Do I need prior fishing experience to join?

No, Reel Alaska provides guidance suitable for all skill levels, including beginners.

What kind of fish can I expect to catch?

Common catches include halibut, lingcod, rockfish, and sometimes salmon depending on the season.

Is lunch provided on the trip?

Snacks and drinks are supplied; guests can bring their own lunch or request accommodations ahead of time.

How do I get to the meeting point if arriving by cruise ship?

You will be met at downtown Ketchikan cruise ship docks or at boat slips in Thomas Basin, depending on your arrival.

Are there any restrictions on fish retention?

Yes, from mid-May to early September there are specific halibut limits unless you hold a GAF permit.

Is the boat suitable for families and all ages?

Yes, the tours accommodate all ages with safety measures in place, making it a great family outing.

Bottom Fishing Adventure with Reel Alaska in Ketchikan

Ketchikan, Alaska—known as the Salmon Capital of the World—offers a rugged playground for anglers and nature lovers alike. Reel Alaska Fishing Charter takes you far beyond the shoreline on their Half Day Bottom Fishing & Nature Tour, delivering a blend of hands-on fishing and immersive wildlife viewing in Southeast Alaska’s rich coastal waters. Set out from downtown Ketchikan and cruise through waters favored by gray whales and orcas, where the rhythm of the ocean sets the stage for your fishing adventure.

This 4.5-hour trip ventures 10-20 miles offshore, navigating to prime fishing grounds where halibut, lingcod, rockfish, and occasionally sharks tug at your line from the depths. Unlike a generic fishing trip, this experience invites customization—opt to finish with salmon fishing if time and tide allow, expanding your catch possibilities and on-water variety.

Reel Alaska’s deep local knowledge guides you to spots teeming with life, where the underwater topography shifts from rocky reefs to muddy bottoms that draw big fish. Ketchikan’s location at the confluence of Tongass Narrows and the Inside Passage means you’re fishing amidst ancient temperate rainforests and towering fjords, while overhead bald eagles and seabirds scan the surface.

This outing isn’t just about fish; it’s about connection to Alaska’s coastal ecosystem. Reel Alaska balances the thrill of the catch with respect for local regulations, such as halibut retention limits, reinforcing sustainable practices.

Whether you arrive via cruise ship or land-based lodging, Reel Alaska’s attentive team meets you downtown or at boat slips in Thomas Basin to streamline your trip. Snacks and drinks keep you fueled as you lean into the physical pace of bottom fishing, a satisfying and approachable challenge for a broad skill set.

For anglers seeking both action and Alaska’s raw natural spectacle, this bottom fishing tour from Reel Alaska Fishing Charter offers a standout gateway to an iconic wilderness corner of the Pacific Northwest.

About Reel Alaska Fishing Charter

Reel Alaska Fishing Charter operates from Ketchikan, Alaska, providing guided fishing charters and wildlife excursions throughout Southeast Alaska.

The company offers a range of trips including Full Day Combo Fishing Tours, Half Day Salmon Fishing Excursions (maximum six clients per vessel), Half Day Bottom Fishing & Nature Tours, Ketchikan Crabbing, Whales & Wildlife Excursions, Ketchikan Whales & Wildlife Excursions, Backwater Bears & Whale watching Excursions, and Private Whale Watching & Misty Fjords National Park Tours.

Excursions range from two-hour wildlife searches departing directly from cruise ships to extended backwater journeys of 50–100 miles into the Tongass National Forest and 4.5-hour private passages into Misty Fjords National Monument. Target species listed in trip descriptions include halibut, all five species of salmon, lingcod, and Dungeness and rock crabs. Several tours combine fishing with whale and wildlife viewing; wildlife highlights named in trip copy include humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, and coastal bears, and scenic features such as New Eddystone volcano.

Trip information indicates options to ship fresh catch home after crabbing or fishing trips and notes private charter options for customized itineraries. The Private Whale Watching & Misty Fjords National Park Tour description references high-speed boating through wilderness channels. Several excursions explicitly depart directly from cruise ships, offering shore-friendly options for cruise passengers visiting Ketchikan.

Itineraries focus on angling for halibut, salmon, and lingcod, combined with guided wildlife observation across Southeast Alaska locations including the Inside Passage, Misty Fjords, Neets Bay, and Traitors Cove.