighter morning winds and to maximize fishing time. Departure times vary with the seasons and can be as early as 6 am in the summer and as late as 9:30 am in the winter. Return times will vary depending on weather and fishing success, and can be as late as 6 pm in the summer and 4 pm in the winter. It is required that you check in the day before your charter. At that time, we will let you know when you need to be dockside. Please don’t forget your licenses.

Where is the boat? The Winter King is berthed in slip G21 in the Homer Small Boat Harbor . Take Homer Spit Road to the Homer Small Boat Harbor. Park in the public lots on your left. G Float is at the base of Ramp 3, between El Pescador and Coal Point Trading.   The Winter King is docked near far end of G Float, on the left.