Skiff FAQ

What is a skiff?

A skiff is an open boat that is propelled by an outboard motor. You will enjoy our 20-foot Lund skiffs equipped with Honda 75 HP outboard motors. They are fast, comfortable, and great for fishing and exploring. A skiff is a modern cousin to Vancouver's longboat, or the Native Alaskan oceangoing canoe. Our skiffs seat up to five adults in comfortable, padded chairs.

What gear is provided for the wonderfully wet weather?

When you disembark from your cruise ship, your guide will meet you on the dock. He will lead you to our outfitting room (just a two-minute walk from your ship) where you will be provided with Helly Hansen waterproof rain pants, rain coat, warm wool hat, wool socks, rubber boots, and gloves. You will be prepared for any weather (and you'll definitely want to have someone take a photo of you dressed in true Alaskan fashion!).

How long is the tour?

Our half-day tour is 4 hours, and the full-day tour is 6 1/2 hours. Because we are located just steps from your cruise ship, you will be out on the water quickly and maximize your time enjoying the day

What do I need to fish?

In order to fish, adults will need to purchase a temporary Alaska fishing license. We are able to provide these licenses as you gear up in our outfitting room. The cost of a non-resident 1 day fishing license is $20.00. King salmon tags are an additional $10.00. Children under the age of 16 are not required to purchase a fishing license.

Can you accommodate a special request? – I'd like to create a lifelong memory

Absolutely! You're reserving a private, custom day, and that means we are there make it happen. We can arrange for an amazing array of personal details, from a stop at a special beach or island, a search for a specific animal, or a particular bottle of wine waiting on the boat. If you have a desire, share it with us and we will work to make it happen. When it comes to celebrations and events, we know that attention to small details makes it a perfect day.

What if I have to use the restroom?

Facilities are available right before we depart and as we return. In addition, if you need to go ashore during the fishing or exploring portion of the trip, your guide will happily find a beautiful beach and pull the skiff in for a "break." We provide individual toiletry packets.

Our comfortable camp has authentic Alaskan facilities (meaning, an outhouse.) It's actually a very comfortable and peaceful setting, a stroll from the campfire, nestled between two massive, 300 year-old Spruce trees.

What is the activity level on this tour? Is it safe?

Moderately active persons who are comfortable being outdoors for four to six hours will enjoy this excursion the most. Some walking over uneven terrain may be required, as well as the ability to climb in and out of the skiff. A private tour is a perfect choice for those who may need assistance due to limited mobility. Our skiffs are safe, ocean-going vessels piloted by professional, US Coast Guard licensed captains. All boats are well-equipped with VHF radios as well as all safety equipment required by the Coast Guard.

Can my small child enjoy the tour with me?

We recommend children be at least five years of age. Our guides fish with their small children ages four and up all the time, and they love it! Parents know their children best: you are most qualified to judge whether your young child will enjoy herself on the boat. Young children will need help reeling in fish.

Will I see wildlife?

Of course! Large numbers of eagles congregate in the Ketchikan area. Eagle encounters are an integral part of our day, and a highlight for locals and visitors alike. In fact, eagles regularly circle above our skiffs, and have been known to swoop down and snatch a rockfish if one doesn't quite make it to the boat. Seals are also prevalent during the summer. They lounge on the rocky islands in the area, or pop up nearby to cast a curious look. Humpbacks and pods of killer whales (orcas) are Ketchikan's summer residents. Your local guide is an expert at scouting out the telltale puff of a whale spout. Bears sightings are possible, especially if we approach a salmon stream during spawning season. Let your guide know if you are interested in a specific animal.

What species of fish can I catch?

There are 32 species of rockfish in Southeast Alaska. 15 of them frequent the water depths we will be fishing. Pacific red snapper (Yelloweye Rockfish), Silvergray Rockfish, Copper Rockfish, and Quillback Rockfish are some tasty varieties we will encounter. The classic Alaskan "flatfish," the Pacific Halibut, is also a Ketchikan resident. The largest Halibut ever caught in Alaska weighed over 450 pounds! We regularly bring in fish ranging from 30 – 60 pounds, although last summer a few folks broke the 100-pound mark. June, July, August and September is peak salmon season, which will be evident by the occasional silver flash of a leaping fish as we ply the waters. Dungeness crab are an abundant, rich and tasty delicacy residing on the ocean floor beneath the boat. Our professional guides know this area well and are appreciate what it means to fish in one of the wildest, most well-managed and sustainable fisheries on earth. Remember, this is Alaska: if you like catching fish, you've come to the right place!

Can I keep my fish, eat my fish, or ship it home?

Yes, you can. We can arrange to have your fish processed, packaged, frozen, and shipped to your door. There are several fish processors in Ketchikan who can accommodate this. The cost is between $4 – 6 per pound, including the cost of next-day shipping. (Though it is not the most cost-effective way to purchase fish, who can beat sharing their own fish with friends at home?) In addition, some chefs will allow you to bring a fish aboard to be the highlight of your meal that evening. Ask us for more details!

I'm traveling in a group. Can we all stay together even if we are in two or more boats?

Not a problem! Our guides enjoy traveling as a group; it's no problem to stay close to each other while we fish. Or, if you have two or more boats, you can arrange folks so they are doing what they most want to do – if one group wants to fish while the other goes in search of wildlife, not a problem. You can meet up later. If you have two or more boats fishing, be aware that you might find yourself involved in a friendly competition to see which boat brings in the biggest fish!

Is food provided?

We will have snacks and sodas available for you to enjoy on the boat. If you feel inclined to bring an early-morning snack of your own, remember that maritime superstition dictates that NO bananas will be allowed on fishing boats. (Ask your captain to explain the stories behind this weird-but-true nautical rule.)

Will I have time to shop in Ketchikan?

We are very conveniently located in downtown Ketchikan, and a stone's throw from a variety of excellent shops. A four-hour tour will leave you with enough time to search for that perfect Ketchikan souvenir. The full-day tour will allow for some quick shopping before you re-board your ship. If you need assistance in locating something, we can arrange for a personal shopper who will be more than pleased to fulfill your shopping needs.

I'd like to propose to my girlfriend while on the water. Can you provide me with a perfect sunny day, a backdrop of a breaching whale, and an eagle circling overhead right when I take out the ring?

Well… you might have to ask a higher power about that! However, fantastic combinations of Alaskan magic are not as uncommon as you think. And if you have a special celebration or event that you would like to arrange while on our tour – no problem at all! Private touring is about special requests, and we would love to add the perfect touch to your once-in-a-lifetime moment.