FAQs

WHITTIER MARINE CHARTERS

FAQs

What kind of boat do you have?

The Swee’Pea is a 33’X12.5’ fiberglass vessel built by Sunnfjord boat works. It is powered by twin Yanmar 315HP diesels which provide a cruising speed of 26-30 knots. It features a 10’ X 12.5’ fishing deck with rod holders and a warm comfortable cabin with a private head. A large fish hold is also available for icing sharks and other fish on overnight trips.

Where do you fish and how deep?

Although I fish different locations throughout Prince William Sound, we will generally run towards the southern entrances of the Sound and/or into the Gulf of Alaska. We typically fish water from 80-300 feet deep using 1 ½- 3 lbs. of lead. The current is generally not as strong as in Cook Inlet, although it sometimes can be. Once in a while we have to drop a little deeper.

What type of tackle and bait do you use?

I use premium AVET and Accurate reels. Rods and reels are nicely balanced, are spooled with quality line, and are well cared for. I carry an assortment of bait, jigs, and other terminal tackle. Bait for halibut may include herring, squid, octopus, and salmon.

What size and how many fish do you catch?

It is impossible to predict what we will catch. The weather, tide, commercial pressure, and fish abundance change with each day. I fish many different locations in an attempt to target nice fish (40+lbs.). Each season we have some days with many fish over 100 lbs. and some days with nothing much over 20 lbs. Generally we fall somewhere in the middle. This is fishing. Some days are exceptional, some aren’t quite as... I am the most experieced halibut charter captain in Whittier and I will work hard to provide you with a great day. Limits of halibut are normally caught and most days are very good.

Do you guarantee halibut limits?

I guarantee that I will do everything in my power to find fish for you. From my experience, anyone that guarantees a limit of halibut either hasn’t fished 70 days straight, or is settling for small fish day after day. Generally we return with nice limits of fish.

6. How rough will the water be?

Prince William Sound typically offers fairly calm water. That said, the Gulf of Alaska is open ocean and there is usually some swell present. Flat water is common, but I do fish in less than perfect weather on a handful of trips every year. Sometimes that’s the price to pay for nice fish.

7. What about sea sickness?

If you’re prone to seasickness, begin your medication the night prior to your trip. Patches and wrist bands seem to work well for many people. It is possible that we may fish in less than perfect conditions. Remember that unless you book the entire boat for your group, you may have to stick it out.

Do you run “combo” trips?

I generally don’t like to run "combo trips". However, there is always potential, and it is very common to catch lingcod and rockfish on a halibut trip. I’ve spent many afternoons trolling for salmon or chasing lingcod after a good morning of halibut fishing. I think it’s better to take advantage of what the day offers rather than trying to stick rigidly to a plan that isn’t working. I’m flexible and willing to take advantage of opportunities or fulfill you’re wishes as they arise. If you’d really like to get into all that PWS has to offer, consider an overnight trip. Overnighters offer ample time to target all species. Typically, boats offering combo trips are going to target small halibut. I prefer to spend time hunting for larger fish. If we're successful early enough, we can move on to other species.

9. What are the seasons?

Our halibut season usually kicks off in April, when the weather gets nice, and runs into late September and even October. Although many will say that fishing peaks in July, I have had excellent fishing along with some slower days throughout the season. Each day is different.

Although there is the potential to troll for feeder kings year round, salmon fishing usually begins in June with hatchery chums, reds, and then pinks. Silvers begin to show up in early July offshore and may be available into late September.

Salmon sharks always seem to be present, but begin to congregate with the arrival of the salmon. I like to start fishing for them during the last week of June. They’re usually available into late August.

How does the tide affect the fishing?

Unlike in Cook Inlet, I have found that days with large tidal fluctuations are as not as difficult to fish in Prince William Sound and the Gulf of Alaska. Although it might be necessary to use heavy weights when fishing the entrances of the Sound during these times, there are often other areas to fish which offer alternatives to fighting the current. Although I occasionally find myself cursing the current, I have had great days of fishing during minus tides.

What about shark fishing.

Salmon shark fishing has been excellent. Three to four sharks landed per trip is the norm. Oftentimes many more are hooked and released.

Although I can take up to six fishermen, I prefer four for mixed group trips. Two additional persons can ride along at as “sightseers”. This allows ample opportunity for each fishermen to individually land a shark and the others can tag along to watch and participate if there is time. If you book the boat with one party things can be more flexible. Six fishermen in this case is fine, if you don’t mind sharing the fight. I use Penn International reels coupled to stand up rods. A fighting harness is provided.

12. How about overnight trips?

Two day/one night trips provide an excellent opportunity to eliminate the time constraints of a day trip. I’m flexible on the itinerary. Possibilities include long range halibut fishing or some combination of halibut, salmon, shark, sightseeing, etc. The boat has room to sleep four. Sleeping accommodations are basic but comfortable.

13. What about hunting?

Whittier Marine is a licensed big game transporter. Deer and black bear hunts can be done as live aboard trips or as drop offs. Call for more information or to discuss details.

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