Ketchikan Alaska Saltwater Fishing

In many ways, Alaska fishing is the best in the world.  The magnificent habitats, untouched wilderness ecosystems, and pristine oceans and coastlines enable all fishery stocks to thrive in excellent numbers.  A highly regulated fishery, it’s managed by the Alaska Department of Fish & Game for sustainability.  In addition to the world class wild stocks of salmon, hundreds of hatcheries throughout the States provide millions of salmon fry, fingerlings and smolt to rivers, lakes, and ocean bays.  Tens of thousands do make it back years later and enhance the numbers to be sought after by commercial and sport fishermen.  Intensive management and strict regulations in it’s various forms by ADF&G enables a prosperous and long term viability of our fantastic resource for all those in their piscatorial pursuits far into the future.

Fish everything from Halibut to King Salmon

In Southeast Alaska a variety of species of fish are sought after and found, with as much variety in the techniques to catch them.  Regardless of what you’ve heard about with the huge 300 lb. Halibut and giant 80 lb. King Salmon….and other monster fish stories, while many are true, they are few, and a small percentage of the overall experience of most fishermen fishing in Alaska.  The best advice to give is to come up with expectations of having a great time with friends and family, fish as much or as little as you like, and catch a lot of dandy fish, pray for great weather and wildlife sightings, and hope your film turns out of all the big ones you catch.

Light Fishing Tackle is Perfect for Kids, Too!

Here in the Ketchikan area, with Captain Rob and Classic Alaska Charters, you’ll learn to appreciate new techniques of locating, attracting, and catching all species of fish found in Southeast Alaska.  Although we have the heavy gear for those particular areas and needs for stout gear, we generally introduce folks to our medium to light tackle rods ‘n reels.  With the lighter gear we’re able to work a variety of tackle without the fatigue, thereby reserving your strength for the enjoyment of fighting your big fish……rather than using all your energy for cranking up 2 lb. weights from 400’ deep.  Our style of fishing allows women and kids to join in the fun too without making it feel like too much work.  Everyone loves the way WE do it!   For those who are accustomed to trolling and watching rods for a bite…..well, we do that too, but try not to spend a lot of time trolling if fishing is slow.   When you experience the medium & light tackle jigging we encourage, you’ll understand why we’re different than all the others…..and you’ll be glad you took the time to learn OUR way of catching the big ones.

Limit Out On Alaska Fishing!

We have FUN, and concentrate on a great time with a variety of areas to fish and activities to participate in.  Indeed, we’ll catch a lot of fish…..no doubt about it!   Typically we reach many of the weekly bag limits (double the daily limit in possession), but bag limits “everyday” is something that’s unnecessary and unrealistic.  Meat hunters determined to expect limits of 100+ lb. Halibut and 50+ lb. Salmon limits everyday…..Good luck finding a guide that can follow through with that tall order!  That’s not our operation.

Coho’s early in the season run 8-12 lbs and then later in Sept the big one’s arrive weighing in at 14-20 lbs! Chums (Keta) and Pink Salmon are also caught in large numbers, often limiting out with 50-60 fish days……just in salmon! The Pinks average in the 4-8lb class while the Chums are real monsters from 12-20 lbs with every year a 25+ pounder taken. Rockfish in saltwater come in a variety of colors, flavors, and sizes……mostly 2-5 lbs…..but all are delicious!