Sitka Private Fishing Charter: Catch & Release in Sitka Sound

Fish the salt, feel the bite, release what you catch in Southeast Alaska's largest temperate rain forest

A private saltwater fishing charter in Sitka Sound aboard the Suzy Q, a double-hulled aluminum safety boat captained by a year-round Alaska fishing guide. You pick your start time between 6am and 3pm and choose when to return. The first five hours are included, and you can extend if the fish are biting. Mooching for salmon, halibut, lingcod and rockfish means every angler holds a rod when they strike. After photos, you release your catch back to the sea as part of the eco-tour model.

The experience

You arrive at Outer Coast Charters on the western side of Baranof Island in Sitka and board the Suzy Q, a New Zealand-built Stabicraft 2500 Ultracab XL with a heated cabin, twin hulls for stability and full Coast Guard safety certification. Captain Christopher Paul Jones, a year-round resident and fishing fanatic, runs the boat and guides the day. The charter operates out of Southeast Alaska's 17,000 miles of coastline, where the Tongass National Forest (the largest intact temperate rain forest in the world) meets the Pacific Ocean.

You fish the salt using mooching, a technique where you hold the rod and feel the bite instead of trolling. This method usually catches more fish and puts a rod in every hand when they strike. The waters hold salmon, halibut, lingcod and rockfish, with occasional pulls of salmon sharks, rays, skates and wolf eels. Five hours are included in the charter, though you can shorten the day or extend it if the fishing stays hot. Once you've caught and photographed your fish, the crew makes every effort to safely return them to the sea.

After fishing, you can head back to town or tour around Sitka Sound for views of the rain forest and marine life. The charter guarantees your return to your shuttle or directly to a cruise ship before departure. Snacks, water and sodas are provided. Bring your own rain gear, waterproof boots and a hat. You'll need a valid Alaska fishing license, which you can print online before arrival and bring with you. It's required to have it on board.

What’s included

• Snacks, water and sodas.
• all fishing equipment.
• private, fully equipped Coast Guard-approved safety vessel.
• Captain and Alaska fishing guide.
• heated cabin aboard the Suzy Q.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 15 Apr 2027

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 15

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Outer Coast Charters

Is this one for you?Book the early morning departure if you want to maximize fishing time before a cruise ship departure, or choose an afternoon start if you're staying in Sitka and want a flexible return. The charter picks you up from town or repositions the boat closer if you have mobility concerns. Just let the operator know before you arrive.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I book this charter if I'm arriving on a cruise ship in Sitka?

Yes. The charter guarantees return to your cruise ship prior to departure, and you can pick any start time between 6am and 3pm to fit your ship's schedule. Let the operator know your ship details when you book.

What fish will I actually catch in Sitka Sound?

Salmon, halibut, lingcod and rockfish are the primary targets. You may also pull up salmon sharks, rays, skates, sculpins, kelp greenling or wolf eels depending on the day and location within the sound.

Do I need my own fishing gear, or is it provided?

All fishing equipment is provided aboard the Suzy Q. You need to bring rain gear, waterproof boots or shoes, a hat and sunglasses. A valid Alaska fishing license is also required. Purchase and print it online before your trip.

What happens to the fish I catch on this eco-tour?

After you photograph your catch, the crew makes every effort to safely return the fish to the sea. This catch-and-release model is central to the eco-tour approach.

How long is the charter, and can I stay longer if I want?

Five hours are included in the private charter. You can shorten the day or extend it as needed. The captain will fish until you're ready to return or tour the sound.

What is the Suzy Q, and why does it matter for this charter?

The Suzy Q is a double-hulled aluminum Stabicraft 2500 Ultracab XL built in New Zealand, designed for safety and comfort in coastal waters. The twin hulls provide stability, and the heated cabin keeps you dry and warm while you fish.