Do I need previous fishing experience to join this trip?

No prior experience is needed; the crew provides all instruction and assistance.

Can I keep the crabs I catch?

Yes, and you can also arrange to ship your fresh catch home after the trip.

What wildlife can I expect to see during the tour?

Expect humpback whales, orcas, seals, sea lions, and various seabirds.

Is there a minimum age for participants?

The tour is family-friendly and welcomes all ages, but be prepared for a moderate physical activity level.

What happens in bad weather?

Trips operate through most conditions; the crew prioritizes safety and may reschedule if conditions are unsafe.

Are snacks and drinks provided onboard?

Yes, snacks and drinks are supplied, though guests may bring personal items or request special accommodations.

Ketchikan Crabbing & Wildlife with Reel Alaska Fishing Charter

Off Alaska’s mist-cloaked coast, just beyond the rugged town of Ketchikan, Reel Alaska Fishing Charter offers a hands-on marine adventure that combines the raw thrill of crabbing with world-class whale and wildlife watching. This approximately four-hour trip carves a unique niche for those seeking authentic Alaska experiences beyond the usual hiking or kayaking. Ketchikan, part of the Tongass National Forest region, is the gateway to pristine Pacific waters teeming with life, framed by steep fjords and dense Sitka spruce forests.

Your journey begins cruising through whale-watching grounds on a 12-mile run to prime crab traps set in rich, rocky underwater habitats. Guests bait and lower pots targeting large Dungeness, rock crabs, and sometimes the elusive Puget Sound king crab. The traps occasionally haul in starfish and other curious marine creatures, creating an interactive lesson on local ocean ecology. Between crabs, the charter switches gear for fishing or keeping watch for humpbacks and orca pods that routinely traverse these passages.

Reel Alaska’s operators know these waters intimately, offering opportunities rarely matched in other parts of the Alaskan panhandle. Beyond the catch, the trip emphasizes connection—to place, to nature, and to the heritage of Southeast Alaska’s fishing culture. After the tour, the option to ship your fresh catch home ensures your adventure's bounty extends well beyond the day.

Situated just south of Alaska’s Inside Passage, Ketchikan is a pivotal stop for both cruise visitors and out-of-town guests. The town’s blend of Native culture, maritime history, and accessible wilderness underpins this charter’s distinct vibe. Whether you crave the quiet patience of crab pot hauling or the exhilarating sight of a whale’s spout piercing the horizon, Reel Alaska Fishing Charter anchors an unforgettable chapter in Alaska’s outdoor narrative.

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.