Here are some questions you may want to ask before booking Ketchikan fishing charters with any guide. I’ve provided those below along with answers from Chasin’ Tail.
Choosing and Booking Your Charter
Can I customize my fishing charter?
I strongly believe – and my guests agree – that I offer the most highly personalized Ketchikan fishing charters. Combining my knowledge of Ketchikan waters and Alaskan salmon fishing, with your level of experience, desires for your trip and your needs, we create your ultimate fishing trip!
When should I book Ketchikan fishing charters?
During peak fishing season, all Ketchikan fishing charters fill up fast, so you’ll want to plan ahead and book early.
How do I know what Captain I’ll have or what boat I’ll be on?
Chasin’ Tail Charters is not a fleet, it’s one boat and one captain, Captain Nick. When you book your trip you know exactly who you’re going out with and on what boat.
Is our Captain licensed? What experience and qualifications do they have?
I’m a licensed USCG 100 Ton Master Captain and Ketchikan local. I’ve completed over 1,500 Ketchikan fishing charters and spent thousands of days on these waters. I’m a Marine Safety Drill Instructor and First Aid and CPR Certified.
What’s included?
Chasin’ Tail fishing charters are a full experience and include pickup downtown at the cruise ship dock (so no transfer needed); the highest quality equipment, bait and tackle; raingear; snacks and beverages; and processing and shipping as needed (for an additional fee). Visit my Half Day Ketchikan Fishing Charters page or my Full Day Ketchikan Fishing Charters page for more details. Or this page for a comparison of half versus full day.
What’s not included?
Charters do not include fishing licenses and stamps; alcoholic beverages; processing and shipping (available for an additional fee). Fishing licenses can be purchased online, here.
How experienced do I need to be for Ketchikan fishing charters?
You don’t need to have any experience at all! I’ve guided everyone from highly experienced anglers to people who’ve never fished. I customize every trip, tailoring to your experience. And pride myself on giving guests the care and attention they need, no matter their level of experience.
Do you offer family friendly fishing charters?
Absolutely! Kids are a welcome, easy addition and I love having them on the boat. I even have a Kids Corner page on this site for our youngest anglers!
What group sizes can you accommodate?
Boats are limited to a maximum of 6 people, larger groups can be accommodated with multiple partner boats.
How do I book my charter?
It’s really simple. First, fill out the contact form with some basic details about your trip or call me directly at (907) 617-7033. I believe that your trip is better with personal touch and communication, so I’ll give you a return call as soon as possible and we’ll start our planning! Once we’re set up, you’ll receive an email confirmation with your Ketchikan fishing charter details.
Am I booking direct?
You book directly with me, get picked up by me and fish with me. There’s no reps, agents, or middle men to deal with. Click here to start planning your fishing charter!
Before Your Charter
How do we get to Ketchikan?
You can fly into the Ketchikan International Airport via Alaska Airlines or Delta Airlines. It’s a short 90 minute flight direct from Seattle. Or you can take a more leisurely trip via the Alaska Marine Highway.
For Independent Travelers, where do we meet you?
I’ll meet you downtown where my boat is docked. Most hotels in Ketchikan are either located along the harbor or offer courtesy transportation.
For Cruise Ship excursions, where do we meet you?
I’ll meet you on the dock at your ship. My boat will be located alongside your cruise ship in the harbor so we are able to get to fishing quickly. It’s one of the fastest Ketchikan fishing charters departures!
Do we need fishing licenses?
Yes, anyone 16 or older needs to have a fishing license. You can buy those online, here.
During Your Charter
Do we go into open water or are the seas rough?
Half Day Charters go out about 20-30 minutes in protected waters. There is no open ocean fishing or rough water. Full Day Charters can stay in protected water or go into open water, depending on your wishes.
What should I wear?
Ketchikan weather can vary greatly, so you’ll want to be prepared. Wear comfortable clothes and layers. I do have some raingear available on the boat but for your comfort you’ll want to have your own.
Will I see wildlife on my charter?
I can’t make an guarantees about wildlife, because it’s wild. But Ketchikan is home to eagles, black bears, Sitka black tailed deer, seals, sea lions, porpoises, orca and humpback whales, and more. So the odds are definitely good that you’ll see some amazing Alaskan wildlife on all my Ketchikan fishing charters.
What about processing and shipping?
You can have your catch filleted, smoked, packed, frozen and either boxed to be taken as baggage on your flight, or shipped directly to your home, for an additional fee. When we discuss your charter and set it up, I provide you with all the details.
After Your Charter
How do I cook my salmon?
I have some tips, tricks and favorite recipes on my Recipes page, here.
What if I have pictures I’d like to share?
If you have some really great Ketchikan fishing charter pictures you’d like to share, send them to me via email!