Meet Captain Joey Langford — Experienced, Patient, and Driven
From the lakes and rivers of California’s Central Valley to the rugged waters of Kachemak Bay, Joey Langford has followed a current that’s
pulled him toward Alaska his entire life. Armed with a B.S. in Fish and Wildlife, a USCG captain’s license, and a quiet confidence earned
over six seasons on Alaskan waters, Joey brings a rare combination of formal training and hands-on grit to every charter. His philosophy is
straightforward — as he likes to say, “A wet line means you’re fishin’.” No fuss, no overthinking. Just get your line in the water and
let Alaska do the rest.
Joey is the kind of guide who makes everyone on the boat feel at ease, whether you’ve been fishing your whole life or it’s your very first
time gripping a rod. He’s laid back but laser-focused when it counts, and he has a knack for reading the water and putting guests on fish.
When the day’s done and the coolers are full, you’ll walk away feeling like you fished with a friend who just happens to know exactly where
the halibut are hiding.
My Journey to Homer: From the Central Valley to Kachemak Bay
Joey’s road to Homer winds through some unexpected territory. Growing up in California’s Central Valley, he spent his childhood fishing the Sierra Nevada mountains with his dad — the man who first sparked his love of the outdoors. That early connection to wild places never faded. It only grew stronger. After heading to Mississippi to earn his degree in Fish and Wildlife, Joey felt the pull that so many young outdoorsmen feel: Alaska. It had always been on the list, and after six seasons fishing in the state, he made his way to Homer — a place where the mountains meet the sea and the halibut run deep.
Q: Where did you grow up, and what brought you to Alaska?
A: I grew up in the Central Valley of California, later moving to Mississippi for college. Alaska has always been on the list.
Q: What got you into fishing, and how did you end up in Homer?
A: Started fishing back home when I was a kid, fishing some of the Sierra Nevada mountains. I have always had a draw toward Alaska.
Q: Who or what inspired your love of the outdoors?
A: My dad really got me into it at the start, always keeping us entertained with outdoors activities, and I have come to find it my true passion.
Guiding Philosophy: Safety, Clear Instruction, and Keeping It Real
Joey doesn’t believe in treating beginners and experienced anglers differently when it comes to the fundamentals. Everyone on his boat gets the full rundown — the how, the why, and everything in between. That approach keeps the whole crew engaged and on the same page, whether you’ve caught a thousand fish or you’re tying on your first circle hook. He’s calm under pressure, safety-conscious to his core, and genuinely invested in putting you in the best position to have the day of a lifetime.
Q: How would you describe your guiding style or personality on the water?
A: I believe I am pretty laid back as I prioritize safety, clear instruction so the client is informed, and putting you in the best position to catch fish while enjoying the day on the water.
Q: What’s your favorite part of guiding guests on halibut charters?
A: Every day being different — you never know what you’ll see coming up.
Q: How do you make sure everyone — from beginners to pros — has a great time?
A: I like to inform everyone of the same thing no matter skill level so they fully understand how we are fishing and the whys, keeping everyone engaged.
Q: One tip you’d give to first-time anglers fishing in Alaska:
A: Enjoy it. It’s one of the coolest places in the world, and you’re catching some of the freshest fish in the world. It can’t get much better.
Stories from the Deck: Bananas, Big Fish, and Believers
If there’s one thing you’ll learn quickly on Joey’s boat, it’s this: don’t bring a banana. Joey will be the first to admit he was once a skeptic of the old fisherman’s superstition — until the day it became impossible to deny. Now, he’s a true believer, and he’s got the story to prove it.
Q: Describe a memorable fishing story or guest experience.
A: People don’t believe the banana conspiracy. One time we were having a super slow day — it was odd. I look in the cab and one client is
eating a banana for breakfast. I ask if she would mind throwing it over. She does, and 30 seconds later four rods went off. I was no longer
skeptical of bananas being bad luck.
Q: What’s the biggest halibut you’ve ever helped a guest catch? What was memorable about that day?
A: Biggest fish was right around 220 lbs. The sound of the reel I can still hear, as we had five-pound weights all the way flared out. Bait
wasn’t holding the bottom, and all of a sudden the back rod started peeling.
Q: Do you have a favorite fishing superstition or ritual?
A: No bananas, of course. And nothing with the number 13.
A Typical Day & Life Off the Water
Joey’s days during the season start early and end with a clean boat ready for tomorrow. Between trips, he’s methodical about preparation — checking gear, stocking supplies, and making sure every detail is dialed in so the guests can focus on one thing: catching fish. When the season winds down, you’ll find Joey chasing ducks through the winter months, visiting family scattered across the country, or heading out on his own hunting and fishing adventures.
Q: What’s a typical day like for you during fishing season?
A: I like to get up before the trip and have some coffee as I prepare for daily operations of the charter vessel — anticipating the needs
of clients and crew, ensuring safety is maintained at all times, organizing and stocking fishing supplies, just making sure the boat is
ready to go. After the trip, I like to make sure the boat is clean and ready for the next day.
Q: Where do you call home in the off-season?
A: Oregon.
Q: How do you spend your winter or off-season?
A: I have family and friends spread out, so I enjoy seeing them as well as partaking in lots of duck hunting in the winter months. I try to
stay outside as much as I can — I’ve worked along on a few moose hunts and bear hunts through the winter, then I like to do some of my
own fishing and hunting.
Q: What’s your go-to meal after a long day on the water?
A: Can never go wrong with a burger and fries.
Q: If you weren’t fishing, what kind of work or lifestyle could you see yourself doing?
A: I have always been interested in becoming a game warden — staying outdoors while knowing the best hunting and fishing spots.
Quick Q&A: Getting to Know Joey
Q: What do you enjoy most about working with guests from all over the world?
A: Hearing their different backgrounds and stories, as well as their way of life in different areas and occupations.
Q: What music, podcast, or playlist gets played most on the boat?
A: Depending on how the day is looking — if it’s pretty rough, some older rock. But country is always in the mix.
Q: Favorite species of fish to target (besides halibut)?
A: I really enjoy going after yelloweye. Something cool about going after a big goldfish.
Q: If you could fish anywhere else in the world, where would it be?
A: I’ve recently been pretty interested in the Chinook fishing down in Chile and other parts of South America.
Q: Favorite local spot in Homer?
A: Alice’s Champagne Palace — good food, lots of bang for your buck.
Q: What’s one thing every visitor to Homer should experience (besides halibut fishing)?
A: A prior fly-out over to Katmai or Lake Clark National Park. The fly-outs really show you everything Alaska has to offer.
Quick Q&A: Getting to Know Seth - Part 2
Q: Do you have any pets or family members who often join you on adventures?
A: Once a year my family will come visit and go on a trip with me.
Q: How would your friends describe you in three words?
A: Experienced, patient, and driven.
Q: Something most people wouldn’t guess about you?
A: I am a triplet with two sisters — one living back home in California and the other one over in Tennessee.
Q: What advice would you give to someone thinking about becoming a fishing guide or deckhand?
A: There’s a lot of opportunity, and it will change your life.
Q: What’s one life lesson fishing or working on the water has taught you?
A: Attitude is huge. If you go out prepared, focused, and ready to take on the day, it’ll be a good one.
Q: What does being part of the Homer Halibut Hunters crew mean to you?
A: Being part of the crew means learning from each other, staying sharp, and pushing each other to be better guides and have overall some great experiences in Alaska.
Ready to Wet a Line?
Whether he’s reading the tide, rigging up for yelloweye, or convincing someone to toss that banana overboard, Captain Joey Langford brings
a steady hand and an easygoing spirit to every trip. With a B.S. in Fish and Wildlife, a USCG OUPV license, CPR certification, and six
seasons of Alaskan fishing under his belt, Joey has the credentials to back up his calm confidence on the water. He’s experienced, patient,
and driven — and he’s ready to help you reel in the catch of a lifetime.
Let’s wet a line!