We were able to book a 1/2 day halibut trip the day before and we are so glad we did. There were 5 people in our group (3 adults, a 15 y/o and a 12 y/o). We are not outdoors/fishing types but we really wanted to experience halibut fishing. We went out on the Jackpot and the captain and crew were really great. They took care of everything (except for actually catching the fish). We all caught 2 halibut about 15 lbs each. We ended up with 38 lbs of filets. The Coal Point staff were ready and waiting at the dock and we used them to process and ship our fish ($268 for 34 lbs to Maryland).

We decided to take a half-day fishing trip, which ended up being more than enough time. Rainbow was very professional. They demonstrated how to fish for halibut and helped out those who needed it while fishing. They go out from Homer for a little over an hour, and then you get to fish. Because of Alaska law, you can only keep two, but if you catch smaller ones, you can throw them back and keep going. You will not catch hundred-pounders on the half-day charters, but we each caught fish that were around 15 pounds each, which was plenty for us. They spend the trip back filleting for you, and you get a large bag with your 8 fillets and 4 halibut cheeks. You can then go to Coal Point and get it vacuum-packed and frozen, and shipped home if you want. We kept some out for a few dinners and got the rest packed.

The day cost $95 each. We each got more than $120 worth of halibut (at Maryland supermarket prices), plus we got a cruise past beautiful mountains, and a great experience.

My dad and I fly from Florida to Alaska to fish and we're pretty hard core. But Rainbow Tours offers a relaxing, short half day halibut fishing trip for half the price of full day charters and the fishing is great. Often non stop action, you reel in small (10-15lb) halibuts until your arms are tired, then you keep 2 and you're done. Friendly crew, serviceable comfy cabin. Short ride to the fishing and it's in somewhat protected waters so you don't take an awful beating on windy days. You do fish with about 16 other people but there's plenty of room on the boat. Often, fishing is so good that you only fish for 90 minutes before everyone is ready to go home. Action is fast, fun factor is huge. Great bang for the buck. But if you want BIG halibut, try a full day charter service out of Ninilchik... just don't skip the fast and easy 1/2 days with Rainbow. 2008 will be our 3rd year in a row fishing with them!
HINT: If you plan on fishing larger halibut, bring a gimbal belt and back harness. Charter operators don't supply them but they will make your fishin' a LOT easier and more enjoyable.