Ketchikan Halibut Fishing
Offered by Baranof Fishing In Ketchikan, Alaska
: $
About us
What we'll do
This is the experience many anglers dream of when planning an Alaska fishing vacation: fishing for the largest flatfish in the world, the Pacific Halibut. Imagine catching your first wild halibut with your friends or family, and having the bragging rights that will come with sharing this delectable fish back home. Ketchikan’s Alaska Halibut fishing will be an unforgettable experience.
Unlike many other Alaska destinations, Ketchikan fishing is in protected waters a short ride from downtown Ketchikan. No matter your skill level, you'll experience halibut fishing like a local. With a halibut rod and Penn reel in your own two hands, you’ll work the sandy flats, drift with the current, and jog in waters as deep as 300 feet. Spend the day with an experienced Alaska fishing guide in pursuit of the elusive halibut: learn the secrets of fishing circle hooks, work the tides, and battle your leviathan.
FISHING ITINERARY:
- Meetup:
Your guide, or one of our crew, will greet you at the pier and escort you to our downtown marina and outfitting room. Look for a sign with your tour name on it.
- Outfitting & licensing:
Upon arrival at our marina, your guide will collect the state fee for your fishing license. While we fill out your licensing information, you'll start to look like a local as we outfit you with waterproof boots, bib overalls, hooded jackets, hats, and gloves. Fully prepared, you'll head for the boat.
- Running to the fishing grounds:
Depending on the area your guide chooses to fish, the ride to your fishing area is 20 to 40 minutes from the marina. During this ride, you will experience Alaska as Mother Nature made it: rugged, unspoiled, and amazing. Our guides take you past the congested fishing grounds, further and deeper into this beautiful land, customizing the journey depending upon the season, tides, and weather conditions. Navigating narrow passages where larger boats cannot venture, our guides bring you closer to Alaska's abundant wildlife. Guests frequently spy eagles, seals, and whales while Halibut fishing. You may take as many photographs as you wish, or simply sit back and soak it all in.
- Hunting for halibut
Leave the tourists behind and venture into more secluded locations for authentic bottom fishing. You'll fish the way the locals do, complete with the quiet anticipation of jigging to the exhilaration of landing your Halibut. We won't pack our guests around a few shared poles; instead, we'll outfit each of you with a rod and tackle. And one of the best parts? The majority of our guests catch fish!
- Return to the marina
Make your way back to the marina while enjoying another breathtaking ride. Upon arrival, you will remove your fishing gear, and your guide will ensure that you make it back to your ship in a timely fashion. If you choose to ship your fish home or have it smoked, a simple form needs filled out. We will happily process your fish for shipping to arrive on the date of your choice.
What to expect / what's provided
*This excursion is a halibut fishing trip. This excursion is operated in a 24ft cabin cruiser accommodating a maximum of 6 passengers and an average of 4-5.
*Maximum 5 guests per 24 ft cabin
*We will pair you with other guests who have the same fishing goals
*Guide gratuity and Alaska fishing license are not included in the price.
*For guests with mobility disabilities, please call for booking.
*We provide all the gear needed to go fishing: bibs, jacket, rubber boats, rubber gloves, hats/stocking caps, socks
*Lunch is provided: included is bottled water and a light lunch of salmon spread, crackers, fruit cups, and a cookie
A six-hour fishing trip is a long time to go without anything to eat, so every day our restaurant prepares a taste of Ketchikan for each guest on any fishing excursion over six hours. Over the years we've tried several lunches, and have found the following is a great tie-over snack until you can eat your catch at our wilderness camp or restaurant.
*If you have special dietary concerns, please let us know. Also, if you don't prefer salmon, are on a diet this meal doesn't work with, or like to pack it in at lunch, you're welcome to bring other food and snacks on board. We have a cooler that can keep sandwiches and such cold, but as a rule of thumb, anything that you might pack for a day hiking works well.
*What to bring
- Wear/bring extra layers
- Camera
- Sunglasses
- Sunblock
- Credit card for fishing license and shipping of fish
*Meeting location
- Ship Guests:
If you are arriving by cruise ship, your guide, or one of our crew, will greet you at the pier and escort you to our downtown marina and outfitting room. Look for a sign with your last name.
Please note, if you are coming off of the Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Sun, Norwegian Spirit, Norwegian Jewel, Oceania Regatta, or the Seven Seas Explorer, you are responsible for your own transportation to and from our meeting location at the Alaska Fish House: 3 Salmon Landing Marina, Ketchikan, Alaska 99901. There is a free shuttle but please allow an additional 30min of transportation time from the dock to downtown Ketchikan.
*FAQs:
- What is a skiff?
A skiff is an open boat that is propelled by an outboard motor. A skiff is a modern cousin to Vancouver's longboat or the Native Alaskan oceangoing canoe. We operate 20 ft. Raider skiffs equipped with Honda 90 HP outboard motors.
- How many passengers can each boat accommodate?
We like to ensure that all guests are as comfortable as possible when joining us for their fishing adventure. Therefore, we limit guests to 5 in each skiff, but the average is 4.
- What fishing and outfitting gear is provided?
Each guest is provided with Helly Hansen waterproof rain pants, a raincoat, a warm wool hat, wool socks, rubber boots, and gloves. You will be prepared for any weather (and you'll definitely want to have someone take a photo of you dressed in true Alaskan fashion!). We are proud to feature Penn rods on our excursions and a selection of rods that varies depending on the species of fish we are pursuing.
- How will we find your marina when you arrive?
If you are arriving in Ketchikan by cruise ship we will arrange for your guide to be waiting for you at the pier upon your arrival. Scan the crowd for the guy or gal in the guise of a fisherperson holding a sign with your name on it. Your guide will walk you to our marina. Depending on where your ship is docked the walk is 2-8 minutes. Upon arrival at the marina, your guide will lead you through the outfitting and licensing process. If you are not traveling aboard a cruise ship, you can find us at the end of Main Street at the "Alaska Fish House".
- I have a tendency to get seasick, will that be a problem?
We have been operating fishing tours for ten years, and we rarely have passengers that have to deal with seasickness, even those who are prone to motion sickness are comfortable on our boats. The boats which we operate have a low center of gravity, eliminating the rolling motion that usually generates a queasy stomach. However, if you do get sick there will be no extra charge.
- How long is the tour?
Our fishing trips are 4 to 6 hours. If you are arriving by cruise ship our downtown locations allow you to be out on the water quickly and maximize fishing time.
- What do I need to fish?
In order to fish, the State of Alaska requires you to purchase a one-day Alaska fishing license. The cost of a non-resident 1-day fishing license is $15.00. King salmon tags are an additional $10.00.
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