Meet Captain Ethan White: The Technician & The Teacher
When you step aboard a vessel with Captain Ethan White, you are getting the perfect blend of youthful energy and old-salt experience. A Wyoming native who followed a lifelong dream to the rugged coast of Alaska, Ethan has quickly established himself as a favorite among guests who want more than just a boat ride. With a background as a diesel mechanic and time spent battling the elements on Bering Sea crab boats, he brings a unique level of technical skill and safety to every charter. But it’s his warmth and patience that truly set him apart. Whether he is explaining the science of Kachemak Bay’s ecosystem or helping a child land their first fish, Ethan’s passion for the outdoors is contagious. He is a captain who doesn’t just guide you to the fish—he teaches you how to appreciate the water as much as he does.
From the High Country to the High Seas
While Captain Ethan White is now a fixture in Kachemak Bay, his love for the outdoors wasn’t born on the water—it started in the mountains. Originally from Wyoming, Ethan grew up hunting and exploring the high country, developing a deep respect for wildlife and nature early on. However, the call of the North was impossible to ignore.
What got you into fishing, and how did you end up in Homer? “Fishing in Alaska has always been a lifelong dream of mine, and having family already living in Homer made that dream possible. I moved here to be closer to them, got started working on my first boat, and I’ve honestly never wanted to leave since. I was amazed by everything this state had to offer and knew I wanted to explore it more.”
What’s a typical day like for you during fishing season? “The day starts early—usually a 3 AM alarm for coffee and breakfast. From there, I head out to grab fresh bait and any specific tackle we need for the day, then it’s straight to the boat for safety checks and to coordinate a float plan. Once the guests arrive and get settled, we cast off and head for the fishing grounds!”
What’s one thing you think every visitor to Homer should experience (besides halibut fishing)? “You have to hike up to Grewingk Glacier; the views are incredible. Afterward, I definitely recommend spending some time checking out our local shops in town to support the community.”
Rugged Experience & Mechanical Mastery
Don’t let his age fool you; Ethan’s experience on the water is dense and demanding. Before taking the helm as a sport fishing captain, he cut his teeth in some of the harshest conditions imaginable, working on crab boats in the Bering Sea. He also brings a critical skill set to the crew: he is a talented diesel mechanic. When you are on Ethan’s boat, you are with a captain who knows his vessel inside and out
What’s one life lesson fishing or working on the water has taught you? “To never take anything for granted and to stay humble. The ocean can be an unpredictable place, and it will put you in your place if you take your eyes off of it. My time in the Bering Sea taught me that there is always more to learn, and safety always comes from respecting the power of the ocean.”
What’s your go-to meal or favorite thing to eat after a long day on the water?
“You can’t beat steak and potatoes with a tall glass of ice water.”
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone thinking about becoming a fishing guide or deckhand? “Never stop learning. Whether it’s the fish habits, the ocean tides, or the weather patterns, there is always something new to know. Use every resource you have, and remember that hard work always pays off.”
A Teacher at the Helm
Captain Ethan is known for an “open book” guiding style. He doesn’t just want you to catch fish; he wants you to understand why you are catching them. He takes pride in turning a charter into an immersive nature tour, making him a favorite for families and guests who want to learn about the ecosystem.
How would you describe your guiding style or personality on the water? “I try to be very informative and knowledgeable. I like teaching people not only how to fish for the day, but about all the boats in the harbor, the tides, the birds, and fish habits. The science around Alaska’s nature and wildlife is what interests me, and I love sharing that passion with my guests.”
How would your friends describe you in three words?
“Loyal, ambitious, and caring.”
What do you enjoy most about working with guests from all over the world? “I love learning about different cultures and hearing stories from different ways of life. It’s amazing to be able to give people from all over the world one shared experience that connects us all—great Alaskan fishing!”
Creating the "Fish of a Lifetime" Moment
Whether it is your first time holding a rod or you are a seasoned angler chasing a trophy, Ethan adapts to you. He is known for his energy, bouncing around the deck to ensure lines are tight and spirits are high.
How do you make sure everyone—from beginners to pros—has a great time? “I make sure everyone is comfortable and has the very best gear. I like to bounce around the deck to check on everyone and assist when needed. For the pros, we swap fishing stories and I encourage them on the big fish.
For beginners, I like to take my time teaching to make sure they have the best understanding of the technique. No one gets left out!”
Describe a memorable fishing story or guest experience. “It was the tail end of the day on our last drift, and we had one last pole in the water. The guest thought he was snagged on a rock and couldn’t reel it up.
I went over and grabbed the line to rip it loose, and I realized he actually had a fish on the hook! I handed the pole back to him, told him to reel, and he ended the day with a massive 49-inch Lingcod! It just goes to show—never give up on the drift.”
Life Off the Water
When the season winds down, Ethan doesn’t stay indoors. He is a true outdoorsman who embraces the Alaskan lifestyle year-round. He calls Homer home with his fiancé, Arianna, and their dog, Luna.
What do you like to do during the off-season? “In the off-season, I spend much-needed time with family. You can usually find me in the shop fixing my truck, out on the ice fishing, or in the mountains hunting. If fishing didn’t have my heart, I could see myself working full-time as a diesel mechanic because I love working on engines.”
Favorite local spot in Homer? “The best place in town is the Harbor Grill! Runner up has got to be Alice’s Champagne Palace.”
What does being part of the Homer Halibut Hunters crew mean to you? “I’ve known most of these people for years now, and they have become more like family than anything! To know people that would give you the shirt off their back is an amazing feeling. I wouldn’t want to work with any other group of people. They’re all so compassionate and strive for better. Being a part of the crew is knowing you’re in good hands.”
Rapid Fire Q&A with Captain Ethan
What’s the biggest halibut you’ve ever helped a guest catch? “A 358 lb halibut. Seeing the hard work the guest and crew put into reeling the fish up, and the payoff once the fish was in the boat, was incredible. Everyone’s faces lit up with smiles. It made it all worth it!”
One tip you’d give to first-time anglers fishing in Alaska: “Always pay attention to your gear and surroundings. And have patience—the fish will bite!”
Do you have a favorite fishing superstition? “No bananas on board, and cowboy boots equal bad luck on boats.”
What music gets played most on the boat? “Country music.”
Favorite species of fish to target (besides halibut): “Yelloweye and Lingcod.”
What’s your favorite saying or “captain’s wisdom”? “Always treat others how you want to be treated.”
If you could fish anywhere else in the world, where would it be? “Off the coast of Hawaii.”
Ready For Your Adventure?
Captain Ethan White embodies the dedication and grit that define the Homer Halibut Hunters crew. Hailing from the high country of Wyoming, he brought a deep-seated respect for the outdoors to Alaska, where he further tested his mettle on the unforgiving Bering Sea. His journey from a diesel mechanic and crabber to a sport fishing captain has provided him with a unique blend of technical expertise and a profound appreciation for the ocean’s power, ensuring that safety and reliability are always at the forefront of his operation.
On the water, Ethan’s guiding philosophy is built on patience and education. He believes a charter is about more than just filling the cooler; it is about understanding the vibrant ecosystem of Kachemak Bay. With a mechanic’s eye for detail and a teacher’s heart, he ensures that guests—whether first-timers or seasoned pros—feel safe, comfortable, and informed. His passion for Alaska’s wildlife is contagious, often turning a day of fishing into an immersive nature tour where guests leave knowing more than when they arrived.
Above all, Ethan represents the high standard of camaraderie found across our entire fleet. He views the crew not just as coworkers, but as family—a sentiment that extends to every guest who steps aboard our boats. His commitment to hard work, his humble approach to the sea, and his genuine drive to create lasting memories make him a shining example of the hospitality and expertise you can expect when fishing with the Homer Halibut Hunters.