Why should I book a trip through North Pacific Charters?
Our business is locally owned, owner-operated, and we have over 30+ years in the fishing industry in Ketchikan, Alaska. This adventure is a High-quality, enjoyable experience that is customizable to your needs.
You do not have to worry about not making it back to the ship, as we are connected and know exactly when the ship will be in port and that you have to be back onboard thirty minutes before that time!
Can I process my Catch?
YES! After you fill out the form provided on all our charter vessels. We drop you off back at the dock and transport the fish with the filled out form to a Third-party company. Transport is free.
It is then fileted, clean, vacuum-packed flash-frozen and shipped by overnight Fed-X. The cost of shipping depends on location and the weight of the fish and the size of the box. Make sure to keep a copy of the form as we do not govern price and do not have any direct information about where in the process your order is at any given time.
What is included in the Cost?
- All top quality fishing bait, tackle, and lures
- All instruction necessary to catch fish
- Beverages (non-alcoholic)
- Rain gear
Where We Meet You?
We meet you at your ship or as close as we are permitted with our large bright yellow sign “Ketchikan Charter Boats.” Most hotels offer Courtesy Shuttles. Please arrive 15 minutes before the departure time. We’ll use your last name for confirmation of your charter.
What should I wear?
- Comfortable clothes
- Layers relevant to the day’s forecast
- Light rain jacket yours probably will be more comfortable
If I have to cancel what is your policy?
- You may cancel reservations up to 14 days in advance. Once you are within the 14-day tour departure window, the tour becomes non-refundable.
- Large group and multi-day trips are cancelable up to 30 days out. Once you are within the 30-day tour departure window, the tour becomes non-refundable.
- In addition, weather cancellations are at the discretion of the skipper and if canceled, you will receive a full refund.
- If you do not make the scheduled departure time of your ship, please call us and we will do everything we can to reschedule, This can even be rescheduled for next year.
Do I need to present a printed ticket?
No! If you are booked directly with us all you have to do is look for our sign and the last name on the reservation. We will get all your names once on the vessel filling out the State fishing licenses.
Can I reserve a spot if it is just me?
Yes! Booking a single guest is what we do!
But only on the four-hour trolling for salmon charters.
What if I am single and I want to go on a four-person minimum trip?
Well, We have even started a waitlist for this situation. But adding these together is a bit trickier as we have to receive the phone calls and when we get the enuff guests, we start calling and trying to make this happen.
It is not impossible! It has worked out for about 30% or more.
Can you pick us up?
Yes! In most cases, as long as it is set up before. We do not have a driver and it takes some advanced planning in some cases. We do have a Brown 14 passenger Chevy van with Ketchikan Charter Boats on the side.
Most hotels have shuttle service just set it up the night before your trip!
Can I take my fish back on the ship?
No! We are independent and are not sold onboard What they do not tell you is it is one fish and they cook the whole fish, so if it is just you that’s lots of fish to share with strangers!
How rough are the seas where I will be fishing?
You will be fishing in the Tongass Narrows. The Tongass Narrows is an inside protected passage
Your safety and comfort are our primary concerns. We know the seas, the weather, and the fishing and will use this knowledge to deliver you an excellent Alaska fishing charter.
Is it safe? I have small children.
This is a very safe excursion. All our vessels are 27 to 30 feet in length and built for fishing Alaska’s waters. They all have inside enclosed heated cabin areas with an open back deck for fishing, wildlife viewing, and photography. The U.S. Coast Guard as well as the Alaska Dept. of Fish and Game strictly regulate the captain and the vessel.
How many people will be on the boat with us?
The coast guard limits us to six passengers per charter. Alaska fish and game laws also restrict us from fishing no more than six lines per vessel with a limit of one fishing rod per angler.
Will I get a designated rod for just me?
Captains do a fair round-robin on our shared fishing charters, as our extensive experience has shown. Even if the rods have all the same gear the fish bit one particular rod and ignore the rest, you have the option of booking the entire boat for your group’s exclusive Alaska fishing charter.
When are the fish runs at their peak?
All bottom fish such as Halibut, Ling Cod, Pacific Cod, and Yelloweye Rockfish are at their peak
throughout the summer (May-September). The Salmon approximations are below!
King (Chinook) May-Mid July There are feeder kings, and are very elusive and hard to catch during the later part of summer. Check our salmon information page for more on all five Alaskan species.
Coho (Silver) Mid July- September
Pink (Humpy) July-August
Chum (Dog) July-August
Will my current home state fishing license cover me?
NO! Every state has it’s own licensing and regulations.
Will I need a fishing license?
YES! We are a vendor for the state, and Alaska Fishing Licenses are available on the boat and paid for in USD.
you can purchase these ahead of time with a credit card here https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/Store/
Licenses must be printed and in hand on the day of the trip!
