WHAT TO BRING
FISHING LICENSE / KING SALMON STAMP
To ensure a smooth fishing experience, we kindly ask our guests to obtain a Sport Fishing license through Alaska Fish and Game (https://store.adfg.alaska.gov/). Licenses are available for 1, 3, 7, and 14 days, as well as annual licenses. Please note that licensing is only required for the days you plan to fish, and you must purchase a King Salmon Stamp to obtain king salmon.
WATERPROOF BOOTS / WARM CLOTHES
While we now provide our guests with rain gear, it is important to bring comfortable shoes as you'll be on your feet most of the time. We highly recommend waterproof shoes or boots, like xtratuf boots (known as Sitka's Sneaker), which can be purchased in town. Sitka’s summer temperatures typically range from 44°F to 62°F, and the maritime environment can make it feel cooler. Fleece clothing (pants and underlayers) is generally the most comfortable out on the ocean as it will keep you dry and warm.
WATER BOTTLE
Although we do provide bottled water on the boat, we'd like to make an effort to reduce as much plastic in our oceans as possible. If you can bring your own reusable water bottle, you'll make us very happy! We have plenty of space to accommodate.
SITKA ALASKA WEATHER
EARLY MAY TO LATE AUGUST
Sitka’s summer temperatures typically range from 44°F to 62°F, and the maritime environment can make it feel cooler. Embrace the unpredictable weather and be ready for rain and cooler temperatures while cherishing any moments of sunshine that come your way.
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WHAT TO EXPECT FISHING
COMBO FISHING FOR SALMON, Halibut, and ROckfish
Outer Limit Charters is a great choice for both novice and experienced anglers. With the option to either mooch or troll for salmon, we can accommodate our fishing strategy depending on weather conditions and fishing ability. Your captain has extensive experience in the local fishing grounds and uses top of the line Time Zero 3D ocean mapping and Furuno depth finders to locate schools of bait fish.
Generally, guests opt for the exciting “mooching” method, which allows each angler to hook their own salmon. Mooching can take a bit of feel to get the hang of, but it's definitely worth it once you learn to recognize the subtle and thrilling salmon bite. For this technique, each angler will hold their own rod, giving fishermen the opportunity to catch their own fish while others do the same! Once we find an area with favorable fishing conditions, we anchor or set a drift that lets you work your bait vertically through the water column to attract feeding salmon. Your captain will recommend a depth to fish at, and you'll use your Shimano depth-counting reel to drop your line fishing through that depth. ​When you feel a bite, start reeling to catch up to the fish that is shooting to the surface. Our crew will help you navigate reeling your fish to the boat while the other anglers continue fishing for a chance to catch multiple fish at once.
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On weather days or with younger anglers onboard, we sometimes opt to troll for salmon. Trolling involves fishing the water column horizontally, covering ground at a depth we set with our two downriggers. With two rods out, anglers will switch turns watching the rod for an exciting salmon bite! This style of fishing is often more accessible to children and teenagers who may struggle to work their own rod all day with the mooching technique.
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Throughout the day, your captain will determine an appropriate time to switch species and fish for halibut and/or rockfish, considering the amount of fish that has been already been caught, the ocean conditions, and your input. Scent and location matter most for halibut. To fish for halibut, we'll drive to the outer coast and anchor. Once the bait hits the bottom, the smell begins to attract halibut and it becomes a waiting game. Generally, once one halibut starts to come into the scent, more will follow. Once we've caught halibut, we'll determine the next plan based on time of day.
We like to say that once you've fished in Sitka, you've been spoiled for life, because there are no other fishing grounds that can match Sitka's abundance and beauty. So whether you're a seasoned angler or a first-timer, join us at our charter fishing lodge in Sitka for an unforgettable fishing adventure!