THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Board a six-person charter out of Hoonah and spend a focused half day hunting halibut in the sheltered channels of Icy Strait Point. Expect hands-on coaching from veteran crew, practical instruction on bottom fishing, and options to ship your catch home.
Board a six-person charter out of Hoonah and spend a focused half day hunting halibut in the sheltered channels of Icy Strait Point. Expect hands-on coaching from veteran crew, practical instruction on bottom fishing, and options to ship your catch home.
The boat rocks with the low, patient swell of Icy Strait as the captain points the bow toward a brush of fog on the horizon. Lines clack and reels sing softly; the mate checks tackle with the casual certainty of someone who's read these waters for decades. In a half day aboard a six-passenger skiff, the hunt is for flat, hard-fighting halibut that live along the ragged bottom where glacial silt gives way to rock.
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Operated by Ear Mountain Charters · Hoonah, Alaska
The boat rocks with the low, patient swell of Icy Strait as the captain points the bow toward a brush of fog on the horizon. Lines clack and reels sing softly; the mate checks tackle with the casual certainty of someone who's read these waters for decades. In a half day aboard a six-passenger skiff, the hunt is for flat, hard-fighting halibut that live along the ragged bottom where glacial silt gives way to rock.
This coast has been a workstation long before charter licenses and camera phones. The Huna Tlingit have fished here for generations, and the cannery economy that followed left a grid of docks and stories along the shore—Icy Strait Point itself began as a processing hub before cruise traffic turned it into a gateway. Geologically, you feel the last ice age underfoot: deep fjords carved by glaciers, steep headlands, and a seabed of boulders and drop-offs that halibut favor. The islands and channels between Chichagof and Baranof concentrate both forage fish and predators, so you’re not just fishing; you’re fishing where food collects.
On deck you’ll learn to “bottom fish”: heavy rigs, the weight dropped until it thumps and holds, polite tugs becoming fierce lunges when a halibut takes the bait. The captain and mate—three decades of combined experience—set lines and coach anglers through the strike, the sideways pull of a big flatfish, and the careful dance of bringing it to the rail.
Practical notes are simple but essential. The trip runs about 3.5 hours and accommodates up to six guests. Meet at Hoonah harbor—roughly a 300-yard walk from the dropoff—and look for the Ear Mountain Charters sign. Options include catch-and-release or shipping your fish home; the crew will box and chill your catch for transport. The operation is accessible and suitable for a wide range of fitness levels, but expect to stand and brace while reeling.
Plan for variable weather—layers, a waterproof outer shell, and non-slip footwear are mandatory. If you’re prone to seasickness, take medication beforehand; the captain will pick spots based on wind, tide, and bottom structure. Respect local fisheries rules: halibut are tightly regulated—know size and bag limits and let the crew handle the paperwork.
A morning bite can be electric and efficient; afternoons offer long light and better whale-watching possibilities. For anglers looking for a short, high-quality saltwater day, this half-day charter balances local knowledge, small-group attention, and real opportunity to land Alaska’s iconic bottom fish.
easy.
3–4 hours.
Suitable for most people who can stand for periods and handle short bursts of exertion while reeling
The charter carries a maximum of six guests, which provides individual coaching and space for each angler.
Yes — you can choose to ship your fish; the crew will chill, box, and prepare it for transport per your instructions.
No — the captain and mate provide hands-on instruction for beginners and tips for experienced anglers.
The operator notes limited wheelchair accessibility (small wheelchairs) but boarding a skiff may require assistance; contact the supplier to discuss needs.
Trips may be canceled for safety in bad weather; the supplier will notify you according to their cancellation policy.
Yes, children can participate but must be supervised; the crew will provide instruction appropriate to age and size.
These waters are traditional fishing grounds of the Huna Tlingit; Icy Strait Point was developed from an old cannery site and now serves as a cultural and cruise-port hub.
Halibut fishing is regulated with size and bag limits—follow crew guidance and local regs to support sustainable stocks; pack out waste and minimize single-use plastics.
Ear Mountain Charters operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
The boat rocks with the low, patient swell of Icy Strait as the captain points the bow toward a brush of fog on the horizon. Lines clack and reels sing softly; the mate checks tackle with the casual certainty of someone who's read these waters for decades. In a half day aboard a six-passenger skiff, the hunt is for flat, hard-fighting halibut that live along the ragged bottom where glacial silt gives way to rock.
The boat rocks with the low, patient swell of Icy Strait as the captain points the bow toward a brush of fog on the horizon. Lines clack and reels sing softly; the mate checks tackle with the casual certainty of someone who's read these waters for decades. In a half day aboard a six-passenger skiff, the hunt is for flat, hard-fighting halibut that live along the ragged bottom where glacial silt gives way to rock.
This coast has been a workstation long before charter licenses and camera phones. The Huna Tlingit have fished here for generations, and the cannery economy that followed left a grid of docks and stories along the shore—Icy Strait Point itself began as a processing hub before cruise traffic turned it into a gateway. Geologically, you feel the last ice age underfoot: deep fjords carved by glaciers, steep headlands, and a seabed of boulders and drop-offs that halibut favor. The islands and channels between Chichagof and Baranof concentrate both forage fish and predators, so you’re not just fishing; you’re fishing where food collects.
On deck you’ll learn to “bottom fish”: heavy rigs, the weight dropped until it thumps and holds, polite tugs becoming fierce lunges when a halibut takes the bait. The captain and mate—three decades of combined experience—set lines and coach anglers through the strike, the sideways pull of a big flatfish, and the careful dance of bringing it to the rail.
Practical notes are simple but essential. The trip runs about 3.5 hours and accommodates up to six guests. Meet at Hoonah harbor—roughly a 300-yard walk from the dropoff—and look for the Ear Mountain Charters sign. Options include catch-and-release or shipping your fish home; the crew will box and chill your catch for transport. The operation is accessible and suitable for a wide range of fitness levels, but expect to stand and brace while reeling.
Plan for variable weather—layers, a waterproof outer shell, and non-slip footwear are mandatory. If you’re prone to seasickness, take medication beforehand; the captain will pick spots based on wind, tide, and bottom structure. Respect local fisheries rules: halibut are tightly regulated—know size and bag limits and let the crew handle the paperwork.
A morning bite can be electric and efficient; afternoons offer long light and better whale-watching possibilities. For anglers looking for a short, high-quality saltwater day, this half-day charter balances local knowledge, small-group attention, and real opportunity to land Alaska’s iconic bottom fish.