QUESTIONS
- Alaska sport fishing license is required for anyone age 16 years and up. Purchased at https://store.adfg.alaska.gov/
- You must print and bring your fishing license with you.
- If salmon fishing between June through August, you must purchase king salmon stamps which is required for the retention of king salmon.
Our boats are located downtown and within walking distance of the cruise ship berths. We will meet you at your cruise ship exit ramp holding a sign with your name. In town guests will be met at an agreed upon location near the downtown harbor.
All salmon and rockfish species are available to process. Ketchikan crab tour does not retain crabs for processing. Due to the local processors not being able to process crabs, this option will not be available for crab processing.
No, there will not be any retention of crabs on this tour. Local fish processors do not have the capability to process and ship your crabs. This tour is experienced based for the adventure and thrill of crabbing in Alaska. All crabs are returned to the ecosystem to sustain the fishery.
Dress for the rain! Wear multiple layers of clothes for warmth as well as water resistance or waterproof outer layers including rain gear. Rain ponchos are provided as needed.
We provide water, soda and various snacks on all of our Ketchikan fishing charters. Please bring any additional snacks you wish to have while fishing.
- Expert USCG licensed captain/ Alaska Sportfishing guide
- All fishing gear, tackle, and bait
- Water, soda and snacks
- Rain ponchos and rain gear
- Coast Guard approved safety equipment
- Enclosed cabin with porta-potty and privacy curtain
- Delivery of catch to fish processor.
- Alaska sport fishing license for anyone age 16 years and up. Purchased at https://store.adfg.alaska.gov/
- City sales tax and processing fee
- Gratuity for a job well done – Industry standard is 10-20%. Not required but always appreciated.
- Fish processing and shipping. Prices based on fileted weight and range from $7-15/lb.
If your captain/guide delivers a great charter fishing experience then the industry standard recommends 15-20% gratuity. Similar to many other service industries tips are a part of overall wages.
Time and experience! Charter fishing from downtown Ketchikan brings the best of both worlds. Your guide meets you right at your cruise ship berth or downtown harbor and your off to the fishing grounds immediately. This in comparison saves you 30 minutes to one hour compared to fishing outside of town where you have to attempt to arrange your own transport to take a bus or taxi ride 30 minutes north or south. Why waste time in a cab when you can be whisked away to the most productive fishing grounds instantly.
Rain or shine it’s best to plan for the rain. Ketchikan’s located in the Tongass National Forest which averages thirteen feet of rain a year. With that being said we do have magically sunny days or light overcast days without rain. Dressing for the rain allows you to shed layers as needed and be prepared for any weather.
There is a marine portapotty onboard with privacy curtains.
- Camera
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Dress in layers with rain-resistant or rainproof outer layers. Charters provide rain gear as needed.
- Fishing licenses BUY ONLINE
- King salmon stamp if fishing for king salmon, ask your guide about when’s best to fish for king salmon prior to trip.
- Snacks
1 king salmon per person, 5 pelagic rockfish per person, 6 silver salmon per person, 6 pink salmon per person, 5 pelagic rockfish per person. Alaska fish and game regulations can be found here.
While on your Ketchikan Fishing Charter it is expected but not guaranteed to see wildlife. Humpback whales, Orcas, Bald Eagles, Harbor Seals, Sea lions are a few of the most commonly seen species. Not to mention you may see a black bear perusing the intertidal zone or even a Sitka Black tail Deer or Wolf swimming across the channels. Keep your eyes peeled as there’s no telling what you may see in these wild Alaska waters and shores.
The best time for crabbing in Ketchikan is May through September. Charter fishing in Ketchikan, Alaska typically runs May through September. With that being said the height of the salmon run is June, July, August and September. The best bottom fishing occurs from mid June through mid September. Different species of wild Alaska salmon overlap from during the months of June through September. Feel free to contact us directly to answer any questions you may have on when is best to book your Alaska fishing adventure.
While it’s possible to catch halibut on this tour they are not the target species. Due to the distance from town and crab fishing grounds, halibut fishing is not an option. Furthermore, halibut fishing takes place in rough waters. Another reason we avoid going to the halibut grounds on this tour.
No, eagle feeding is not guaranteed on this tour. While we do visit eagles’ nests and attempt to feed the eagles, they’re not always feeding. For this reason we state that an attempt will be made, but there’s no guarantee the wildlife will cooperate on any given day or time.
The combination crab and fish tour is meant for groups that want to spend more time on the water. To experience both crabbing and fishing in Alaska. With that being said we do offer a shorter tour that includes everything except the crabbing portion. The shorter tour gives groups more time to experience downtown Ketchikan for local sights, dining and shopping.
Yes, as long as you’re 21 or older you are more than welcome to bring your favorite beverage. We do not provide alcohol.
Yes! This tour is specifically built for families visiting Ketchikan. Experience crabbing and fishing in calm waters with expert guides. Our guides are well versed to teach your family step by step instructions in a safe and fun environment. In addition to the wildlife safari, whale watching and eagle feeding.
Kids under the age of 16 must wear a life jacket at all times on the boat. We supply and outfit each child before departing the dock with the necessary floatation device. Adults are not required to wear a life jacket while onboard but they are always readily available life jackets for all persons.
Yes, all tour times are built specifically around the cruise ship arrivals and departures. We guarantee your on time pickup and drop off to fit your cruise ship schedule.
We can arrange your time to be extended and charter pricing adjusted, only if we don’t have another charter following your trip time. We always recommend booking ample trip time duration to insure your expectations are met.
We do not add anyone to your charter group. We only run privately guided charters so we can consistently exceed your groups expectations. Our private guided charter experience allows us to plan the entire trip with you in mind and this allows us to allocate the correct time per species at your request. Based on years of experience this is the only way to provide an authentic Alaska charter fishing experience.
Yes, you can add or subtract people from your private charter prior to the trip. If doing so the guide needs to know beforehand so we can make sure we have what is needed on the boat. • We can only carry a maximum 6 people per boat.
We offer 2-5 hour tour durations, if you want to end your charter prior to the designated time it’s fine with us. With that being said there most likely will not be a refund for the time cut short, this is due to scheduling. To pick the best trip and time duration we always encourage you to call ahead of booking and talk with your guide for the best trip fit for your group.
Yes, your family will each have an opportunity to hold your crabs for photos prior to releasing them. This ensures the best photo opportunities for your group will maintain the health of the ecosystem.
Yes, your captain will secure the catch and instruct you on the best way to hold your Alaskan crabs for photos.
While there’s always a chance one can get seasick when at sea, this tour provides crabbing and fishing in calm waters. Specifically we avoid rough waters to ensure your family is safe and comfortable on this Ketchikan tour.
Yes, this tour is perfect for cruise ship guests visiting Ketchikan. Built with families in mind who visit Ketchikan by cruise ship. This tour offers it all in a safe and fun environment. Cruise ship guests have the option of multiple departure times that best suit your group’s arrival and departure times.
Yes! We guarantee your group will catch something. Whether it’s salmon,crabs or rockfish we ensure you catch something on this tour! Building a reputation for one of the finest charter fishing experiences in Ketchikan didn’t come easy. Our expertly guided charters rarely don’t catch with our expansive knowledge, network and state of the art equipment.
We require a 100% deposit to finalize and lock in your date. Without payment and confirmation you do not have a completed booking. We guarantee a 100% refund for any cancellations 10 days prior to the trip as well as if your guide needs to cancel for weather conditions.