Charter Halibut Fishing
Chartering for halibut is not without its hurdles. It is far more involved than other fisheries, with significant up-front financial costs. However, Alaska is renowned for providing the opportunity to harvest these incredible fish. If you are interested in pursuing this fishery, contact us first and we would be happy to walk you through the process.
If you cannot find answers to your questions in these resources
General inquiries about the Recreational Quota Entity, the program, and the process
Website: RQE Alaska
Tel: 907-723-1970
Email: forrest@rqealaska.org
For questions about eLogbooks, logging stamps, correcting data entry errors (ADF&G - eLogbook Program)
Website: Halibut License
Tel: 907-267-2337
Email: kayla.buster@alaska.gov or ben.jevons@alaska.gov
For questions about eFISH, stamp purchases, and tracking account balances (NMFS - RAM)
Website: Alaska Restricted Access Management Division
Tel: (800) 304-4846 option #2 or (907) 586-7474
Email: RAM.Alaska@noaa.gov
For questions about regulatory requirements (NMFS - Sustainable Fisheries)
Website: NOAA Sustainable Fisheries
Tel: 907-586-7228
Email: alaska.region.info@noaa.gov
Who Manages Pacific Halibut?
Pacific halibut are managed by both the United States and Canada. Alaska does not set the rules alone.
Multiple agencies collaborate annually to manage Pacific halibut:
RQE Program (Stamp Program)
What is it?
The Recreational Quota Entity (RQE) is a one of a kind non-profit organization that has been authorized to purchase commercial halibut quota and apply it to the annual charter halibut allocation. Read about the annual charter halibut management process.
Why does it exist?
To improve charter angler opportunities to harvest Pacific halibut.
How will quota purchase be funded?
Through the sale of a daily intent-based charter halibut stamp.
Cost
$20 per angler (age 18+)
How it works
- Stamps are purchased using the CHP-holder's eFISH account.
- Stamp use is recorded using ADFG eLogbook.
- Stamp data is sent to the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and deducted from the appropriate eFISH account.
- Stamps must be entered into eLogbook prior to deploying gear.
- Stamps are intent-based and therefore cannot be entered after retaining halibut.
How to Start a Halibut Charter Business
Chartering is one thing, chartering for one of the largest and (possibly) tastiest flatfish is another...
Pacific halibut are managed jointly between the United States and Canada. Multiple agencies, the International Pacific Halibut Commission ( IPHC), National Marine Fisheries Service ( NMFS), and the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G), the North Pacific Fisheries Management Council (NPFMC), and Fisheries & Oceans Canada (DFO) work together to develop annual management measures. While the State of Alaska does not manage the species directly, charter halibut data collected by the ADF&G eLogbook program are critical for the annual charter halibut management process.
The North Pacific Fishery Management Council established the limited entry Charter Halibut Permit (CHP) program in 2011. This program restricted the charter halibut fishery to those possessing a valid Charter Halibut Permit (CHP). Permits were issued based on historic charter halibut activity, and a finite number were issued. Today CHPs continue to be required by all charter vessels engaged in charter halibut fishing in IPHC areas 2C or 3A. New permits are no longer issued and therefore must be purchased from a permit holder.
Step 1: Register
Register your business, guides, and boats with ADF&G.
Step 2: Get a Permit (CHP)
You must have a Charter Halibut Permit (CHP).
- Once you have obtained the necessary information, then you need to locate a Charter Halibut Permit.
- The price of permits fluctuates based on several factors, but most permits can be purchased through one of the commercial fishing brokerages in Alaska.
- Permits may also be leased annually. It is the responsibility of the charter business to ensure valid permits are in use and lease agreements are clear.
Step 3: Buy RQE Stamps
- You must ensure you purchase the appropriate number of Recreational Quota Entity ( RQE) stamps to cover the number of charter anglers you guide.
- Stamps must be purchased using the CHP holder's eFISH account. These stamps will be required on any charter halibut trip where anglers intend to harvest halibut in IPHC areas 2C or 3A.
- Stamps are logged using the ADF&G eLogbook and subsequently deducted form the eFISH account associated with the CHP. The funds from these stamps will be used to purchase commercial Pacific halibut quota which, in turn, is allocated to the charter sector.
Step 4: Go Fishing
Fish -> Log -> Upload -> Clean -> Repeat.