Just ask the hundreds of charter boat captains and thousands of visitors each year who head out from Homer chasing those famous "barn door" halibut.

A Happy fisherman lands a prize winning derby fish.

These 300-plus-pound fish can fill a freezer and tend to grab headlines throughout the state and beyond.

But a fun day on the water doesn't have to be measured in pounds of fillets.

Full-day halibut charters run daily from the Homer Spit from April through September. Costs vary. Few skippers will guarantee you a two-fish limit, but guided anglers are typically more successful than their unguided peers.

Charter operators supply all fishing gear and bait, but fishermen need to bring a current Alaska sportfishing license. Licenses should be picked up ahead of time and are available at many sporting goods and grocery stores in Homer. Most charter offices in Homer sell them as well.

Pack a lunch and dress warm, despite the weather forecast as it can change quickly. If you have any fears of seasickness, take your favorite antidote before getting onboard (see tips, page 32).

Most charters have Web sites that offer valuable information.

Also, don't forget to pick up your Homer Jackpot Halibut Derby ticket before heading out. Last year's jackpot winner won roughly $37,000 for his 358.4-pound fish.

A trip on a full-day charter generally starts with a one-to-three hour ride to get to the prime fishing grounds, depending on the weather and the captain's favorite hot spot. Most charters leave early in the morning to take advantage of the tides.

Departures as early as 6 a.m. are not uncommon, nor are 10-hour days, so be prepared for a long day on the water. Some charter operators have begun to offer half-day trips, and some offer overnight trips. These charters leave in late afternoon, fish that night and early the next morning, then return to the harbor with two days' worth of fish.

Once at the fishing grounds, expect to use herring and octopus as the standard bait. A lead weight drops the hook to the sea floor, then the fisherman "jigs" it up and down, keeping it in the path of feeding fish.

Reeling in a halibut can be exciting, not to mention a good workout. Large fish take up to 30 minutes or more to bring to the surface. Getting these monsters aboard is often a wild experience. Skippers usually carry a small shotgun to subdue a big fish and use a gaff hook or harpoon to pull it aboard.

While no reputable skipper will guarantee you a derby-winning halibut, most offer an exciting and fun day on the water.