Now booking Summer 2027 fishing charters & boat tours. BOOK YOUR ADVENTURE →

A dockside fish catch display beside a digitally replaced Ketchikan Wild sign.

Fishing Charters & Wildlife Boat Tours

Frequently Asked Questions

Plan your fishing charter or boat tour with these practical answers. For dock information and cruise-day planning, see our Ketchikan cruise visitor guide.

Choosing & Booking Your Charter

How do I choose a fishing charter in Ketchikan?

Choose salmon fishing for three or four hours, halibut fishing for four hours, or a salmon and halibut combo for five or eight hours. Every charter is private for up to six guests.

Which fish should I plan to target?

Salmon and halibut are the main fishing options featured on our site. The suitable choice depends on your date, the charter arrangements, and current regulations. Ask about the options for your visit rather than planning around a guaranteed species or catch.

Can I reserve a boat just for my party?

Yes. Every charter is reserved exclusively for your group of up to six. Fishing charters advertise starting per-person prices; confirm the full group price before booking. Boat tours reserve the whole boat at the listed total, even for smaller groups. Individual tour seats are not sold.

How do I choose a charter length?

Salmon charters run three or four hours, halibut charters four hours, and combo charters five or eight hours. Boat tours run two or four hours. Share your schedule so we can help you choose.

What are the cancellation and weather policies?

Cancel more than 14 days before departure for a full refund. Cancellations within 14 days and no shows are charged the full charter price unless applicable protection covers the cancellation. Captain or unsafe weather cancellations receive a full refund. The planned protection option is awaiting setup. Read our cancellation policy for details.

Can I plan a fishing charter around my cruise ship’s port visit?

Send us your ship name, visit date, docking location, and scheduled arrival and all-aboard times. Allow time to leave the ship, reach the meeting point, and return before boarding closes. Confirm the proposed outing fits your port schedule before reserving; a full-day charter may not suit a short stop.

How far in advance should I book?

We recommend booking early, especially for June through August and popular cruise arrival dates. If your dates are approaching, contact us to check availability.

Does travel time count toward the charter length?

Yes. The advertised charter duration includes travel to and from the fishing areas, as well as time spent fishing.

What if my cruise ship skips Ketchikan or arrives late?

Contact us as soon as you learn of a change to your port call or arrival time. Any refund or rescheduling options depend on your booking terms and the cancellation policy. A missed port call does not automatically qualify for a refund under the standard policy. Ask about the available protection options before booking.

Getting Ready

What equipment and supplies are included?

Fishing charters include rods, reels, tackle, bait, fishing equipment, bottled water, selected soft drinks, and light snacks.

Where can I check fishing license requirements?

Use the Alaska Department of Fish and Game licensing guidance to check the requirements for your age, residency, and planned fishing. Some fishing requires an additional stamp or harvest record. Arrange the applicable documents before heading out.

What should I pack for a day on the water?

Bring layers, rain protection, and footwear suitable for a boat deck. Keep your phone and camera protected from spray. Ask which clothing, food, drinks, and personal items you should bring for your particular booking.

Where should we meet, and when should we arrive?

Pickup and transportation arrangements will be made at the time of booking. Your confirmation will provide your meeting point and arrival instructions.

Should I bring lunch or extra drinks?

Light snacks, bottled water, and selected soft drinks are provided on fishing charters. You may bring additional food and beverages, including beer and wine. Hard alcohol is not permitted.

Are gratuities included?

Gratuities are not included in the charter price. Tips are optional and appreciated when you enjoy your experience.

Onboard Comfort & Access

What information helps you plan for children or accessibility needs?

Share children’s ages and any boarding, mobility, or onboard comfort needs when requesting a charter. Confirm boat access, suitable safety equipment, and facilities before reserving so you can decide whether the outing fits your group.

Does the boat have a restroom?

Yes. Our boats have enclosed marine bathrooms and heated cabins.

Do I need fishing experience?

No. First time anglers are welcome, and our experienced captains provide guidance and fishing equipment.

Can someone in our group come along without fishing?

Yes. Non-fishing passengers are welcome aboard your private fishing charter and count toward the maximum of six guests per boat. Include everyone in your group size when requesting availability, whether or not they plan to fish.

What if I am concerned about seasickness?

Mention this when you inquire so we can discuss the outing and your comfort needs before you commit. A moving boat can affect passengers even in calm-looking water. If you want advice about prevention or medication, speak with a pharmacist or healthcare professional before your travel date.

Taking Your Catch Home

How should I plan to bring fish home?

We can assist with dropping off your catch at a third party processor. You make arrangements and pay the vendor directly for processing and shipping. These services are not included in your charter price.

Can I fish without keeping my catch?

Tell us before departure if you prefer to release your catch. The captain can explain the handling and release procedures appropriate to the species and the current rules. Decide what you hope to keep early rather than making plans to transport fish you do not want.

Can I arrange fish shipping while visiting by cruise ship?

Ask about fish processing when booking. We can assist with processor dropoff, but you arrange and pay for processing and shipping directly with the vendor.

What should I check before flying home with my fish?

Ask the processor about freezing time, collection arrangements, and packaging for your journey. Check your airline’s current baggage limits, fees, and rules for fish and cooling materials. Include any overnight stays or connecting flights in your plan, and arrange suitable storage until departure.

Boat Tours & Wildlife

What is the difference between your two boat tours?

The two-hour Ketchikan Coastal Discovery explores nearby waterways and coastal scenery. The four-hour Alaska Wilderness Explorer allows more time to travel farther among forested islands and remote shorelines. Routes depend on weather and conditions.

Can we combine sightseeing with fishing?

Yes. Tell us your priorities when booking so we can discuss customizing your private charter when conditions permit. Time spent sightseeing reduces the time available for fishing.

Do sightseeing-only guests need fishing licenses?

No fishing license is needed for a sightseeing-only boat tour when guests are not fishing. Anyone who plans to fish should check the Alaska fishing license and stamp requirements before the charter.

Do you guarantee fish catches or wildlife sightings?

No. Fish catches and wildlife sightings depend on the season, weather, animal behavior, and other conditions. Your captain will work to give your group an enjoyable day on the water, but no particular catch or sighting can be promised.