I'm looking for recommendations for my DH and 2 teen sons to fish a smaller boat off the Kenai from the Homer or Deep Creek harbors. My husband is a serious fisherman, so we're trying to avoid the cruise ship charters. Also, is it a good idea to book this far in advance for an early August trip?

You will probably want to book as early as you're able to do so. Reservations fill up quickly.

I don't have a specific recommendation but there are many charters going out of Homer and Deep Creek. You might want to make sure there is flexibility in the event of bad weather. If your charter is canceled (not likely in August) will they guarantee they'll put you on another charter or will you be bumped? There are also many places in Alaska where you can fish from shore, don't need boats.

Whoops - I just noticed you're only interested in halibut, obviously can't fish for those from shore. Can fish for salmon though! In August it'll be the red salmon running.

Still looking for referrals for a charter company--anyone?

We're not going to Homer until next next month, but someone on cruisecritic.com recommended this charter to me:
http://www.alaskacoastalmarine.com/o...hing_trips.htm

The choices are overwhelming:
http://www.homeralaska.org/membershi...ng/fishing.htm

Hi I just got back from Homer and Seward a week ago I used North Country Charter for Hallibut . I recommend getting a 6 pack boat. We caught 3(two 35 lb and a 25lb)It was a decent day but a bit slow fishing. In Seward I caught a 94lb. and my son caught a 35lb. We shipped fish hime $6 dollars a pound.