Charter Fishing in Alaska: What to Expect on Your First Adventure

An Alaska fishing charter usually starts with friendly hellos, smiling faces, and a chance to meet Kevin, the harbor’s resident bald eagle. As we make our way to the fishing grounds, fresh scones are served, and we keep a keen eye for humpback whales. No matter the weather, there’s nothing quite like charter fishing in Alaska!

For first-timers, we recommend spending a little time preparing for your trip. The more you know before you step on board, the more you can relax while we’re underway. In this guide, we’ll walk through what the day actually looks like, what to bring, what to wear, how to prepare for seasickness, standard tipping practices, and other FAQs. We’ll also cover what happens to your fish after the trip.

If you have been looking at fishing charters in Alaska and wondering what the experience is really like, this guide is exactly what we’d tell you in person.

What to Expect While Charter Fishing in Alaska

Every trip has its own rhythm, but the flow is usually the same. We’ll meet outside the harbor office in Statter Harbor. Then we’ll make our way down to the boat, get everyone settled, go over safety, and push off the dock. On the way out of the harbor, Captain Dave will talk about what’s biting and work with the group to decide what to fish for, typically halibut or salmon.

Some mornings the channel is flat calm and gleams like a polished mirror. Other days, the wind makes things a little choppy – though in our beamy 50-foot boat, Sir Reel, it takes a lot of wind to make the journey uncomfortable. We rarely see that kind of weather in the summer, but we do cancel trips when the winds make fishing no fun.

Once we reach the fishing grounds, we’ll get the gear in the water and spend as much time as we can fishing for the target species. Depending on the season, we offer combo fishing. Some of the best days are when salmon and halibut are schooling in the same area! This typically happens in mid to late August. Be sure to book these days early if you’re coming to town. They fill up quickly, and Juneau’s fishing fleet isn’t that big compared to how many visitors we have that time of year.

Special Note to Beginners

Many first-time fisherfolk are surprised by how hands-on the day is. We get the gear ready, teach you the technique, and bait your hook, but you have to do the catching! It may take a minute, but you’ll learn to feel a real bite and snag a fish of your own. You might get a little wet. Your gloves might smell kinda fishy. But fishing on Alaska charter boats is worth it even for beginners.

What to Bring for Fishing Charters in Alaska

We cover this topic in depth in our blog post, “What to Pack for an Alaskan Cruise“. Be sure to check it out if you’ve never traveled to this part of the world before!

Quick Overview of Our Recommended Gear

• Non-cotton base layers
• Wool or wool-hybrid socks
• Warm layers (sweatshirt, vest, warm leggings)
• Waterproof outer layers (rain pants/jacket)
• Waterproof or water-resistant boots/shoes
• Gloves
• Hat (baseball cap or beanie)
• Sunglasses
• Small backpack or dry bag

Before you leave for Alaska, make sure you have your fishing license. In Alaska, non-residents 16 and older need their own sport fishing license. Anglers targeting kings may also need a king salmon stamp. Reach out to your guide before the trip if you’re interested in fishing for king salmon. Regulations can shift during the season; be sure to check current Alaska Department of Fish and Game regulations before your trip.

With fishing equipment, you do not need to show up with a giant tackle box like you are fishing a bass tournament. Most Alaska charter boats are fully outfitted. However, if you have a favorite reel you’d like to bring, you’re welcome to! We’re more than happy to put it on a rod.

Seasickness, Tipping, and Catch Processing

Seasickness

If you are prone to motion sickness, we recommend speaking to your doctor about the best option. Over-the-counter medicine works, but everyone is different. Find what works best for you, and be sure to do it before you leave for your trip.

To help prevent seasickness, get good sleep the night before you charter, eat something light, stay hydrated, and use your preferred remedy as recommended by your doctor.

If you do start to feel seasick, we recommend stepping outside and keeping an eye on the horizon. Being inside, especially in a confined space like a bathroom, makes it significantly worse. Most people do better than they expect, especially on Juneau’s protected waters.

Tipping etiquette

On most Alaska fishing charters, guests usually tip the same way they would on other guide-based trips. If your captain stayed on the fish, the deckhand kept the gear in the water, and you enjoyed your trip, a tip of 10% to 20% is the industry average.

Catch processing

What happens to the fish you catch depends on whether you’re visiting Juneau on your own or on a cruise ship. Each charter company handles fish differently, so be sure to reach out to the one you’re fishing with for more details.

We work with Alaska Dock to Door for all our fish processing. Tanya and her crew do a phenomenal job filleting, vacuum sealing, freezing, and shipping all our guests’ catch. Orders are sent via FedEx at a discounted rate. Shipping via Alaska Airlines is also possible, depending on the situation.

Processing and Shipping Costs (as of 2026 – rates subject to change)

• $3.85/pound (based on dressed weight)
• $30 for an insulated box and gel packs
• Shipping: $85 to $220, depending on size and weight

For guests traveling independently, we’re happy to fillet fish so it can be enjoyed for dinner. But usually, there’s more than a meal or two worth of fish. Alaska Dock to Door processing is available for these guests as well. There’s an additional option to check your fish when flying, which is often the safest and cheapest way to get your fish home.

Other Frequently Asked Questions

Are children allowed on the charter?

• Yes, kids 10 and up are welcome.

Is there a bathroom on board?

• Yep, Sir Reel has a full bathroom on board.

Is the boat accessible for those with physical disabilities?

• It depends; please reach out to us to discuss your unique situation!

How physically fit do I need to be?

• You should be comfortable taking big steps up and down between the dock and the boat. You’ll also need to handle stairs and ladders while on board.

Can we bring snacks?

• Absolutely. Feel free to bring any extra food you’d like! We serve fresh scones with local Spruce Tip jelly and smoked salmon dip with fresh sourdough on every tour.

Can we bring alcohol?

• Yes, you’re welcome to bring alcohol on board.

How far is the harbor from the cruise ship dock?

• Statter Harbor is about 20 minutes from the cruise ship docks in downtown Juneau.

Do you provide transportation?

• No, we do not at this time. We recommend grabbing an Uber or getting a ride with a local taxi.

Are You Ready to Go Charter Fishing In Alaska?

We’re pretty darn confident your time on the water in Juneau will be incredible, no matter who you choose to fish with! There’s a lot of fish and a lot of great operators.

But if you’re looking for a supremely comfortable experience with locally-inspired food and drink, we’d love to take you fishing. You can book one of our daily charters or learn more about our multi-day charters. If you still have questions, reach out to us directly at 907-500-5808!