{"id":44725,"date":"2013-10-17T09:33:16","date_gmt":"2013-10-17T13:33:16","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.cruiseexperts.com\/news\/?p=44725"},"modified":"2016-04-21T17:28:20","modified_gmt":"2016-04-21T21:28:20","slug":"the-best-way-to-catch-salmon-is-on-an-alaskan-cruise-to-ketchikan-alaska","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cruiseexperts.com\/news\/2013\/10\/17\/the-best-way-to-catch-salmon-is-on-an-alaskan-cruise-to-ketchikan-alaska\/","title":{"rendered":"The best way to catch salmon is on an Alaskan Cruise to Ketchikan, Alaska"},"content":{"rendered":"

Ketchikan is the \u201cSalmon Capitol of the World\u201d and also a popular port on an Alaskan cruise. Whether you\u2019re a beginner or experienced fisherman\u2014or fisher-woman\u2014you\u2019ll love the adrenaline rush from reeling in the \u201cbig one.\u201d It\u2019s a little bit like the casino\u2014you don\u2019t know who\u2019s going to \u201cwin\u201d the biggest catch of the day.<\/p>\n

If you love salmon\u2014there are five kinds you can catch on a fishing excursion during your Alaskan cruise.<\/p>\n

What kind of salmon can I catch in Ketchikan?<\/b><\/p>\n

King Salmon<\/b>\u2014May-June\u2014especially the 2nd<\/sup> and 3rd<\/sup> week of June–you\u2019ll need to purchase a $10 King Salmon stamp from your chartered boat captain if you want to catch the Kings because there\u2019s a limit. The average size is around 15-20 lbs, but it\u2019s not uncommon to catch one between 40-50 lbs. Once you snag a King, patience is the key. You can\u2019t just reel in a King Salmon. You have to wait until they\u2019ve exhausted their energy trying to swim back down to the bottom. Just hold the reel and wait. Once they\u2019re tired, you can reel them in.<\/p>\n

Coho Salmon<\/b>\u2014Aug & Sept\u2014these little delicious babies are about 5-8 lbs. They\u2019re jumpers and fighters and fast, so expect a good show. During their peak season, expect to be busy catching fish often and quickly.<\/p>\n

\"gdresample\"<\/picture><\/a>Pink Salmon<\/b>\u2014End of June-Aug\u2014fishing for pink salmon in the ocean isn\u2019t for the faint of heart. They are full of energy and will put up a good fight on the line.\u00a0 They are easier to catch once they swim upstream and run out of energy\u2014you just have to share the stream with the bears.<\/p>\n

Chum Salmon<\/b>\u2014Jul-Aug\u2014A 7-12 lb average Chum is easy to catch, but be prepared for the \u201ctrophy\u201d 20+ pounder. They are very \u201cdramatic\u201d while being pulled in and makes for a fun competition between man and fish.<\/p>\n

Sockeye Salmon<\/b>\u2014If you\u2019re lucky enough to catch a Sockeye, they are the best tasting of all the salmon. They only average 4-7 lbs and only a lucky few have caught one over the past couple of years. So, if you snag one, it\u2019s like winning the Alaskan lottery.<\/p>\n

Another popular fish in these waters is Halibut<\/b>\u2014mid-July through mid-Sept. A small Halibut is about 15-20 lbs. However, they can be much bigger. Two 130-pounders were caught on one excursion. So be prepared…just for the \u201cHalibut!\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Ketchikan<\/picture><\/a>If you don\u2019t want to \u201ccatch and release,\u201d you can ship your catch home<\/b><\/p>\n

There are fish processors nearby that will fillet your fish, vacuum pack and flash freeze it. Then provide them with a U.S. address and let them know what day you want your fish delivered. They will ship your fish overnight. It costs approximately $2.20 per pound (min of 20 lbs) to prepare the fish and then add the cost of shipping.<\/p>\n

What you need to know to plan your Ketchikan salmon fishing excursion<\/b><\/p>\n

The chartered fishing boats are steps away from your cruise ship. Depending on how long your boat is in port, you can choose a 4-, 6- or 8-hour fishing excursion. Anyone 16+ years will need to purchase an Alaskan fishing license (approx. $20). And, if you plan to fish for King Salmon, you\u2019ll need to purchase the stamp. You should be able to purchase both from your captain.<\/p>\n

Charter boats typically hold six passengers. The price of the excursion includes the captain who guides you to the fish hangouts. All the necessary fishing equipment is on board, too. There is also a heated, enclosed cabin and a restroom on board for your comfort and convenience.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s plenty more to do in Ketchikan<\/b><\/p>\n