Our Boats & Captains

She is Mighty. She is Irish. But not the Mist….that’s a different boat. We know it’s confusing but no worries.

More info to come on who shall be running our big, beautiful boat 🙂

Clay Duda has been fishing the waters of Kachemak Bay and Cook Inlet for nearly a decade now, but if we’re being honest, when he first arrived in Homer he didn’t even know what a halibut was. (*gasp*) After traveling abroad for a stint, Clay and his wife found their way north to Alaska with allures of fishy freedom and the wilds of life on the last frontier. It didn’t take them long to drop anchor and call “Home Sweet Homer” home for good. 

Clay is owner and operator of the Irish Mist, a spacious 8-person charter boat and the newest addition to the North Country rosters. Fun fact: after deckhanding on other boats for a few years, Clay’s first captain job was running the Storm Petrel for North Country Charters. He went on to captain other charter vessels out of Homer before returning to the North Country line up in 2025 after purchasing the 34-foot Irish Mist. 

In another life Clay worked as a journalist and photographer for 7 years before moving to Alaska. His words and photos have appeared in publications nationally and earned several awards. In more recent years he’s spent a lot of his free time in the darkroom developing film and making prints the old-fashioned way. His analog photographs have been featured recently at Homer Council on the Arts, South Peninsula Hospital Gallery, and Grace Ridge Brewery.

Capt. Ben Martin, has upgraded his boat for 2019 with the “West Cape” a 33 ft Bounty Motor Yacht. This boat is more spacious and efficient than his previous boat the Fringe Benefit. He will continue to provide his clients with World Class fishing for his 12th season. Halibut is the staple, but when in season he loves to do more of the Ultimate Combo trips targeting all species possible. Ben was 2010’s Homer Jackpot Derby Winning Captain!

Al moved to Homer in 2018 to work for USFWS, responding to stranded marine mammals. She transferred to UAA and continued to work with FWS, Alaska Maritime NWR, and the Alaska Sea Life Center. Falling into local tradition, she boarded our Beau Soleil the summer of 2020 to make some real money. Hooked on having grubby little fingers, wearing hoodies, and smelling like fish every day- she returned each year and began commanding the vessel in 2022. Al works odd jobs, enjoys sports, hunts, and travels in the off-season. Born to small lake fishing in Michigan, Al understands how special each trip can be. She’ll probably tell you more sea otter facts than you care to hear and takes passion in providing a quality fishing experience for each client.

Capt. Jay Keller, owner operator of the “Keeper”, is a long-time local commercial fisherman/charter operator born and raised in Homer, Alaska. With his love for fishing and local knowledge, he brings confidence and expertise to your quality fun filled day on the water. Jay offers salmon fishing, halibut/salmon combos or the Ultimate Combo during certain times of the season.

Originally from Atlanta, Georgia Captain Doug came up for a summer of adventure and fishing. The beautiful views of Alaska, the community of Homer, and getting to be on the water everyday are what made Doug call Homer his home. This is Dougs 7th season of charter fishing and his 4th season captaining. With Dougs quick witted sense of humor and a little bit of bait you?ll be sure to have a great day on the water.

The Storm Petrel specializes in Halibut, Halibut/Salmon Combos, and the Ultimate Combo. Call us for more information on this boat!

And let’s not forget the tireless ground crew who pick up where the captains leave off, hauling your lunkers up to the office, weighing them, taking pictures, and filleting them as you relax with a hot cup of coffee or a well deserved ice cold beer at the “Salty Dawg” across the street. Kathy Brennan, Emmy Olsen, and Fiora Bertuccio taking your bookings, making dad jokes, ordering your lunches, fielding your questions, and making sure that you leave North Country Charters smiling.