Go fishing for halibut in Icy Strait, where these giant flatfish are voraciously feeding throughout the summer.
Meeting at the dock, you will embark your comfortable cabin cruiser and receive a safety orientation before taking the 20-30 minute ride out to the premier fishing area in Icy Strait. These waters are teeming with halibut as they serve as the main migration corridor for halibut traveling from the Pacific to their summer feeding grounds and spawning streams in southeast Alaska.
The largest Pacific flatfish, Alaskan halibut are renowned for their mammoth size. The former state record halibut-a 440-pounder whopper-was landed near Hoonah, and catching a 100-pounder in Icy Strait isn't unusual. Imagine the thrill of hooking one of these monster fish and reeling it in from the depths. It's an amazing experience because halibut are longer than most flatfishes with a width one third of their length, so that husky girth produces a lot of resistance.
You will spend approximately 2 1/2 hours on the water, fishing with bait that may include herring, salmon and octopus, which is one of the halibut's favorite meals. If you catch one, you'll notice that halibut has smooth scales, a light-colored bottom side and a darker top. The colors are a natural camouflage that mimics the hues of the ocean floor and water.
Not only are these waters home to halibut, they are also filled with whales, sea lion, and seals so come prepared with your camera and binoculars.
At the conclusion of your fishing time, you will head back to the pier where your tour concludes.
Please note: This tour includes very limited walking, although there are steps to negotiate to board the fishing vessel. The tour is not available to wheelchair guests or those with mobility concerns. Persons who are prone to sea sickness should take appropriate pre-emptive measures before commencing the tour. Flat, comfortable shoes with a non-slip sole are required and warm layered clothing and waterproof outerwear are recommended as you may be exposed to the elements. Minimum age for participation is 6 years old and children under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian. U.S.C.G. regulations require children under 13 years of age to wear a life vest while aboard the vessel. Alaska State Law requires that participants purchase a one-day fishing license which may be purchased for $20.00 before the start of your excursion. If you land a fish and choose not to release it, you are responsible for processing and shipping the fish home. Shipping is not available outside the continental U.S. The catching of fish and wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.