Alaska Fishing Charters | 8 Hour Charter Trip
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fullday offshore fishing charter in pristine Sitka watersAllinclusive package covers meals, drinks, and expert guide servicePrivate charter accommodates single guest for personalized fishing experience
If you're looking for a serious day of fishing in some of Alaska's most productive waters, this 8-hour charter out of Sitka is going to deliver. We're talking about real offshore fishing where the big ones live - Pacific halibut that'll test your gear, lingcod with attitudes to match their size, and coho salmon that fight like they mean it. At $450 per guest, you get a full day with experienced guides who know these waters like the back of their hand, plus lunch and drinks to keep you fueled up between hookups. Just bring your fishing license and get ready for some serious action in waters that consistently produce trophy-class fish.
This isn't your typical half-day trip where you're just getting warmed up when it's time to head back. Eight hours gives us the time to really work the water and put you on fish. We'll be running to proven offshore spots where the bottom structure holds big halibut and the rocky reefs are loaded with hungry lingcod. The day starts early - that's when the fish are most active and before other boats crowd the best spots. You'll be fishing from a well-equipped charter boat with all the amenities you need for a comfortable day, including covered areas when the weather kicks up. The guides know exactly where to position the boat based on tides, current, and recent fish activity. Expect to move between several different fishing zones throughout the day, targeting different species as conditions change.
We're talking serious offshore fishing here, so the tackle needs to match the fish we're after. For halibut, we'll be bottom fishing with heavy sinkers and circle hooks, using herring or salmon bellies for bait. The rods are stout enough to handle barn door halibut but sensitive enough to feel those subtle bites. When we're working the lingcod spots, it's all about getting your bait down into the rocks and structure where these ambush predators hang out. Jigs work great for lingcod, especially when tipped with cut bait. For the coho salmon, we'll likely be trolling with spoons, plugs, or hoochies behind the boat, covering water until we find the schools. The guides will handle all the rigging and teach you the techniques as we go. They've got backup rods ready and plenty of terminal tackle, so if you break off on a big fish, you're back in action fast.
Pacific halibut are the holy grail of Alaska bottom fishing, and Sitka's offshore waters consistently produce fish in the 30 to 100-pound range, with occasional monsters that'll make your arms ache. These flatfish are ambush predators that lie buried in the sand and mud, waiting for baitfish to swim overhead. Summer months are prime time when they move into shallower feeding areas. What makes halibut so exciting is you never know what you've got until it's at the boat - that little tap could be a 20-pounder or a 200-pounder. They fight with pure power, making long runs and using their flat bodies like a sail to resist being brought up.
Lingcod are the bullies of the rocky bottom, and these aggressive predators will hit just about anything that moves near their territory. They're not actually cod but rather the largest members of the greenling family, with big males reaching 40 to 60 pounds in these waters. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall when they're actively feeding and defending their nests. Lingcod have massive mouths full of sharp teeth and an attitude to match - they'll often grab your bait and refuse to let go, making them relatively easy to hook but putting up a determined fight on the way up. The meat is excellent, and they're one of the most reliable fish you'll encounter on the offshore grounds.
Coho salmon, also called silver salmon, are pure adrenaline on a fishing rod. These acrobatic fighters average 8 to 12 pounds in Sitka waters but pack more fight per pound than almost any other fish. They're pelagic feeders, roaming the open water in schools and feeding aggressively on herring, anchovies, and other baitfish. Late summer into early fall is when the runs are strongest as they start their journey back to spawn. What makes coho so special is their aerial displays - they'll jump, twist, and tail-dance across the surface when hooked. They're also excellent eating with rich, flavorful meat that's perfect for grilling or smoking.
Look, good fishing days book up fast in Sitka, especially during peak season when all three target species are active. This 8-hour charter gives you the best shot at multiple species and trophy-sized fish that you'll be talking about for years. The all-inclusive pricing means no surprises, and with lunch and drinks covered, you can focus on what matters - fishing. The guides at A-Z Sportfishing Charters have built their reputation on putting clients on fish and making sure everyone has a great time on the water. Whether you're an experienced angler or new to offshore fishing, they'll adjust the day to match your skill level and make sure you're successful. Don't wait around hoping for an opening - book your spot now and get ready for some world-class fishing in Alaska's pristine waters.
Set out into Sitka's rich fishing waters aboard our custom walk-around motorboat, powered by twin Honda 250hp outboards that cut smoothly through Alaska's coastal currents. The spacious deck design gives you plenty of room to work your lines while our reliable engines get you to the best fishing spots quickly. Built specifically for these waters, this vessel handles the offshore conditions with ease, letting you focus on landing salmon, halibut, and rockfish. The open layout means you can move freely around the boat whether you're fighting a fish or just enjoying the stunning Alaskan scenery. With room for up to 6 anglers total, you'll have space to cast without crowding while our experienced crew helps you make the most of every bite. Perfect for serious fishing in some of Alaska's most productive waters.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, or silvers as we call them, are the acrobats of Alaska fishing. These 8-12 pound fighters have bright silver sides and can jump six feet out of the water when hooked. In Sitka, we find them in nearshore waters during their ocean phase, often feeding around bait schools. Summer through early fall is prime time when they're putting on weight before their spawning run. What makes cohos special is their aerial show - they'll jump, twist, and fight hard right to the net. The bright orange meat tastes amazing too. Pro tip: when trolling for silvers, vary your speed and watch for bird activity - where the birds are feeding, the salmon usually are too.
Ophiodon ElongatusDespite their name, lingcod aren't actually cod - they're greenlings with a gnarly look thanks to massive teeth and mottled coloring. These ambush predators hang around rocky bottom structure in 30-300 feet, blending in perfectly until something swims by. Females average over two feet while males stay smaller. What makes them fun to target? They're aggressive fighters that won't back down, plus they're excellent eating. You can catch them year-round in Sitka waters. Here's a local tip: once you hook one, keep steady pressure and get them away from the rocks fast. They'll try to wrap your line around structure, so don't give them the chance.
Hippoglossus StenolepisPacific halibut are the giants of our local waters - these diamond-shaped flatfish can reach massive sizes, with 100-pounders being fairly common catches. They live on sandy and muddy bottoms from 150-500 feet deep, where they ambush everything from cod to salmon. Summer brings them into shallower feeding areas, making it prime time for targeting them. What guests love is the fight these fish put up - they're incredibly strong and the anticipation of not knowing if you've got a 20-pounder or 200-pounder keeps things exciting. The meat is outstanding too. My go-to tip: once you feel that telltale halibut bite, count to three before setting the hook. They like to mouth the bait first.
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