Alaska Sportfishing

Alaska has sportfishing charter boats everywhere from the Inside Passage to the cool waters of Prince William Sound. Charter boats fish for salmon, halibut, ling cod, red snapper, and various of types of rockfish. An individual or a group can hire a boat (often known as "six-packs" for their six-member fishing parties), but often individuals or small groups are brought together to fill out the party of five or six. If you want to catch fish in Alaska, a charter boat is almost a rock solid guarantee of a full box of fish. (Weather permitting !)

Fishing Licences and Fees:
A sport fishing license is required annually (each calendar year) and must be in the possession of all persons 16 years of age or older (see following special exemption) while sport fishing, personal use fishing, and/or digging clams or harvesting shellfish. A sport fishing license is not required of a resident who is 60 years of age or older; a special permanent identification card is distributed by the ADF&G Licensing Section. Licenses may be purchased from any ADF&G license agent (most sporting goods stores) throughout the state, or by mail from: Alaska Department of Fish & Game, Licensing Section, P.O.Box 25525, Juneau, Alaska 99802-5525, (907) 465-2376. Or you can apply for a license through Alaska Dept. of Fish & Game at their License Application Form page on the internet.

The Fish:
King Salmon (Chinook), Silver Salmon (Coho), Red Salmon (Sockeye), Pink Salmon (Humpies), and Chum Salmon (Dog) are the five species of salmon. Halibut, Ling Cod, Pacific Cod, Red Snapper (Yellow Eye Snapper) and are just a few of the many species of bottom fish you could catch on an ocean charter.


Sportfishing:
Huge runs of salmon migrate from the open ocean, around Prince of Wales Island, and into the protected waters of the Inside passage near Ketchikan. This mass gathering of five species of salmon is the reason that this area is known as the "Salmon capitol of the world". This region of Alaska is particulary noted for its strong runs of trophy fish. The finest salt water fishing for giant halibut, red snapper, ling cod, and rock cod is also available.

Sonny's Skookum S.E. Alaska Adventures Sonny and Babs have been on Prince of Wales Island for over twenty years. Sonny has worked as a head fresh/saltwater guide for over sixteen years at a 5 Star Lodge. Sonny is a State of Alaska licensed fishing guide. He has been a Orvis endorsed guide for six years as well as being an EMT III for over twenty years. Book A Trip With Sonny Martin Here



By Air:
Anglers in any region of the state can reach remote streams, lakes, and shores by air, but planes are needed for getting around in Southwestern and Northern Alaska. Fly-in trips can be for a day; they can also involve staying at a wilderness lodge. Simple and elaborate fishing packages can be arranged.