Charter Fishing Sitka AK | 8 Hour Charter Trip
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Eighthour inshore fishing charter aboard 67foot vessel M/V DesperadoSmall group experience accommodating maximum six guests per tripWildlife viewing opportunities combined with Sitka fishing adventure
If you're looking for world-class inshore fishing in one of Alaska's most productive waters, you've found the right boat. Our 8-hour charter out of Sitka puts you right in the heart of some of the best salmon and bottom fish action you'll find anywhere in Southeast Alaska. We're talking about waters that consistently produce trophy-class kings, feisty coho, and some serious lingcod that'll test your gear. The M/V Desperado is our 67-footer that's built for comfort and fishing success, giving our small groups of six anglers plenty of room to work the rails without bumping elbows. Whether you're stepping off a cruise ship with limited time or you're a serious angler looking to boat some quality fish, this charter delivers the goods every single time.
Your day starts early at the harbor where you'll meet your captain and get the rundown on what's biting and where we're headed. Sitka's inshore waters are famous for a reason – the complex shoreline creates perfect habitat for salmon moving through on their way to spawning grounds, while the rocky structure holds massive lingcod and schools of rockfish year-round. We'll be working everything from protected bays to exposed points where the current brings in baitfish and the big predators follow. The Desperado's size means we can cover serious water when we need to, but we're nimble enough to work tight to structure where the fish like to hide. You'll spend your day learning to read the electronics, understanding how tides affect fish behavior, and most importantly, putting fish in the box. The customer favorite approach here is staying mobile – if one spot isn't producing, we move until we find active fish.
We run a mix of downriggers and lead-core setups depending on what we're targeting and where the fish are holding. For salmon, we're usually trolling spoons, hoochies, and cut-plug herring at various depths until we dial in the bite. The key in Sitka waters is staying versatile – kings might be hugging bottom in 120 feet while coho are chasing bait in the top 40 feet of the water column. When we switch to bottom fishing for lingcod and rockfish, we're talking about heavy jigs and live or cut bait dropped right into the structure. The rocky reefs around Sitka hold some monster lingcod, and it's not uncommon to hook fish over 40 pounds that'll straighten hooks if you're not ready for them. All tackle is provided, but if you've got favorite gear you trust, bring it along. The crew will help you learn to work the gear properly and read the signs that indicate when fish are around.
Coho salmon are the bread and butter of Sitka fishing, and for good reason. These silver rockets typically run 8 to 15 pounds and fight like fish twice their size. They're most active from July through September, with peak action usually hitting in August when multiple runs overlap in the area. What makes coho special is their unpredictability – one minute they're slamming surface lures, the next they're sulking deep and only responding to a slow-trolled spoon. When you hook one, get ready for jumps, long runs, and that classic head-shaking that coho are famous for. They're also excellent table fare, making them a customer favorite for folks who want to take home a cooler full of fillets.
Chinook salmon are the kings of Sitka waters, literally and figuratively. These fish can push 40 pounds or more, with the average fish running 15 to 25 pounds of pure muscle. Peak season runs from May through August, but the biggest fish typically show up in June and July. Kings are known for their deep, powerful runs and their ability to find every piece of structure between them and freedom. They're also the smartest salmon you'll encounter – they can be incredibly finicky about presentation, depth, and speed. When everything comes together and you connect with a big king, you'll understand why serious anglers travel from around the world just for a shot at Sitka chinook.
Lingcod are the top-rated bottom fish in these waters, and they're absolutely prehistoric looking. These ambush predators can reach 50 pounds or more, with their massive heads and razor-sharp teeth making them look more like something from the deep ocean than an inshore fish. They're most active during slack tides when they move out of their rocky lairs to hunt. The best lingcod fishing typically runs from late spring through fall, with summer offering the most consistent action. What makes them exciting is their explosive strike – they'll absolutely crush a jig, then try to drag you back into the rocks. Plus, they're outstanding eating if you can get them to the boat.
Black rockfish round out the target species list, and while they might not have the size of lingcod or the fight of salmon, they make up for it in numbers and taste. These fish school up around rocky structure and kelp beds, and when you find them, you can often catch them as fast as you can drop your line. They typically run 2 to 5 pounds, with the occasional fish pushing 8 pounds. Black rockfish are active year-round but fishing peaks during summer months when they move into shallower water. They're renowned for their sweet, flaky white meat, making them perfect for fish and chips or grilling whole.
This 8-hour charter gives you the time to really get into the rhythm of Sitka fishing and target multiple species in the same day. With only six anglers maximum, you're getting personalized attention and plenty of room to fish comfortably. The M/V Desperado's size and stability mean you can fish in conditions that would shut down smaller boats, giving you the best shot at success regardless of weather. Whether you're looking to check
Step aboard the M/V Desperado, a premium 67-foot motor yacht that's your floating base camp for serious Alaska fishing. This 2010 Hodge Marine beauty handles Sitka's waters with ease, powered by a reliable 375HP John Deere engine that gets you to the hotspots without burning through your fishing time. Built for comfort during those long days chasing salmon and halibut, the Desperado comes loaded with everything anglers need. The fish finder helps locate schools while GPS and radar keep you on course and safe in changing conditions. When you need a break from the action, retreat to the air-conditioned cabin, grab cold drinks from the fridge, or warm up some food in the full kitchen. With space for up to 6 anglers, you'll have plenty of room to work the lines without bumping elbows. The onboard head and sleeping quarters mean you can focus on fishing instead of comfort concerns. Whether you're targeting rockfish in the shallows or heading out for bigger game, this yacht gives you the range and stability to make the most of Alaska's legendary fishing grounds around Sitka.
Sebastes MelanopsBlack rockfish are the workhorses of Sitka's rocky reefs and one of our most reliable targets. These dark, bass-shaped fish average 3-5 pounds but can reach 10+ pounds around deeper structure. They hang out from shallow kelp beds down to 400 feet, usually near rocky bottom where they ambush smaller fish. What guests appreciate is their willingness to bite - they're not picky eaters and provide steady action when salmon fishing slows. The firm white meat is excellent fried or baked. You can target them year-round, though spring and fall tend to be most productive. Key tip: use enough weight to stay vertical and bounce your jig right on bottom - that's where they live and feed.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKing salmon earn their royal name - these are the giants of the salmon world. Around Sitka, we regularly see 15-30 pounders, with some monsters pushing 40+ pounds. They cruise deeper waters than other salmon, usually 60-200 feet down, feeding on herring and baitfish. Kings are powerful fighters that make long, determined runs rather than flashy jumps. The rich, red meat is prized by chefs worldwide. Best action runs May through August when they're feeding heavily before heading to spawn. These fish are light-sensitive, so early morning and evening bites are often strongest. Pro tip: when trolling for kings, use downriggers and keep your speed consistent around 2.5-3 knots - they like a steady presentation.
Oncorhynchus KisutchSilver salmon, as locals call them, are pure excitement on a line. These acrobatic fighters average 8-12 pounds and can jump up to 6 feet when hooked. You'll find them in our calm bays and near river mouths during summer runs. What makes cohos special is their aggressive strikes and spectacular aerial shows - they'll test your drag with multiple jumps. The bright orange meat makes excellent table fare too. Around Sitka, they move through in waves from July through September, feeding heavily on herring and small baitfish. My tip: when trolling for silvers, vary your speed every few minutes. That speed change often triggers strikes from fish that have been following your lure.
Ophiodon ElongatusDespite the name, lingcod aren't actually cod - they're massive greenlings with attitude. These ugly beauties have huge mouths full of sharp teeth and can hit 30+ pounds around Sitka's rocky reefs. They're ambush predators that sit motionless on the bottom between 30-300 feet, waiting to inhale anything that swims by. What guests love is their aggressive nature - they'll grab your jig and fight dirty all the way up. The white, flaky meat is outstanding eating. We target them year-round on rocky structure and kelp beds where currents run strong. Here's a local trick: once you hook one, keep steady pressure and reel fast - they'll try to wrap you around the rocks if you give them slack.
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