Over the years it's become apparent to me that things
can be much more enjoyable if my customers (as well as I) have a good idea of
what we're getting into before we step onboard in the morning. I have no
problems with being flexible on whole boat charters and I encourage you to
express and discuss your expectations prior to the trip. On the typical halibut
charter, we can spend the entire day in hunt of big halibut, we can split it up
and include some rockfish and lingcod, or we can possibly do some salmon fishing
if the season is right.
Although every trip brings the
potential to catch a number of different species, I generally prefer not to run
"combo" trips. My reasoning for this is that oftentimes (on a halibut trip, for
instance) we fish hard most of the day and most of our catching occurs during a
relatively short period of time. If we split the day, we're likely to miss the
"bite" on everything. I've found that it's better to roll with the punches of
the day and take what opportunities present themselves. That said, I've found
myself in search of silver salmon by 3PM on many halibut charters. At this
point, there is no way to predict what your day will bring.
Halibut Trip
This is the standard halibut trip. The primary goal is
a limit of halibut. Trips depart from Whittier at approx. 7AM and return around
6PM. We will usually run approximately 50 to 65 miles from port (about two
hours). Although halibut for everyone onboard is the goal, catches of lingcod,
rockfish, and salmon are typical when in season.
Long Range Halibut Trip
Although it isn't necessary to run further offshore to
catch nice fish, when the weather allows, running a little further does offer an
opportunity to fish less exploited areas and provides more of an opportunity for
big halibut. These trips may take us up to three and a half hours from port and
out into the open Gulf of Alaska. A ground swell of some type is almost always
present, so you might want to think twice about signing up if you frequently
fall to sea sickness. This is a hard core, no holds barred fishing trip
generally with good success. If the weather
doesn't permit the run further offshore (as is often the case), the price will
decrease to that of a standard halibut trip.
Overnight trips
Given a choice, this would be the trip I prefer to run.
Two days of fishing (without the time crunch of a day trip) is a good way to
ensure that you will get the most from your experience. We can plan to halibut
fish one day and shark fish the next, chase lingcod or salmon, head out to the
long range grounds, or tour the glaciers. I'm flexible and open to suggestions.
This is a great way for up to four people to see the Sound and get some
great fishing in. Accommodations are basic but comfortable. You can learn more
about the boat here . More luxurious remote lodging is also an option.
Call for details.
Salmon Shark Fishing
Sharking in Alaska is incredible right now and is
always an exciting experience. Please read more on my salmon shark page . Again I
prefer to book full boat charters, but mixed groups also work. Typically I will
take four fishermen, and up to two other passengers. On whole boat charters, I don't have a problem
with taking six fishermen, but time may not permit each fisherman to land a shark. Keep in mind though, that taking turns on a shark is more than enough for most fisherman. Sharks that are kept for the table will be bled, gutted, and iced to insure the
quality of the meat.
Salmon Fishing
July and August bring some exciting silver (coho)
salmon fishing. Full, three quarter, and half day trips are possible depending
on how far the fish are from port. King, red (sockeye), chum, and pink salmon fishing
is also a possibility. You can read more on my salmon
page for some more info.
Three hour glacier tour
This is a Blackstone Glacier tour with a stop at the kittiwake rookery when in season. We'll usually be able to spend about an hour at the glacier.
Four to six hour glacier tour
This is a flexible trip into Harriman Fjord. We'll
spend one to three hours at the glaciers and then travel back through Ester
Passage. We can also stop at Ester Hatchery and make a stop at the kittiwake
rookery when in season.
Long Range Whale Watching
This is a long range 8-12 hour trip. We will travel to the outer reaches of Prince William Sound where it is uncommon not to see humpbacks and orcas. Porpoise, sea lions, otters, and a variety of seabirds are also very common in these areas. It's also possible to include a short glacier tour on this trip.
Combo Glacier Tour/ Bottom fishing
This is a fantastic way to combine a few interests. Itineraries are flexible.
Other custom trips
In addition to the tours listed above, I can customize
whole boat trips essentially any way you prefer. We can also accommodate
wildlife, bird, and photography trips, drop offs, etc. The Swee' Pea is equipped
with full hydraulics and is otherwise fully capable of supporting scientific
research charters.
Rates:
Halibut Fishing- $265 pp. (4 person min.)
Long Range Halibut Fishing- $275 pp. (6 person min. or whole boat price)
Salmon Shark Fishing- $435 pp. (4 person min.)
Salmon Fishing- price and availability depends on where the fish are, but typically $200 pp. for a 5 hour trip.
Long Range Whale Watching- $250 pp. (4 person min.)
3 Hour Blackstone Glacier Tour- $125 pp. (3 person min. April-May, 5 person min. June-Sept.)
4-6 Hour Harriman Fjord Tour- $200 pp. (4 person min. April-May, 6 person min. June-Sept.)
Overnight Trips- prices vary with the details, but are typically based on the cost of two day trips. (up to 4 passengers)
*Please call or email for info. and pricing on drop offs, hunts, etc. Prices are subject to the Whittier sales tax and may be subject to a fuel surcharge (I will do my absolute best to keep prices low, but I simply cannot absorb rising fuel costs.)
