Alaska Coastal Explorer offers saltwater charter fishing, for halibut, king salmon, and silver salmon from Seward, Alaska.


Top 10 Frequently Asked Questions
Will we catch any fish?
Yes. Well, probably…usually we do…sometimes we miss a limit but we’re mostly successful. We try really hard to ensure customer satisfaction because we want to see you again, want you to be happy and would like you to tell others about us. The captain has many years dedicated to catching fish, both commercially and sports, and uses this knowledge to optimize your chances to catch fish.

What’s the biggest fish I’ve caught?
I had a client land a 274 lbs. halibut in July, 2005. The biggest halibut I caught while sports fishing was 102 lbs. and over 450 lbs. while commercial fishing.

What is the average size of fish caught?
The average sport caught halibut in Alaska is around 23 lbs. Silver salmon range from 5 to 12 lbs. from June through mid July, and from 8 to 19 from July through September.

Where can I get a fishing license?
There are many places where a fishing license can be obtained, depending on where you are coming from. The easiest place in Seward to find one is at the Fish House, a tackle and outfitting store across the street from the boat harbor. You can also purchase fishing licenses on line at www.adfg.state.ak.us.

What do we do with the fish we catch?
With an eye for optimal quality, we bleed and ice the fish immediately upon landing and then fillet them according to your preference. Once ashore we will take the catch to one of several processors to prepare according to your requirements. The options can range from vacuum packing, to blast freezing, to shipping to a specific destination at the time of your choosing. We typically recommend ‘Captain Jacks’ for your convenience.

What kind of fishing tackle do we use?
We utilize some of the finest tackle available, including G Loomis rods for salmon with Shimmano Tekota 600 reels and Lamiglas rods with AVET Pro two speed reels for halibut. We supply all the appropriate bait and tackle.

Is it safe?
Yes. Our first priorities are the safety and comfort of our passengers. The captain has a USCG 100 ton Masters license which ensures that he has passed rigorous standards set by the Coast Guard to ensure that he is competent to perform the duties associated with piloting a vessel and caring for those in his charge.

The Hope, the boat you will be on, is a USCG inspected vessel. This means that every year the Coast Guard performs an inspection to ensure that the boat meets all the safety requirements necessary to safely transport passengers. That Certificate of Inspection (COI) is then posted on the boat as proof that the boat meets those federal requirements.

Will I get seasick?
Most people don’t get seasick, however, even gentle swells will sometimes cause a person to succumb to this age-old malady. If you think you might be susceptible to seasickness, the best option for treatment is preventative, in that you should take an over-the-counter (or prescribed) medication at least an hour prior to departure. The medication that usually has the best results is Bonnine, however you should consult with your physician to determine what might be best for you.

What should I bring?

  • Fishing license
  • Food and beverages
  • Rain gear and boots or shoes that can get wet
  • Clothes that can be layered
  • Camera
  • Sunscreen
  • Motion sickness medication – recommend Bonnine if necessary (most medicines require taking prior to departure)
  • We provide all the tackle but you are welcome to bring your own

Do I tip?
Tipping is not required, but is appreciated. Part of the deck hand's salary is derived from tips received.