Alaska fishing trip HELP

[elkantlers]

Help me out...

I have never been but always wanted to fish Alaska for halibut and salmon. My wife and I are kicking around the idea of going this Summer in mid-July. (if it's not too late to plan this trip)
I am open to day trips where we book a hotel or Airbnb or all-inclusive packages. Whatever is best. I would think at least three or four days of fishing and maybe a couple for site seeing. I also want fish processing and them to freeze it for transport home.

For those that have been tell me some good operations to check out. Also, what are the main Do's and Don'ts and any helpful tips.
Any Information you are willing to share will be appreciated.

 

[Bigjay73]

I've been once, didn't care for halibut fishing, but I'm definitely in the minority on that one. When I go back, it will be salmon, rockfish and floating rivers for dolly varden. Pretty sure every coastal town has a processor who will vac seal and package your fish for a flight home, Alaska Air even has rod holders on their planes. Things are geared toward fishing when it comes to Alaska.

 

[Dave N]

@Bambistew is the literal resident expert.

 

[elkantlers]

@Bambistew is the literal resident expert.

I hope he will chime in.

 

[Gellar]

Lots of time to plan! If you make it to Kodiak I’d give Kodiak Oceanside retreat a 5+ star. We didn’t stay the night there because our bush flight got delayed, but Debbie still let us use her vehicle, take hot showers and gave us a ride to the airport in the few hours in our schedule.

 

[reallyoldman]

We have been many times..probably to many. I recommend with out reservation the following: 1) Sam Dalin..Dalin Carters out of Ketchikan, AK 2) Shelter Cove Ledge..Craig AK 3) West Coast Fishing Club...Van Cover BC with 2 lodges on Langara Island These are 5 star lodges where as the others are just nice.. As far as Halibut goes even the smaller ones can be like winching up a car door. My biggest was 236 # and I wish I had never kept her. They do put up a fight at times but most are just a lot of work. If you book fairly soon I am sure you can find a spot. In all of these your party will be the only ones on the boat.

 

[elkantlers]

We have been many times..probably to many. I recommend with out reservation the following: 1) Sam Dalin..Dalin Carters out of Ketchikan, AK 2) Shelter Cove Ledge..Craig AK 3) West Coast Fishing Club...Van Cover BC with 2 lodges on Langara Island These are 5 star lodges where as the others are just nice.. As far as Halibut goes even the smaller ones can be like winching up a car door. My biggest was 236 # and I wish I had never kept her. They do put up a fight at times but most are just a lot of work. If you book fairly soon I am sure you can find a spot.

Thanks. I'll check these out.

 

[MLC]

I have fished for salmon and halibut off the coast of Alaska twice. Both times out of Seward, which is a beautiful town and area. There are many boats/captains that operate daily during the season. Some will offer, “combination”, salmon and halibut trips. I recommend avoiding those. Fish for salmon for a day or two and then halibut separately. The problem with a combination outing is you sometimes have to travel so far out into the ocean to find the halibut that by the time everyone on the boat has caught their fish, there’s not much time left to fish for salmon. When you book a halibut trip, ask how far out you’ll have to run. I felt like we went half way to Hawaii, in big rolling seas, to find the halibut. I didn’t find them much fun to catch, but excellent eating. The salmon fishing out of a charter is more fun and you’ll spend more time fishing than, “running”, although it can be in rough water also. Be sure to ask how many will be on the boat. The charters I’ve on usually had about 8 fisherman. There are smaller boats too. Your charter will usually include cleaning your fish. We always had then flash frozen immediately and then shipped home. They’ll do what ever and however you want. You just have to pay for it. I would also check on charters out of Homer for halibut fishing.

 

[Redmt]

Where are you planning on going? Alaska is a really big place! I have buddies above Homer about 30 miles if your planning to hit the Kenai Peninsula. Fishing Cook Inlet can't be beat.

 

[elkantlers]

Where are you planning on going? Alaska is a really big place! I have buddies above Homer about 30 miles if your planning to hit the Kenai Peninsula. Fishing Cook Inlet can't be beat.

I'm open to just about anywhere.

 

[ashersdad]

We do a "boys" trip every year with my boys and several family members. The last few years we've stayed in Homer and went out with TNT Adventures out of Ninilchik. We do both halibut and salmon. We prefer the salmon fishing, but love to bring home halibut too. They process and freeze everything for you. We like a smaller outfit where we are the only ones on the boat. Highly recommend going. Even my dad who doesn't really care for fishing, looks forward to this trip every year.

 

[BuzzH]

I think this year will be 16ish years I've fished AK.

Be mindful of the species you want to target and associated limits. I won't fish a place where you're allowed 1 chicken or 1 over a certain size.

All inclusive is usually more expensive than making your own arrangements. Most good outfits will be booked by now, and we already booked out to 2026.

Timing salmon is an exercise in futility. I've tried to time the silvers and I'm not doing that anymore. If they're in, they're in, if not, oh well.

Check into average run times to fishing spots. I'm not there for a boat ride, I'm there to fish. Also look at the quality of the equipment they use, tackle, reels, etc. Check the tide charts too, real big tide changes are a PITA to fish.

As to the boat, I like fishing on a boat with a deck all the way around. Ask how fast the boat is too, and how long the fishing days are.

Don't be a pain in the ass on the boat and just act like a client. Offer to help anyway you can. Spray off the deck, help clean up, bait your hooks, drive the boat, put your rods away at the end of the day, etc.

Be willing to let others in the boat catch fish if they're struggling and don't be the pole hog. Have an agreement with others on the boat to split fish equally, way easier on the captain and the processor. Plus, ensures some people don't get too much and others too little.

Definitely go for 4 days, the extra days are cheap. If you can arrange to fill the boat with people you know, it's even more fun.

Be flexible, it's Alaska and shit happens. It's been a rare 4 day trip where something didn't go right, it's part of the adventure. We've had bad weather days, zero-zero conditions, engines blow up, bent props, and other mechanical issues. Also usually seems like at least 1 of our 4 days is usually slow fishing.

Take all that stuff in stride, the captains I've fished with work very hard to get you on fish, some days it just doesn't work out. It's fishing not catching. Treat those guys right and they'll work hard for you. Tip them well.

Our annual trip to AK is the one trip I look forward to the most and have the most fun on.

Good luck.

 

[elkantlers]

I think this year will be 16ish years I've fished AK.

Be mindful of the species you want to target and associated limits. I won't fish a place where you're allowed 1 chicken or 1 over a certain size.

All inclusive is usually more expensive than making your own arrangements. Most good outfits will be booked by now, and we already booked out to 2026.

Timing salmon is an exercise in futility. I've tried to time the silvers and I'm not doing that anymore. If they're in, they're in, if not, oh well.

Check into average run times to fishing spots. I'm not there for a boat ride, I'm there to fish. Also look at the quality of the equipment they use, tackle, reels, etc. Check the tide charts too, real big tide changes are a PITA to fish.

As to the boat, I like fishing on a boat with a deck all the way around. Ask how fast the boat is too, and how long the fishing days are.

Don't be a pain in the ass on the boat and just act like a client. Offer to help anyway you can. Spray off the deck, help clean up, bait your hooks, drive the boat, put your rods away at the end of the day, etc.

Be willing to let others in the boat catch fish if they're struggling and don't be the pole hog. Have an agreement with others on the boat to split fish equally, way easier on the captain and the processor. Plus, ensures some people don't get too much and others too little.

Definitely go for 4 days, the extra days are cheap. If you can arrange to fill the boat with people you know, it's even more fun.

Be flexible, it's Alaska and shit happens. It's been a rare 4 day trip where something didn't go right, it's part of the adventure. We've had bad weather days, zero-zero conditions, engines blow up, bent props, and other mechanical issues. Also usually seems like at least 1 of our 4 days is usually slow fishing.

Take all that stuff in stride, the captains I've fished with work very hard to get you on fish, some days it just doesn't work out. It's fishing not catching. Treat those guys right and they'll work hard for you. Tip them well.

Our annual trip to AK is the one trip I look forward to the most and have the most fun on.

Good luck.

Good info, Thanks.

 

[Maverick1]

Bring rain gear. Could be several days without rain. Or rain for several days on end. You just never know. Bring rain gear you are comfortable fishing in. Bring multiple sets of rain gear.
There are many charter fishing operations. As mentioned above, if the run is on it is ON and can be great fun.
Can have great success fishing near the hatcheries, if that works for you.
Also, as mentioned above, keep your halibut and salmon trips separate from one another. Typically different fish, different locations, and different approaches. Go for one or the other, but not both. I found salmon fishing to be more action and more to go around for people on the boat, but that can vary, too. When you hit them you hit them.
Good luck! Enjoy the journey!

 

[brockel]

. We were going to go a couple years ago but the wife and I decided to do a test run and see how we handled the sea off the coast of Washington fishing with it being cheaper than making the trip to Alaska.. That was such a fun time we are planning to go to Alaska on our next fishing trip

 

[BigHornRam]

My only fishing trip to Alaska was a couple years ago to Sitka. Easy 2 hour flight from Sea-Tac. Beautiful town and island with plenty to do other than fish. We fished with Riley, nice hard working young man.

Fishing in Sitka Alaska | Outer Limits Charters

Experience fishing for salmon, halibut, rockfish and other species with Captain Riley Jorgenson of Outer Limits Charters in Sitka, Alaska. Forget the idea that fishing in Alaska is just for the old guys. Captain Riley specializes in making fishing a great experience whether you've fished before...

www.outerlimitsalaska.com

First day fishing was very wet and slow. Second day was bluebird and phenomenal.

 

[Bigjay73]

Has anyone ever done a "captain's choice" trip? I can see the upside.

 

[BearFoot]

Have done well with Wild coast Alaska, out of Homer. Have been on several outings. Halibut, rockfish, salmon, cod, and some others.

 

[Sytes]

Sure appears to be a great time with some fantastic freezer filler!

One day.

 

[Lota lota]

Help me out...

I have never been but always wanted to fish Alaska for halibut and salmon. My wife and I are kicking around the idea of going this Summer in mid-July. (if it's not too late to plan this trip)
I am open to day trips where we book a hotel or Airbnb or all-inclusive packages. Whatever is best. I would think at least three or four days of fishing and maybe a couple for site seeing. I also want fish processing and them to freeze it for transport home.

For those that have been tell me some good operations to check out. Also, what are the main Do's and Don'ts and any helpful tips.
Any Information you are willing to share will be appreciated.

Homer is the place for halibut. My brother and I went in 2022 with "O'Fishial" charters. We also caught kings, pinks, ling and rockfish. Reasonably priced. The processor will even meet you on the dock when you return, fillet and flash freeze the fish and ship it next day air to your door. It's pricey though but worth it.