Meet First Mate Geoff Camp – He Has Fun
Meet First Mate Geoff Camp, a fully credentialed USCG 25-ton Master captain who joins our deck for 2027. Ask him how the fishing will go and you’re likely to hear his favorite saying: “That’ll happen.”
First Mate Geoff Camp – My Journey To Homer
Geoff Camp was fishing before he was walking.
His dad was a tournament bass fisherman, and Geoff grew up in Missouri and in Florida. Two people shaped his love of the outdoors: his dad, and Steve Irwin. “I have a great respect for all things in nature,” Geoff says, “and I was lucky enough to have those influences in my life to help me better understand it.”
Alaska called because he wanted to experience the real last frontier of America. He loves small communities and the freedom that comes with living somewhere remote. He has now fished Alaska for three years, and Homer is where he wants to be: “It’s the perfect mix of edge of the world and still has a grocery store. Not to mention the best halibut fishery on earth.”
My Guiding Philosophy: Relaxed, Encouraging, and On the Fish
For Geoff, the best part of any fishing trip is the look on his guests’ faces. He wants to give people memorable, fun and safe experiences they might not be able to have on their own.
His clients have told him they enjoy his hands-off approach, and he works at it. He tries not to be overbearing or controlling, and he won’t get into the minutiae unless you really want the details. “A day on the water fishing is just that,” he says. “You can’t learn everything from what I have to say, but I’m always happy to give pointers and be encouraging.” He has even heard: “Oh wow, you’re a nice saltwater captain. We didn’t think that existed.”
Keeping a boat full of beginners and experts happy can be tricky, and his answer is simple: keep them on fish. “You aren’t going to please everyone every time, but that won’t stop me from trying.” And whoever is aboard, from wherever in the world, he finds common ground fast: “We all speak the same language, and that’s FISHING ROCKS!”
One tip you’d give to first-time anglers fishing in Alaska? HAVE FUN!!!
Stories from the Deck
Ask Geoff for a favorite day on the water and he’ll tell you about a father and son who wanted to target Goliath grouper. They set out and landed five fish over 150 pounds. Each one brought the same shout, “THIS IS THE BIGGEST FISH OF MY LIFE!”, only for the next fish to top it. “It was fantastic,” he says.
As for joining Homer Halibut Hunters: “It’s amazing to have the chance to work for a company that prides itself on great teamwork, top-of-the-line service and gear, safety, and having a great time.”
Do you have a favorite fishing superstition or ritual? Yes: don’t miss the first bite at a spot!
A Typical Day & Life Off the Water for First Mate Geoff
In season, Geoff’s days are simple: eat, fish, sleep. As he puts it: “If you’re taking more than a week off the water, you’re going to be missing key things about the fishery. It changes every day, and it’s a full-time job to stay on top of that.”
The off-season isn’t much different: he fishes and hunts all the time. Home is South Florida and South Georgia. He takes a few months for himself to fish and hunt for fun with his friends, then spends six months guiding quail hunts with his dogs. He runs eight bird dogs in Georgia: “We have a great time!”
If you weren’t fishing, what kind of work or lifestyle could you see yourself doing? I’d stick to hunt guiding and welding.
Off the Boat in Homer
When he’s not on the boat, look for Geoff on the beach at low tide. It’s his favorite spot in Homer: “I love just looking for stuff, and all the wildlife is fantastic.”
Something most people wouldn’t guess about him: he’s an amateur bird enthusiast, so a low-tide walk along Kachemak Bay is never just a walk.
What’s one thing every visitor to Homer should experience (besides halibut fishing)? Take a walk on the beach at low tide!!!
Ready to Wet a Line?
First Mate Geoff Camp joins Homer Halibut Hunters for the 2027 season. He holds a USCG 25-ton Master captain’s license and works this season as first mate, with three years of fishing in Alaska, one of them in Homer, and a lifetime of fishing that started with his dad, a tournament bass fisherman.
His style is hands-off and encouraging: he’ll keep you on the fish, give you pointers when you want them, and make sure your day is memorable, fun and safe. As his friends put it: he has fun.
All that’s left to do is book your trip and wet a line!
Quick Q&A: Getting to Know Geoff
A few more answers from Geoff, from his favorite fish to the advice he’d give a future deckhand.
Favorite saying, motto, or “captain’s wisdom”? That’ll happen.
Favorite species of fish to target (besides halibut)? Snook.
If you could fish anywhere else in the world, where would it be? South America, in the Amazon.
What music, podcast, or playlist gets played most on the boat? Bruce Springsteen.
What’s your go-to meal after a long day on the water? Chips and guac and chicken thighs.
How would your friends describe you in three words? He has fun.
What’s one life lesson fishing or working on the water has taught you? I’d much rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it!
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone thinking about becoming a fishing guide or deckhand? Make sure you don’t get seasick before you even think about it. Make sure you can handle being around strangers every day and still have a smile on your face.