They can grow huge, sometimes over eight feet and swim on their sides. Homer Alaska is the halibut fishing capital of the world. One of the most popular areas to fish halibut on Yaboki Island are the waters of Deer Harbor. Salty Sea Charters is a husband and wife run the 30-foot boat. Consequently, halibut retreivals are not nearly as difficult as in some of Alaskas deeper fishing waters. Home Page - Alaska King Charter I find it the perfect camera for any Alaskan adventure. Instead, allow the fish to fully consume the bait then gently pull to set the hook. All boats have heated cabins and toilet facilities. Here in the port, youll find plenty of boats ready to take you on your fishing adventure. Another hotspot is Sitkalidak Island. Along the way, guests often see seals, eagles, whales, birds, porpoise, spawning salmon, and even bears. Elfin Cove doesnt have any roadsonly boardwalks. Alaska Ocean Pros Fleet consists of Two boats that can accommodate 10-12 passengers each. So, for that reason, we recommend Ketchikan for halibut fishing unless you're looking for a challenge and want to fish in Sitka. But before you get caught up in identifying the right place to fish, make sure you're hitting halibut at the right time of day, at the right tide, and during the right season. Savor sourdough rolls with garlic-aioli spread, a signature rhubarb and blueberry bread pudding, and steaming mugs of coffee or hot chocolate. You can go on a hike in the Kachemak Bay State Park, join an eco-safari, or spend a few days here and do it all. Ketchikan, Alaska is a prime destination for Halibut fishing. Wherever you go, theres [], In Canada, the ice fishing season begins with anticipation. The Pacific halibut is one of the most sought gamefish found in Alaska waters. Just like the rest of our picks, Sitka is a fun place to visit. Ninilchick is located on the Cook Inlet halibut migration grounds. And one of the most popular reasons is for the amazing halibut fishing. I know it sure is my favorite spot. The Sea Hawk can fish 8-12 guests and is great for half-day trips. One way many charters and veteran anglers create a strong scent trail is to throw a bag full of old salmon heads, guts and leftover bait overboard (a.k.a. Halibut spawn off the continental shelf in deep water November through March and migrate into the shallow waters of SE Alaska to feed . This is just an overview of these top 10 techniques, but its okay if youre overwhelmed. Thank you if you use our links, we really appreciate it! 907-302-4115 Not only is the halibut fishing great out of Seward but the scenery is amazing. Below Two of Sewards many fishing charters recommend checking out. Its worth the trip if youre an avid angler looking for a bit of an adventure. Things to Do in Ketchikan Ketchikan Tours Tours and Tickets See all things to do Ketchikan Halibut Fishing Charters 5 See all photos Ketchikan Halibut Fishing Charters By Oasis Alaska Charters 27 reviews Recommended by 100% of travelers Lowest price guarantee Reserve now & pay later Free cancellation Ages 1-100 Duration: 4h A good Halibut charter will be able to coach you on techniques you can employ to maximize your catch. If youre looking for the ultimate Alaskan fishing adventure. sinker weight is usually all that is required to get your bait on the bottom. You can unsubscribe at any time. There's hardly a better place than Homer to go after "barn door" Halibut. Fishing for halibut in the deeper waters of the Yakutat bay during the winter months is common (and productive) but can be challenging when conditions turn harsh. The day will be spent on a 29 boat that has plenty of room for 5 anglers to fish from. Because Whittier is situated at the end of a fjord that feeds into the Prince William Sound, strong winds and inclement weather are common. Using specially rigged kayaks, anglers can safely and effectively fish the deeper waters in Resurrection Bay and around Seward where halibut live. Getting you to the premier halibut honey holes. Prices do not include 6.5% city sales tax. Many Halibut anglers in Alaska will also include a skirting that fish will be drawn to even if the bait has come off the hook. Plan well in advance. The other deal is subject to the same booking conditions youve opted for with Wayward Sun Sportfishing & Seafood. You have contacted us immediately after booking with all the details of the other deal Mark & JoAnn Andrew If you want to make the most of one of the best fishing experiences the world has to offer, look no further than halibut fishing in Ketchikan. From June 15th to August 15th during the peak of the salmon run you will have the best chance at catching multiple species. As you are on a boat and it is moving about the binoculars I use are the, Another must-have is a waterproof camera and attached float as what use is a waterproof camera if it sinks. Compare that with the 80 to over 100 miles that you spend in search of halibut from Seward and Whittier. We provide world class Alaska's premier salmon and halibut fishing tours , offering anglers easy access to some of the best coastal ocean fishing in the world. Betton Island State Marine Park. Ketchikan is situated at the southern entrance to Alaskas sheltered waters of the inside passage. From $385. Fireweed Lodge is located on the West Coast of Prince of Wales Island in Southeast Alaska. So if youre visiting Ketchikan you can find tailored halibut fishing charters 4-6 hour trips. Here, the wilderness is a hop, skip, and jump away from the towns center, so you get the best of both worlds at your fingertips. Halibut Fishing Charters Ketchikan, Alaska - Svenson Sportfishing Where you fish will depend on the weather here in Ketchikan. With a halibut rod and Penn reel in your own two hands, you'll work the sandy flats, drift with the current, and jig in waters as deep as 300 feet. Email us! Maximum Guests: 6 per boat. Cast a line, and what you catch will become the fresh center of a gourmet campsite meal! An hour south of Anchorage is the port city of Whittier. Whether targeting salmon, bottom fish, or a combination of the two, the Cook Your Catch option can turn a great day of fishing into a lifetime experience. When you come to Alaskas first city, you get the peace and quiet of a small town with the fast and furious action on the water. 2-5 day small ship explorations. We offer fast action Ketchikan Halibut fishing trips and Captain Colby Slanaker is looking forward to hosting your next Alaska fishing excursion. Based on 27,058 reviews by FishingBooker anglers, data-event-category="Navigation header guest". One thing I know for sure is that you will have a fishing trip to remember. A large heated lower cabin that can seat 26 people around 5 dining tables. The Alaska Catch 32' Boat runs angling trips out of Ketchikan and offers to show you what the local fishery is all about. Homer isnt called the halibut fishing capital of the world for nothing. Book entire boat for your family or group, or opt to bunk with other guests. The fjords and mountains of southern Alaska are sure to make you fall in love with them, but its the fishing that will draw you in. A jig can also be a good indicator of how many fish are in the area, and if you arent getting any action as you bounce the jig down the current, it might be time to pick up and head elsewhere. Theyll be more active because they are actually on the hunt above the ground where you usually fish. One of the best halibut fishing areas in Alaska is Icy Strait Point, where you are taken via cruiser . Use a chum bag Most Alaska halibut are caught at anchor. We pride ourselves on having one of the best services in the remote saltwater locations of Alaska. Halibut fishing in Ketchikan is highly variable throughout the year. Its likely youll be waiting for a bit, so put your rod in a holder and sit back. It helps to have a stable boat with a GPS chart plotter and sonar so you can find structure and anchor or drift over predetermined spots known to hold fish. Though not as reknown as other fishing destinations such as Seward or Homer, its proximity to Anchorage and Prince William Sound make it a popular destination for halibut anglers. Seward is a quintessential picturesque fishing town and is my halibut fishing destination of choice. For barn door Halibut, heading to Chatham Straight is the best option. If you want to catch trophy halibut knowing where to fish is key. The other deal is bookable online and is still available when we check. Youll leave having experienced the Alaskan way of life. There are real underwater giants living in these waters, including ones that can weigh 300 pounds and more. The Alaska Catch. A dream of going to the perfect fishing destination and having everything you could possibly need to have the trip of a lifetime on your own terms, your own schedule and fishing in your own self guided boat. Using sharp hooks or taking a file to your existing ones will help ensure you can set the hook and pull the fish to the surface. Cruises and land tours are great ways to see Alaska. Smaller halibut will leave a salmon head alone, so if you get one on a whole head, it will likely be big. Oasis Alaska Charter Fishing Rig up with bait, lower to the bottom, and then reel up a good 15-20 feet off the floor. Lift up to finish driving the hook into place. Jigs also work well when anchored but you need at least one heavily bated circle hook to spread your sent for optimum results. Once youre ready to actually drop your bait in the water, dont let it race to the bottom. One other big mistake thats pretty common is the sharpness of your hooks. That already means incredible angling. Its clear that Alaska offers some of the best Halibut fishing in the country, if not the very best. Located about 15 miles north of Ketchikan in Knudson Cove. If you jerk or lift up too soon, the hook has a chance of being pulled away from the fishs mouth. These smaller fish weigh up to 40 pounds, make for the most delicious table fare, and theyll still give you a workout before you get them into the boat. It has everything an angler needs from the abundance of marine life to lush rainforests, mountains, and the surrounding wilderness. There are also rough eye and short raker rock fish that call these deep waters home. To visit fishing grounds that are further out, full days charters are recommended. Many novice Halibut anglers go wrong on this very important step. Is there another spot that should be on the list? Since halibut are predators, frozen bait may not be as effective. Ninilchik is one the few places in Alaska where anglers can catch 300-plus pound Pacific halibut right off shore. THE BEST Halibut in Ketchikan (Updated July 2023) - Tripadvisor Ketchikan Alaska Fishing Charters - Svenson Sportfishing In shallower waters close to the coast, Halibut will use sight and sound to find their food. Our charter fishing boats and unguided fishing boats are all easily accessible from our private dock located in front of the beach houses. Alaska Fishing Lodge for King Salmon and Halibut - Official MapQuest As the halibut move in on your scent trail, theyll often be attracted to the jig. Find Best Western Hotels . When I travel to Alaska most of the time I use Anchorage as my base. A smaller yet faster 6 passenger boat is also a great half and full-day fishing vessel. Homer Alaska is the halibut fishing capital of the world. Homer like Seward has a halibut tournament with cash prizes for prize-winning halibut. Our Alaska Fishing Lodge is the Premier Luxury Alaska King Salmon Fishing . Located on the southern coast of the state, the waters around Ketchikan are home to some of the largest Halibut in the world, and Captain William and his 28' Crozier Craft fishing vessel are ready to take you to find one! Experience an authentic fishing excursion in the unspoiled wilderness of Alaskas coastline. There are many fishing charters out of Ketchikan that provide guided fishing tours. Homer Where better to start than in the Halibut fishing capital of the world? Alaska halibut can reach lengths over 8 feet and weight in at over 500 pounds. Heavier Halibut are known as barn doors, and its easy to understand why if you ever snag one and try pulling it to the surface. In fact, our local processor will flash freeze it and send it straight to your door! 2023 FishingBooker.com. This excursion is designed to allow our captains the ability to put that experience to use by giving them the freedom to target whatever species are most likely to prove attainable. Located in the Gastineau Channel and the Alaskan panhandle, Juneau is the capital of Alaska. I was in Alaska back in 2006 and went out on a Halibut charter from Seward.It was wonderful (lots of Halibut in the 30-70lb range - 2 catch limit per person) except for the long 3 hour (each way) boat ride to the spot our captain was most comfortable with given the conditions, prior trips, etc. Be sure to bring your camera or binoculars as you take in the beauty of Alaska and its wildlife. Baranof Fishing Excursions and The Alaska Fish House Focus on Denali & Kenai Fjords. Email us! The biggest things to remember is to build a good scent trail, stay in one spot and be patient. It only seems natural that its at the top of our list. Discover the optimal month due to daylight, temperature, and rain. Halibut bite well and anglers find it easy to catch it during the summer months. It only seems natural that it's at the top of our list. One of the most effective methods for catching halibut in the waters off Ketchikan is jigging the underwater rockpiles using a jig with cut plugged herring or plastic swimbaits. Bring your camera and binoculars. Yakobi Island is a little known island in southeastern Alaska located on the Alexandar Archipelago. Elfin Cove is truly one of Alaska untouched frontiers that provides outstanding halibut fishing and a unique wilderness experience. Seward may not have quite the same reputation for halibut fishing as Homer, but given it proximity to Anchorage, it tends to be the more popular fishing location. 7-10 days is the most common. The season opener is upon us, so choose one of these hotspots and check for yourself just how epic fishing in Alaska can be! There is a double boat launch in Yakutat Harbor. We will match the rate of the other deal if the Regardless of where you choose to cast your line, these hours produce the highest catch rate for halibut. Dog sledding around glaciers, visiting ice caves, ziplining, and hiking are just a few of the activities you can enjoy here. Reservations The town of Pelican, Alaska is located 15 miles due south of Elfin Cove and 10 miles east of Yakobi Island. Wait until the tip is bent over and the fish is almost taking theline. But due to Homer being off the cruise routes and being a 5-hour drive from Anchorage. Typically, the best time of day for halibut fishing is is just before, during, and after slack tide, when water currents are weakest and its easier to keep the bait on the bottom. The multi-million-acre national monument runs deep into the Tongass National Park as it sits between the mountains and the ocean. However, if experiencing some of Alaskas best Halibut fishing is a priority, getting there its well worth the effort. Southeast Alaskaincluding Ketchikanhas a more liberal bag limit than Southwest Alaska closer to Anchorage. Top halibut fishing spots near Juneau Alaska include Icy Point at the south end of Gastineau Channel; Out Point, Middle Point and Inner Point on the Northeast side of Douglas Island; Young Bay and Point Young in Stephens Passage; the waters surround Grand Island south of Gastineau Channel; the western side of Mansfield Peninsula in Stephens Passage; Auke Bay north of Juneau; and the waters surrounding Shelter Island. We also offer guided halibut fishing and will typically catch lots of salmon during the same day. If youre looking to land a barn door Halibut, then fishing Chatham Straight is your best option. Theres no shortage of professional captains or fishing spots to explore, especially during the warmest months of the year. Dont jump to action as soon as you see the rod start jumping up and down. phone You are looking for what Alaskans call chicken fish Halibut weighing 20-40 pounds. Pacific halibut in the waters around Seward are usually caught on sandy bottoms and gravel beds at depths of 80 to 500 feet, although they can be found much deeper. This comprehensive fishing experience is intended for the avid fisherman who wants to learn the art of salmon fishing. Come in summer, and you can even participate in the Homer Halibut Tournament. If theyre dull, the hook will not be able to penetrate the Halibuts tough mouth. When Im drifting I may still use bait but prefer to jig. Halibut Fishing. See privacy policy. Our private marina is located in downtown Ketchikan, so you'll have a full day to learn the best techniques for catching the Pacific salmon of Southeast Alaska. Gastineau Channel is the first of many places where you can cast your line, and land more-than-decent Halibut for dinner. Things to bring with you on any Alaskan Boat tour whether it be fishing for monster Halibut, Wildlife viewing tour, Glacier day cruise. While average catches range from 30 to 40 pounds, large catches can tip the scales at over 300 pounds. Dont forget to let the halibut take the head completely so you can get a solid hookup. You will want to stop along the way to take in the beauty of Alaska. Port Protection is also known for producing monster salmon, lingcod, and yelloweye rockfish. Summer Summer is the best time of the year to target halibut in Alaska waters. Dont bother with multiple jigs since it can result in tangles and other inconveniences. On this tour, set sail on-board a private charter boat and maximize your chances with the help of an experienced local fisherman. P.O Box 1192 Your adventure starts on a large offshore sport fishing boat. Its no wonder fishing is a way of life here. Ketchikan Halibut Fishing Charters | Fish Finder Charters Many charter guides prefer to release large females in order to preserve the future of the fishery. Along with fabulous fishing, of course. Enjoy amazing views and sunsets from the deck of your private beach house. Halibut use scent, sight, and sound to navigate towards food, but they primarily focus on scents, so its important not to underestimate the power of chum in halibut fishing. Covered Cabin: Yes. If youre unfamiliar with the area, or inexperienced navigating Prince William Sound, using a professional charter company is recommended. Drift fishing and still fishing while anchored, are the two most popular techniques for targeting halibut in the waters off Ninilchik, though anchoring is often more effective. Plus, choose from a 4-hour or 6-hour fishing trip to best . Alaska Strike Zone Sportfishing. The waters surrounding Port Protection offer hundreds of miles of coves, islands, and points, many of which have never been fished with a rod and reel. There is a private restroom for your comfort. Anchoring in one spot allows bait to create a scent trail down current that attracts feeding halibut. Creating a strong scent trail either through live bait or artificial scents (or a combination of the two) is key to attracting Halibut to your bait. Salmon has long since been used as bait in Sitkabut is still underappreciated for halibut fishing in Ketchikan. 125 Potter Rd. We are experts at taking your fresh fish, putting you in a unique environment, and opening the way for you to break bread with your friends and family. Elfin Cove is another remote, off-the-grid top halibut fishing spot in Southeast Alaska. Theres no place on the planet where these Flatfish are as big as they are in Alaska. The local inlet and sounds are so deep that long treks offshore arent necessary. The crew wants you to get the most of your halibut fishing trip in Alaska. Your hook should be tied to a 150 to 200 pound test leader and connected with a minimum of 100 pound test line. 833-FISHKTN (833-347-4586) We keep our equipment in the best shape at all times, but if youre striking out on your own, beware of dull hooks. Profish-n-sea Charters, out of Seward, offers salmon and halibut fishing with friendly, experienced Alaskan guides. They provide everything you need from rubber boots to expert guides, for an extraordinary fishing adventure! While youre bait is deployed, keep your line tight so you can feel any bites. The most intimate multi-day cruise option. Tucked in between the snow-capped mountains and hugged by forests, anything from hiking to canoeing is fair game. Flights are made daily. Tested & Proven Techniques for Maximizing your Halibut Catch in Alaska Most halibut catches will range from 20-40 pounds and occasionally over 100 pounds. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Baranof's Ketchikan halibut fishing excursion. Fishing wildlife viewing hunting and walking on untouched beaches in hidden coves of spectacular islands. Highlights plus less visited destinations. Use a combination of salmon and herring all the time. The slower currents around Seward Alaska, and in Resurrection Bay, allow anglers to use jigs to catch large halibut. Our picks for the best tours and experiences during your Alaska Cruise. To avoid using heavy weights, plan on fishing during slack tide when currents arent as strong. But before you get caught up in identifying the right place to fish, make sure youre hitting halibut at the right time of day, at the right tide, and during the right season. It is located on the north shore of Chichagof Island. The Emerald Isle of Alaska is every nature lovers heaven, the best place to visit when you need a fresh perspective on Alaskan life. Some anglers believe that the Pacific halibut of Alaska can only be caught near the bottom. Private cabins with their own bathrooms and a large seating/dining area. The camera I use is the. Of course, just because they hunt by scent doesnt mean theyre blind. Reel Alaska Fishing Charters. Homer has a great range of halibut fishing charters to choose from. The Halibut in the waters surrounding Kodiak Island typically feed at depth up to 200 feet and can weigh in at over 300 pounds. Ward Cove, Alaska 99928 You need a saltwater fishing license to enjoy the areas awesome Halibut fishing. Use a whole side fillet from the biggest herring available, and replace them every 20 minutes or so, always keeping at least one in the water at all times during bait changes to maximize the scent trail. Baranof Fishing Excursions offers classic Alaska fishing experiences from their private marina in downtown Ketchikan. We believe Ketchikan fishing is more than just a box of fish. To reach Halibut point Recreation Area, travel north from Sitka on Halibut Point Road 4.4 miles. Both cities are great for salmon fishing, but Sitka has the best salmon fishing in Alaska. Ketchikan Fishing: The Complete Guide (Updated 2023) - FishingBooker Halibut spawn off the continental shelf in deep water November through March and migrate into the shallow waters of SE Alaska to feed in the summers. "Lukas was great! There are several charters that provide anglers with access to some of the best known halibut fishing grounds in the waters off Unalaska. Imagine catching your first wild halibut with your friends or family and the bragging rights that will come with sharing this delectable fish back home. It is easy to forget your here to fish. Do not forget your camera you might see whales eagles and seals sea lions sea otters and other awesome wildlife.