HOMER LODGING

Homer, Alaska, is considered the halibut capital of the world -- or so locals claim. And it's hard to argue with them. Halibut charters leave the small-boat harbor on the Homer Spit every morning. Last year, the winner of the Homer Halibut Derby pocketed more than $46,000 with his 345-pound halibut. There also is good salmon fishing in the area.