Cook Inlet Fishing Charters | Shared 10-Hour Trip
Shared Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target massive Lingcod and abundant rockfish in pristine watersExpert guides provide 10hour offshore adventures departing 6:00 AMExceptional marine mammal sightings enhance the fishing experience
Ready to fish some of Alaska's most productive offshore waters? This 10-hour shared charter out of Cook Inlet puts you right in the middle of world-class bottom fishing action. We're talking about waters where massive Lingcod patrol rocky reefs and Pacific Ocean Perch school in numbers that'll make your arms burn from the constant action. Early morning departures at 6 AM every Wednesday from July through September mean you'll be fishing during prime feeding times when these species are most active. This isn't your typical near-shore trip – we run to the deep, structure-rich areas where the big fish live and feed.
You'll spend a full day targeting the species that make Cook Inlet famous among serious bottom fishermen. The morning starts with a run to productive rockfish grounds where Pacific Ocean Perch congregate in massive schools. These fish are aggressive feeders, and when you find them, the action can be non-stop. We'll move between several proven spots throughout the day, adjusting our strategy based on tides, weather, and fish behavior. The rocky structure that holds these fish also attracts Lingcod – Alaska's premier predator fish that can grow to trophy proportions. Between the constant bottom action, you'll have shots at Chinook salmon as we move between spots. Marine mammals are common in these waters, so keep your eyes peeled for whales, sea lions, and porpoises. This trip is designed for anglers who want serious fishing time and don't mind the longer day on the water.
We fish heavy tackle suited for deep water and big fish. You'll be using 6-8 ounce jigs and sinkers to get down to where these fish live, typically in 150-300 feet of water. The rocky bottom requires strong tackle – these Lingcod will try to get back into the rocks, and the Pacific Ocean Perch, while smaller individually, fight hard in schools. We provide all rods, reels, tackle, and bait, but if you have your own heavy saltwater gear, bring it along. Circle hooks are standard for most of our bottom fishing to ensure good hookups and easy releases. When we're moving between spots, we'll troll for salmon using downriggers and proven lures. The key to success out here is reading the sonar, understanding the structure, and adjusting your technique as conditions change throughout the day.
Lingcod remain the star of this fishery, and Cook Inlet produces some genuine monsters. These ambush predators can exceed 40 pounds, with fish in the 15-25 pound range being common on our charters. They're aggressive strikers that hit hard and fight dirty, using their powerful jaws and the rocky bottom to their advantage. The best Lingcod action typically happens from mid-July through August when they're actively feeding before moving to deeper winter haunts. What makes catching them so exciting is their explosive strike – one minute you're jigging for rockfish, the next you're locked up with a fish that's trying to drag you into the rocks.
Pacific Ocean Perch are the bread and butter of this fishery, schooling in huge numbers over the rocky reefs. These bright orange-red fish average 1-3 pounds and are some of the best eating fish in Alaska waters. When you find a school, the action is fast and furious – it's not uncommon to hook doubles or even triples when they're feeding aggressively. They're most active during slack tides when they move up in the water column to feed. The constant action makes for great fishing, especially when you're learning to read the bottom structure and fish behavior.
Chinook salmon add variety to the day as we troll between bottom fishing spots. Cook Inlet Kings average 15-25 pounds, with larger fish always possible. July and early August offer the best shot at these prized salmon as they move through the inlet heading to spawning rivers. They're incredibly strong fish that will test your tackle and endurance, especially after you've been pulling up bottom fish all morning. The combination of bottom fishing and salmon trolling keeps the day interesting and maximizes your chances for a mixed bag of quality Alaska fish.
This top-rated Cook Inlet charter fills up fast, especially during peak season when the fishing is at its best. Wednesday departures work perfectly for visitors staying the week or locals looking for a mid-week fishing fix. The 10-hour format gives you maximum time on productive water without the rush of shorter trips. You'll come back with a cooler full of premium Alaska seafood and stories about the ones that got away. Remember to bring your own food and drinks for the day – we focus on finding fish, not serving meals. Book now to secure your spot on one of Cook Inlet's most productive fishing adventures.
Your fishing platform for this Cook Inlet adventure is a well-equipped 32' Koffler motorboat that's built for serious offshore work. Twin 250 Suzuki engines push this boat up to 45 knots, getting you to those productive fishing grounds quickly so you can maximize your time with rod in hand. The spacious deck accommodates up to 6 anglers comfortably, giving everyone room to fight fish without getting tangled up. Modern electronics including GPS, radar, and fish finder help locate prime Lingcod and rockfish spots in Alaska's waters. An onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh during the 10-hour trip, while the head provides necessary convenience for long days on the water. This boat handles Cook Inlet's conditions well, letting you focus on landing those massive Lingcod and colorful rockfish species that make these waters famous among serious anglers.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKings are the heavyweight champions of salmon, and Cook Inlet grows some absolute monsters. These silver-sided bruisers average 15-30 pounds but can push 40+ in these waters. They prefer deeper channels and drop-offs, staying near the bottom during bright conditions. July and August offer prime fishing when they're staging before their spawning runs. What sets them apart is their bulldogging fight and that rich, orange meat that's unmatched at the dinner table. They're light-sensitive, so early morning and evening bites are typically best. Here's the key: get your bait or lure down deep with enough weight, and don't be afraid to troll slowly along structure. These fish have seen it all, so subtle presentations often outfish flashy gear.
Ophiodon ElongatusThese ugly bruisers are what nightmares are made of – massive heads, razor-sharp teeth, and an attitude to match. Despite the name, they're actually greenlings, not cod. Females typically run 2+ feet while males stay smaller. You'll find them lurking in rocky areas 30-300 feet down, using their mottled coloring to ambush anything that fits in their huge mouths. July through September is prime time in Cook Inlet when they're aggressive and feeding heavy. What makes them special? They fight dirty, staying deep and using every rock they can find. Plus, the meat is fantastic – white, flaky, and sweet. Pro tip: once you hook up, keep steady pressure and get them up quick before they wrap you around structure.
Sebastes AlutusThese bright red rockfish are some of the tastiest fish you'll pull from Alaska waters. They run about 15-21 inches and pack into schools at depths between 500-1000 feet during summer months. Peak season here is July-August when they move shallower to feed on krill and small fish. What guests love is the steady action – where there's one POP, there's usually dozens more. The meat is sweet, firm, and low in oil, making it perfect for the dinner table. They're also incredibly long-lived, some reaching 100 years old. My advice: use a sharp hook and light tackle since their mouths are soft. Once you find a school, work that area thoroughly – they don't move around much and you can often load the cooler.
Fairbanks