Your tour begins at a private downtown marina, where you are outfitted head to toe. You'll board an open-air boat and glide into a breathtaking landscape. Head out past the busy charter fishing areas and into secluded locations for wildlife viewing and remote fishing.
With custom light tackle, you'll experience the thrill of angling for numerous Alaskan bottom fish species and whichever of the five species of Pacific salmon are in season. Depending on what salmon are running, and what technique has been working best lately, salmon fishing options are trolling, jigging, and mooching. Most folks catch fish - this excursion is renowned for the highest catch rate of any Alaska fishing experience!
Your skiff then heads to a wilderness campsite where a crackling fire awaits. You'll settle into the stillness of the rainforest, rest on a beach log and breathe deeply among centuries-old spruce trees and fragrant cedars. You'll experience this outdoor culinary adventure as the camp cook blends homemade fish broth and delicately seasoned potatoes. You'll dine on your freshly caught bottom fish served atop a saffron-infused bouillabaisse, and savor fire-warmed sourdough rolls, signature rhubarb-blueberry bread pudding, and steaming mugs of coffee or hot chocolate. It's no wonder Food & Wine magazine rated this "The world's best camp meal ever." If salmon are in season and your group managed to land a couple, our cooks will grill it fresh over the fire for a true Southeast Alaskan experience.
Your tour concludes with a short walk back to the ship and memories of fish tales with friends old and new.
Please note: Fishing licenses are not included in the tour price. You will need to purchase this day of from the tour operator. The cost of a non-resident 1-day fishing license is $20.00. King salmon tags are an additional $10.00. Duration: 5 hours (Roundtrip from cruise ship terminal. Guests docking at Ward Cove must take a free shuttle to downtown Ketchikan, please allow for extra time. )
Inclusions:
- Roundtrip transportation from the cruise ship terminal
- Light-Tackle rod and reel
- A 5-Star meal featuring your fresh catch
- Waterproof pants, raincoat, rubber boots, warm wool hat, wool socks, and gloves
NOT Included:
- Fishing license. You will purchase from the tour operator at the start of your excursion. The cost of a non-resident 1-day fishing license is $20.00. King salmon tags are an additional $10.00.
Duration: 5 hours. Tour times below are approximate:
- Escort from the cruise ship terminal to the marina
- Purchase fishing license and outfitting for the excursion
- Travel to fishing grounds
- Fishing
- Return to camp, to prepare and enjoy a freshly-caught lunch
- Return to the marina
Meeting Instructions:
- This tour meets in front of your cruise ship if docking at Berths 1-4. Guests docking at WARD COVE must take the free shuttle to downtown Ketchikan. Fully detailed instructions are included on your finalized ticket vouchers.
ADA Accessibility of Tour:
- This tour is fully accessible. Your guide will offer assistance transferring from your wheelchair to your seat on the boat. Personal aides or care providers who are tasked with the welfare of a guest may ride along free of charge unless they too wish to fish. Based on availability, this tour has access to one(1) all-terrain wheelchair which may be borrowed with advance notice on a first-come, first-serve basis. A limited number of electric reels are available for use. Please leave a comment during checkout if accommodations for collapsible equipment will be required on tour.
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 gear and outfitting are provided?
Each guest is provided with Helly Hansen waterproof rain pants, raincoat, 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.
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.
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 $20.00. King salmon tags are an additional $10.00.
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