Charter Fishing Sitka AK | 8 Hour Charter Trip
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
8-hour inshore fishing charter aboard 67' M/V DesperadoSmall group experience with maximum 6 guests capacityCruise ship schedule coordination with flexible tour options
Looking for a full day of fishing in one of Alaska's most productive waters? Our 8-hour charter out of Sitka puts you right where the fish are biting. We're talking about waters that consistently deliver salmon runs and bottom fish action that'll keep your rod bent all day. The 67' M/V Desperado gives us the range to hit multiple fishing zones, from the protected channels where coho stage up to the deeper waters where the big kings cruise. With only 6 anglers max, you're getting a top-rated experience that feels more like fishing with friends than being herded around on some crowded boat. We've built our reputation on putting folks on fish, and after decades working these waters, we know exactly where to find them.
Your day starts early at the harbor, where we'll get you set up with gear and go over the game plan. The Desperado is built for comfort and fishing efficiency – plenty of deck space to work your fish, heated cabin when the Southeast Alaska weather gets moody, and all the electronics to locate schools and structure. We're cruise ship friendly, so whether you're rolling off the Norwegian Jewel or any other liner, we'll work around your schedule. The beauty of an 8-hour trip is we can cover serious ground. Morning might find us trolling the outer waters for chinook, then we'll shift gears and target lingcod on the rocky bottoms, finishing up in the afternoon when coho start hitting topwater. Every day's different based on tides, weather, and what the fish are telling us, but that's what keeps this job interesting after all these years.
We run a mix of techniques depending on what we're targeting. For salmon, we're primarily trolling with downriggers, pulling spoons, hoochies, and cut herring at varying depths. The electronics show us bait balls and thermoclines, and we adjust our spread accordingly. When we're after lingcod and rockfish, we're anchoring up on structure and dropping jigs and live bait straight down. The rocky reefs around Sitka hold some serious bottom fish, and once you feel that lingcod grab, you'll understand why locals get addicted to this fishery. All tackle is provided – we keep our gear maintained and matched to the species we're targeting. Rods are setup with appropriate line weights, and we'll show you the techniques that work best in these waters. Don't worry if you're new to this; we'll get you dialed in quick.
Coho salmon are the bread and butter of Sitka fishing, especially from July through September. These silver rockets average 8-12 pounds but we see plenty pushing 15-plus. They're aggressive feeders and will hammer spoons, flies, and baitfish patterns. What makes coho special is their fight – they'll jump, run, and test your drag like few other salmon species. The best part? They're excellent table fare, so you're taking home some world-class eating fish. We typically find them staging in 40-80 feet of water around bait schools, and when we locate a pod of feeding coho, the action can be non-stop.
Chinook salmon, or kings as we call them locally, are the trophy fish everyone dreams about. These bruisers can push 30-40 pounds, with the occasional fish breaking that mark. Early season through July tends to be prime time for kings, though we pick them up throughout the summer. They're deeper water fish, often holding in 100-200 feet, following the herring and needlefish. A big king will test every bit of your tackle and stamina – these fish don't give up easy. The meat quality is outstanding, and there's nothing quite like the feeling of your downrigger release popping and seeing that rod tip bounce with a king on the other end.
Lingcod are the apex predator of our rocky reefs, and catching one is like wrestling with a small submarine. These fish commonly run 15-25 pounds, with monsters exceeding 40 pounds lurking in the deeper holes. They're ambush predators with massive mouths full of needle-sharp teeth, and they'll eat just about anything that moves. Best fishing is typically on the bottom around structure, using heavy jigs or live bait. The fight is pure power – no jumping or fancy moves, just brute strength trying to get back to the rocks. Lingcod season runs most of the year, making them a reliable target when salmon fishing slows.
Black rockfish round out our target species and they're customer favorites for good reason. They school up in huge numbers around underwater pinnacles and kelp beds, so when you find them, you can catch them as fast as you can drop a line. Most fish run 2-5 pounds, perfect for family fishing and filling the cooler. They're scrappy fighters for their size and make excellent fish and chips. Black rockfish are available year-round, giving us a backup plan when weather or tides make salmon fishing tough. Kids especially love them because the action is fast and the bite is consistent.
This 8-hour charter gives you the full Sitka fishing experience without the rush. We're covering multiple species, different techniques, and putting you on the fish that make Southeast Alaska famous. The M/V Desperado has the range and comfort for a full day adventure, and with our small group size, you're getting personalized attention from guides who live and breathe these waters. Whether you're looking to fill the freezer, catch a trophy, or just enjoy a day of fishing in some of the most beautiful country on earth, this trip delivers. Spots book up fast during peak season, so don't wait around. Give us a call and let's get you on the water where the real Alaska fishing happens.
Step aboard the M/V Desperado, a spacious 67-foot motor yacht that's your floating home base for serious Alaska fishing. This 2010 Hodge Marine vessel comfortably handles up to 6 anglers with plenty of deck space to work your lines without getting tangled up with your fishing buddies. The 375HP John Deere engine gets you to the hot spots efficiently, while the fish finder helps locate where the salmon and halibut are holding. When you need a break from hauling in fish, duck inside to the air-conditioned cabin with full kitchen, grab a cold drink from the refrigerator, or catch some rest on the onboard bed. The GPS and radar keep you safe in Sitka's waters, even when the morning fog rolls in. Whether you're targeting rockfish along the kelp beds or trolling for kings in deeper water, the Desperado gives you the comfort and gear needed for a productive day on the water.
Sebastes MelanopsBlack rockfish are one of our most reliable catches around Sitka's rocky reefs and kelp beds. These dark, bass-shaped fish typically run 2-5 pounds and live in 20-200 feet of water around structure. They're aggressive feeders that'll hit jigs, cut bait, or live anchovies without much fuss, making them perfect for kids and first-timers. The white, flaky meat is excellent table fare. You can catch them year-round, but they really turn on during summer when baitfish are thick. They school up around underwater pinnacles and rocky drop-offs. One thing to remember - bring them up slowly if possible since they're prone to barotrauma from the pressure change. A descending device helps with catch-and-release.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKing salmon are the prize of Alaska fishing - these bruisers average 15-30 pounds but can push 50 or more. They cruise deeper waters, usually 40-150 feet down, following baitfish along structure and current breaks. Early morning and evening are prime times since they're light-sensitive and tend to stay deep during bright conditions. What sets kings apart is their incredible strength and that rich, buttery meat that's hard to beat. Peak season runs May through August, with July being especially productive. These fish are smart and can be picky, so vary your presentation. Here's a local trick: when trolling herring, add just a slight bend to make it roll naturally - kings love that wounded baitfish action.
Oncorhynchus KisutchSilver salmon are pure dynamite on the line - these acrobatic fighters can jump six feet out of the water and put up a serious battle. Running 8-12 pounds and bright silver with dark backs, they're found in our deeper waters during summer months before heading to spawn. What makes cohos special is their aggressive nature and that beautiful orange-red meat that tastes amazing on the table. They hit hard on spoons, plugs, and herring, especially early morning or evening. Best action happens July through September when they're feeding heavy before their spawning run. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep steady pressure - they love to throw the hook with those crazy aerial shows they put on.
Ophiodon ElongatusDon't let the name fool you - lingcod aren't actually cod, but they're one of our most popular bottom fish. These toothy predators lurk in rocky areas 30-300 feet down, using their mottled green-brown coloring to ambush prey. Females can reach massive sizes - we see fish over 20 pounds regularly, with some monsters pushing 40-50 pounds. They're aggressive feeders that'll hit just about anything, making them great for families and beginners. The meat is firm, white, and excellent eating. You can target them year-round, but fall and winter often produce the biggest fish. My go-to setup is a heavy jig bounced right on the bottom - when they grab it, they usually hold on tight, so don't rush the hookset.
Fairbanks