Cook your Catch in the Wilderness
- Location:
- Baranof Marina
Ketchikan, Alaska - Duration:
- 5 hr
- Price:
- $299 per person
General Information
The best meal you'll eat in Alaska is the fish you catch yourself. It's a big promise, but one that's easy to deliver on this exclusive day of Alaska fishing and wilderness dining.
Our skilled guides escort you on a journey of discovery normally experienced only by local residents. Explore the breathtaking landscape of Alaska's southeast coastline aboard an intimate open-air skiff. Fish for rockfish, lingcod, and halibut in exclusive Ketchikan fishing locations, then dine on your catch at our remote campsite surrounded by the incredible beauty of Alaska.
Perfect for serious adventurers or families looking for an intimate wilderness journey, this is the tour that's highest rated for its authentic Alaskan experience. There's simply no better way to experience all the best of what Alaska offers.
Fishing Itineraries
If you are visiting Ketchikan by Cruise Ship
We suggest beginning the excursion thirty minutes after your ship is scheduled to arrive in Ketchikan. The following time line is for a six hour Ketchikan fishing excursion. If you choose to do a 4 hour trip, or an 8 hour trip, simply adjust the amount of time spent fishing & exploring
Arrival
Your guide, or one of our crew, will greet you at the pier and escort you to our downtown marina and outfitting room. Look for a sign with your tour name on it.
Outfitting and Licensing
Upon arrival at our marina your guide will collect the state fee for your fishing license. While we fill out your licensing information, you'll start to look like a local as we outfit you with waterproof boots, bib overalls, hooded jackets, hats, and gloves. Fully prepared, you'll head for the boat.
Running to Fishing Grounds
Our location in the heart of Downtown Ketchikan allows for a short boat ride to our fishing playgrounds south of Ketchikan. Depending on the area your guide chooses to fish the ride to your fishing area is 20 to 30 minutes from the marina. Our guides customize your journey depending upon the season, tides, and weather conditions. As you glide through the beautifully rugged shoreline of Southeast Alaska you'll have plenty of opportunities to spy eagles, seals, whales, spawning salmon, and even black bears in the fall. You may take as many photographs as you wish, or simply sit back and soak it all in.
Catch your Lunch
On board our open air skiffs beginners and ardent fishermen alike experience the excitement of saltwater bottom fishing, catching your meal of halibut, lingcod, snapper or rockfish. Our seasoned guides will teach the secrets of jigging, how to set the hook, and bring up your catch. With 32 different species of rockfish, halibut, and lingcod patrolling the bottom of the ocean, you can expect to catch something interesting and delicious! When you have caught your lunch you will rendezvous at a remote beach where our camp is nestled in a canopy of old growth trees, and a warm fire awaits you.
Head to camp for lunch
While visiting camp you’re free to explore the secluded shoreline and tidal zone, and hike into the virgin rain forest. Or you can immerse yourself in the warmth of the fire at our protected safari-style camp and relax while trading “fish tales” with new companions or old friends. When ready, enjoy a sumptuous saffron-infused bouillabaisse with Yukon Gold potatoes, anchored by the fresh taste of your morning catch, and accompanied by fire-baked fresh bread with a garlicky aioli and spicy rouille. And be sure to leave room for our signature dessert - a blueberry and rhubarb cobbler, enjoyed with a steaming mug of coffee or hot chocolate.
Return to Marina
Make your way back to the marina enjoying another breathtaking ride. Upon arrival you will remove your fishing gear and your guide will ensure that you make it back to your ship in a timely fashion. If you choose to ship your fish home, or have it smoked a simple form needs filled out, and we will process your fish for shipping to arrive on the date of your choice.
If you are overnighting in Ketchikan
The following itinerary is for the flexible schedule of travelers who arrive in Ketchikan by the State ferry or Alaska Airlines. We suggest beginning your excursion before 10:00 a.m., although the ardent fisherman normally leaves between 5:00 and 6:00 a.m. Fishing is often better at tide change, however, so we will suggest the most opportune time for you to arrive at the fishing grounds so you can "catch the tide". The itinerary that we have provided is six hour trip. The multiple activities on this Ketchikan fishing excursion require a minimum of 5 hours and a recommended 6 to 6.5 hours.
Arrival
Guests normally meet their guides at the Alaska Fish House for a hot cup of coffee and a discussion of the day of fishing. The Alaska Fish House is located in the center of the marina where we outfit and depart for the fishing grounds.
Outfitting and Licensing
Upon arrival at our marina your guide will collect the state fee your for fishing license. While we fill out your licensing information, you'll start to look like a local as we outfit you with waterproof boots, bib overalls, hooded jackets, hats, and gloves. Fully prepared, you'll head for the skiff.
Running to Fishing Grounds
Our location in the heart of Downtown Ketchikan allows for a short boat ride to the our fishing playgrounds south of Ketchikan. Depending on the area your guide chooses to fish the ride to your fishing area is 20 to 30 minutes from our marina. Our guides customize your journey depending upon the season, tides, and weather conditions. As you glide through the beautifully rugged shoreline of Southeast Alaska you'll have plenty of opportunities to spy eagles, seals, whales, spawning salmon, and even black bears. You may take as many photographs as you wish, or simply sit back and soak it all in.
Catch your Lunch
On board our open air skiffs beginners and ardent fishermen alike experience the excitement of saltwater bottom fishing, catching your meal of halibut, lingcod, snapper or rockfish. Our seasoned guides will teach the secrets of jigging, how to set the hook, and bring up your catch. With 32 different species of rockfish, halibut, and lingcod patrolling the bottom of the ocean, you can expect to catch something interesting and delicious! When you have caught your lunch you will rendezvous at a remote beach where our camp is nestled in a canopy of old growth trees, and a warm fire awaits you.
Head to camp for lunch
While visiting camp you’re free to explore the secluded shoreline and tidal zone, and hike into the virgin rain forest. Or you can immerse yourself in the warmth of the fire at our protected safari-style camp and relax while trading “fish tales” with new companions or old friends. When ready, enjoy a sumptuous saffron-infused bouillabaisse with Yukon Gold potatoes, anchored by the fresh taste of your morning catch, and accompanied by fire-baked fresh bread with a garlicky aioli and spicy rouille. And be sure to leave room for our signature dessert - a blueberry and rhubarb bread pudding, enjoyed with a steaming mug of coffee or hot chocolate.
Return to Marina
Make your way back to the marina enjoying another breathtaking ride. Upon arrival you will remove your fishing gear and your guide will ensure that you make it back to your ship in a timely fashion. If you choose to ship your fish home, or have it smoked a simple form needs filled out, and we will process your fish for shipping to arrive on the date of your choice.
"What People Are Saying About Baranof: Cook your Catch in the Wilderness"
Don't miss the fishing and gourmet lunch on the beach! 2018-09-13
Booked with Princess for the cruise excursion. Capt. Beth Antonsen took great care of us and I cannot tell you how wonderful the meal was or how beautiful the scenery and beach areas were. All rain gear and boots were provided, so hardly had to carry a thing. We went bottom fishing and if you haven't done it before, don't worry they teach you and work hard so everyone got at least 1 fish. Some got many and Beth made sure that we released them safely back to the sea. She was also very knowledgeable about the area, great respect for the land and the sea, and told us a lot about Ketchikan. Hands down the best excursion in Ketchikan.
Great all around 2018-09-04
Booked the trip through Regent Cruise Lines as a side and was pleasantly surprised. I am a retired captain that has run a lot of fishing charters and this one was exceptional. The captain/guide knew his stuff, that is how to fish and run a good enjoyable trip. Even though it was raining and we were in an open skiff, we were comfortable with the rain gear provided. The fishing tackle was first rate as was all of the equipment. Unfortunately, the guide did not have a card and I cannot remember his name or I would recommend him highly. The final part of our trip was to a wilderness camp where an excellent chef prepared our fish. We got to meet others that had booked this expedition and all seemed more than satisfied. The Coho salmon and rockfish I caught was fantastic. I would recommend this outfit to anyone looking for a great fishing experience.
An Amazing Day on the Amazing Grace! 2018-08-09
Before we even booked our Alaskan cruise, we knew we wanted to book a private fishing charter. After some research and talking with other friends who had gone on an Alaskan cruise, many people recommended Baranof to us. Boy, am I glad we booked this! This ended up being our most favorite excursion out of all the excursions we've taken over 5 cruises. Not only did we get super lucky weather-wise, but we were also paired up with the best guide duo (Geoff and Grace) on the newest and best boat (Amazing Grace) Baranof has to offer! Geoff and his 12-year-old daughter, Grace, were extremely knowledgeable, professional, and a ton of fun to spend the day with. We had our 12 year old son with us, too, so it was even more perfect that Grace was one of our guides. After hearing the different options we had to choose from, we chose to do the "Cook Your Catch", where we were taken to several different fishing spots to catch rockfish, salmon, and halibut, and then Geoff took us to the wilderness camp, where Geoff prepared our fish for the camp cook to cook up for us. During that time, Grace showed us around camp and the beach and took pictures for us. Lunch was amazing, there is no fresher way to eat fish than "water to table," and the dessert we were served was AMAZING! While the fish were not really biting the day we went due to a big storm that had come in the night before, we did catch five rockfish, and had an extremely enjoyable time on the water visiting with Geoff and Grace. We all agreed that we couldn't wait to come back to Ketchikan again and would definitely be booking another private charter with Baranof, especially if we can spend another wonderful afternoon with Geoff and Grace on the Amazing Grace. A++++
Baranof's Most Popular Fishing Excursions
Alaska Fishing
The goal is to catch fish and have a extraordinary day.
Salmon Fishing
It takes knowledge, skills, and patience to catch salmon in Alaska
Cook your Catch
in the Wilderness
Perfect for serious adventurers or families looking for an intimate wilderness journey.
Halibut Fishing
An unforgettable fishing experience.
