GETTING READY FOR YOUR CHARTER

WHERE DO I BUY A FISHING LICENSE?

All adult anglers must purchase a license prior to departing the dock.

We recommend you purchase online once you arrive in Alaska at the Alaska Department of Fish & Game’s website. You can also purchase in-person at local retailers in Homer.  

Alaska resident youth under the age of 18 and nonresident youth under the age of 16 are not required to purchase a license, but must possess and complete a Harvest Record Card, (one will be provided).

If your trip includes salmon, you must purchase a King Salmon Stamp in addition to your license or you will not be permitted to fish for salmon.

IS THERE A BATHROOM ON THE BOAT?

Yes, there is a private, clean and larger-than-average marine bathroom (called a ‘head’) on board the Arctic Envy.

WHAT SHOULD I BRING?

Be prepared for a variety of weather and up to 8–10 hours away from shore on full day trips.

The largest discomfort we hear about from clients is being damp or cold due to insufficiently waterproof shoes and clothing.

• A fishing license (and King Salmon stamp, if applicable

• Water to last the duration of your trip

• Food & drink your trip, avoiding glass containers, if possible

• Rubber boots or tall waterproof shoes

• Waterproof or rain jacket and pants, even if predicted to be clear in Homer

• Clothing layers that can suit you in temperatures ranging from 45 to 80 °F

• A hat, sunglasses and gloves are also nice to have

• Sea-sickness medication, if you are prone to motion sickness

CAN I BRING ALCOHOL?

Yes, you are permitted to bring alcohol on the boat.

Avoid glass containers if possible, and consume in moderation so that you do not pose any safety risks to yourself or other anglers.

Liquor stores are not open in the mornings prior to trip departures, so plan to purchase in advance. 

WHAT IS NOT ALLOWED?

Please leave these items at home:

• Illegal drugs, (Marijuana is prohibited aboard federally-regulated vessels)

• Glass containers, if possible

• Excessively large coolers, though smaller coolers are fine

• Styrofoam coolers, as they tend to disintegrate and break on board

WHERE IS THE BOAT LOCATED?

Our boat is located in the Homer Harbor in Slip K2, between Ramps 3 and 4.

In addition to your confirmation email once you book, we will also send you a reminder email in advance of your trip, with directions to the boat.

The Harbor is located near the tip of the Homer Spit, a long geographical formation jutting almost 5 miles into the waters of Kachemak Bay, lined with businesses, shops and restaurants.

To get to the boat, drive out the Homer Spit on Homer Spit Road. Once you pass Freight Dock Road, a few miles down on the left, the Harbor is accessed via multiple numbered ramps, leading down to the boats.

There is paid parking (paved lots) directly at the top of each ramp, and free parking (gravel lots) available nearby, within walking distance from the ramps.

Each float in the harbor is lettered, with signage overhead and painted on the boardwalk.

Navigate to float K and slip number 2, and look for our boat the Arctic Envy.

HOW DO I GET MY FISH FILLETED?

Your fish will be filleted aboard the boat at no extra charge.

HOW DO I GET MY FISH HOME?

Getting your fish professionally vacuum-packed and frozen after filleting is highly recommended and maintains the highest flavor and quality of your fish.

Vacuum-packing, freezing & shipping services are available through a local fish processor, Homer Fish Processing. There is no need to arrange these services in advance.

The captain will contact the processor nearing the end of your trip and the processor will offload your catch when the boat returns to the harbor.

Vacuum packing and freezing services are approximately $1.65 per pound, though prices may vary.

Shipping rates vary based on your desired location, but expect to spend a few hundred dollars to ship a medium-sized box.

The most cost-effective way to transport your fish home is as a checked bag/box on your flight, if your travel plans allow.

Airline-approved shipping boxes are available for purchase through Homer Fish Processing.

The fish processor in Homer can store your fish at no extra cost for a week or two, and the Ted Stevens Airport in Anchorage also offers Freezer Storage for ticketed passengers.

If properly packaged and blast-frozen, fish can stay safely frozen for around 48 hours in transit.

WILL I GET SEASICK?

Motion sickness is somewhat common, but easy enough to avoid by taking Dramamine or Bonine. 

To reduce drowsiness, take one dose the evening before your trip to adjust to the medication, and another dose again the morning of your trip.

Folks that are particularly prone to motion sickness may wish to wear a behind-the-ear motion sickness patch in addition to the oral medication.

If you do feel under the weather, breathing fresh air, looking towards land, sipping cold water, and finding a distraction (we recommend fishing) are the best remedies.

Other suggestions include limiting alcohol the evening before, staying hydrated, and avoiding heavy foods around the time of your trip. 

We’ve seen it all! So don’t hesitate to ask the crew for assistance or advice if you’re under the weather.

PLANNING YOUR ALASKA TRIP

WHAT IS THE BEST TIME FOR FISHING?

The bulk of our fishing takes place May through September, with peak months being June, July & August. These months also typically offer the best weather on the water.

The tides in Homer are among the highest in the world and greatly impact each day of fishing. Call us for help picking the best tide day within your travel window!

WHO CAN GO FISHING IN ALASKA?

Tenacious Charters has safely and successfully taken guests ranging from 6 months to 89 years of age!

We strive to offer everyone, from all walks of life, the opportunity to enjoy the amazing sights and experiences of fishing the waters of Kachemak Bay and Cook Inlet.

However, deep sea fishing can be somewhat challenging so please use your best judgment about what fishing trip is right for those in your group, based on health, mobility, age, experience, and tolerance for adventure.

During a typical trip, we may be 2+ hours from the nearest town. Wind and waves can contribute to boat movement that make it difficult for those guests with mobility or balance issues to safely participate on deck. Young children may sometimes find a longer trip challenging.

All that being said, we welcome people of all ages and abilities, and will strive to make accommodations so that everyone can enjoy a fun, memorable trip.

Please give us a call if you have questions or concerns about what trip may best suit your group.

We love taking families and kids are certainly welcome! Those under 12 are required to wear a life jacket for the duration of the trip, (one will be provided).

WHAT IS PROVIDED ON THE CHARTER?

Tenacious Charters provides the following as part of your fishing charter:

• A U.S. Coast Guard-approved Captain, with CPR certification

• Safe, clean vessel with all necessary safety and navigation equipment

• A crew committed to making your trip enjoyable and tailored to your needs

• All fishing gear, tackle and bait

• Instruction and demonstrations on the use of gear

• Opportunities to take pictures with the day's catch

• Filleting of your catch included with each trip

WHAT IF I HAVE A MEDICAL CONDITION OR LIMITED MOBILITY?

Before departing, your captain will inquire about any medical conditions that you may have which could factor into planning your trip.

Fishing in Alaska can be strenuous and physical, so while your captain will do all he can to accommodate everyone and keep you comfortable, please use your best judgment about what type of fishing trip is right for you based on your health.

Let the captain know in advance if you expect to be limited in mobility or have any special medical considerations. We are able to make accommodations within reason based on the constraints of our vessel and weather.

WHY SHOULD I BOOK WITH TENACIOUS CHARTERS?

As an owner-operated small business, Tenacious Charters has the ability to offer individualized, client-focused trips tailored to your specific goals.

We specialize in Private Charters for your group of up to six passengers.

Booking with us means you get the personalized attention of our small-but-mighty team: Captain Brad Needham and General Manager (and sometimes-deckhand) Zoe Gahan.

We are deeply invested in providing the best possible experience for our clients, and take our responsibility seriously to ensure a high standard of quality for every trip.

Plus, we honestly just love what we do for a living! We look forward to the opportunity of sharing it with you.

WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?

We require two weeks prior notice for a full refund.

Trips are required to be paid in full at time of booking, unless otherwise arranged.

Trip cancellations due to inclement weather are at the discretion of your captain, and a full refund will be granted, or options to reschedule.

Your captain will not take you out in unsafe conditions, but if you determine that the weather is too rough for your comfort and opt return to the harbor before dropping any lines, your captain will charge you for fuel, plus $100 per person.*

If you decide to return to the harbor after having dropped lines, whether or not you have caught fish, no refund will be granted.*

*Please note, this applies to single-party/private fishing trips only, or only if all parties agree to return to harbor.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT ON A CHARTER?

You can expect a hard-working, positive crew that puts your safety and enjoyment first, aboard a clean and safe vessel. Our second goal is to catch as many fish as possible in the time allotted.

The ride out is a great opportunity to see wildlife and beautiful scenery. And yes, we do have a private bathroom on board!

Plan to bring food and beverages, fishing licenses, and weather-appropriate outdoor clothing.

We provide all bait, tackle, gear and helpful instruction.

(If you’ve purchased seats on a Group Charter, there will be other anglers aboard for the day. If you opt for a Private Charter, your group will be the only clients on the boat.)

At the boat, your captain will cover safety information and then depart the harbor, driving 30 minutes to 3 hours depending on the type of trip, weather, tides, time of year, and fish migration patterns.

When you arrive at the fishing grounds, your crew will provide instruction on the use of the gear, and will help bait hooks and get your lines in the water.

Then, it’s time to wait for a bite! You never know what you might hook into.

We work hard to make every day unique, memorable, fun and exciting, no matter the weather or how fast the fishing bite.

Once a limit is reached or it is time to head home, you will have an opportunity to take pictures with your catch and have pictures taken of your group.

Your fish will be filleted on the ride in or once in the harbor.

A fish processor can meet you at the dock and provide vacuum packing, freezing and shipping services for an additional cost. There is no need to arrange this service in advance. See “Getting Your Fish Home.”

Full day trips typically last around 8 hours from departure, though arrival times may vary.