Do I need a fishing license?

Yes—anyone fishing in Alaska must carry the appropriate state fishing license. Check Alaska Department of Fish and Game for current rules.

Is fuel included in the rental price?

No, fuel is not included; renters pay for fuel used during the charter—plan and budget accordingly.

Can I bring pets on board?

No—boats do not allow pets as part of the operator’s restrictions.

Are guides available if I’m inexperienced?

Local guides can be hired separately; for first-time renters it’s recommended to book a guide or get a thorough orientation.

Where do I meet for check-in?

Meet at Knudson Cove Marina in Ketchikan—staff will provide a safety briefing and equipment orientation before launch.

What are the cancellation or boundary rules?

Boundary rules are firm: boats cannot be docked or anchored outside designated areas. Cancellation terms were not provided; confirm with the operator at booking.

hewescraft-20-ft-charters-at-knudson-cove-marina-ketchikan-fishing-rentals

Off the southern shore of Revillagigedo Island, Knudson Cove Marina is the launch point for Hardtop Boat Rentals, a Hewescraft 20-foot fleet that shaves distance between the dock and Ketchikan’s deep-water fishing grounds. From the marina in Ketchikan, Alaska, you point out across narrow fjord channels framed by rainforest-draped cliffs and marine terraces of the Tongass National Forest. These boats are built for work: electronics mounted on the console, downriggers for trolling, a heavy-duty net and a dedicated fish hold that keeps your catch chilled and organized. A full-day rental gives up to five passengers eight hours to chase king salmon, silver salmon, and halibut or to cruise to quiet coves where sea lions bark and bald eagles wheel. Operators provide a brief orientation, then the shoreline becomes your itinerary—rocky headlands, kelp beds, and tide-rippled flats that concentrate fish. Fuel is not included, and renters must respect firm boundary rules; pets are not allowed aboard. Ketchikan’s waters are intimate and changeable; you’ll read the wind, watch the glassy pockets behind reef points, and use the array of electronics to find structure that holds fish. These craft are nimble in confined water, so small-group trips move fast between spots most larger charters can’t reach. The result is a hands-on day where anglers set lines from a practical, well-outfitted platform and non-anglers enjoy up-close wildlife viewing and warm, spruce-scented shorelines. Local history threads through the trip. The Revillagigedo Island shoreline is ancestral land of the Tlingit people and a 20th-century site of commercial salmon operations that shaped Ketchikan’s waterfront economy. Respect for local fisheries and careful handling of fish are emphasized by renters and guides. Why book here? The combination of a workboat hull, ready fishing gear, and access to protected channels means you can both learn and do—trolling, jigging, or simply skimming glassy bays for wildlife. It’s a practical option for small groups who want autonomy without sacrificing the essentials: electronics, downriggers, net, and a fish hold. Plan for variable weather, pack layers and motion-sickness remedies, and leave your itinerary flexible—Ketchikan’s best fishing often hides behind the next point. Whether you’re chasing halibut on the deep drop-offs or watching an eagle land on a spruce snag, Hardtop Boat Rentals turns Ketchikan’s marine edge into your personal playground. Expect short, practical briefings at Knudson Cove Marina before you shove off: chart plotting, safety gear location, and a quick walkthrough of the downrigger settings commonly used for Alaskan salmon runs. For first-time renters, consider hiring a local guide for your first outing; experienced boaters will appreciate the simple, robust layout of the Hewescraft hull during rougher wind vectors. Book early in summer for peak salmon and longer daylight. Also expect changing light patterns.