I'm going on a charter next Thursday.Having never been on a chartered salmon trip,what should I expect? My step-dad booked the trip,and not being much of a fisherman he didn't ask any questions. How far out do you typically run? How big are the Kings running this time of year? Do charters have decent gear? Is it worth taking my own rod and reel?

Thanks.

Early in the season, the boats will scatter.......some staying in closer, some going out farther searching for fish. Usually, the fish are farther out (15-20 miles) early in the season. Size of kings will vary but nice ones (30 plus) are caught. They will average a bigger size as the summer progresses. The gear they use is adequate but not high end stuff as that would be cost-prohibitive with the maintenance required and high volume of people they deal with. You are always welcome to bring your own gear if you wish. I have never heard of an office having a problem with that. Do be aware though that if you do rent their gear it's an extra 5-10 dollars for the price of the trip............at least it used to be.

If you still have questions, I'd call the charter office. They are glad to give info. about the trip.

Hope that helps.

What charter boat?

If it is anything like last year expect it to be like a floating bluecreek. Fish on every 5 seconds sometimes half the boat will have a fish on at the same time. watch the deck hands they might have the craziest job you've ever seen. They definitly deserve every tip they get.

Have fun on the charters, they are fun some times.

Rule #1. Get as close as you can to the little old lady in the pink rainsuit out on her first trip ever. She will usually catch the most fish, and if you are next to her, you will likely get a few of her sloppy seconds.

Rule #2. ALWAYS, I mean ALWAYS BUY A DERBY TICKET. I don't know how many times I've seen folks head out without one and catch the biggest fish of the day. I have won two different days, but would have been beaten by bigger fish caught if they had only spent the $5.

Rule #3. Bring your own gear. You can use your own gear, using a light rod rated 3 or 4, and have a blast. You can always borrow a boat rod if your rod has issues.

Rule#4. Get to the boat two hours before launch time and bring a dishtowel. Find the rodholder claimed by the little old lady in the pink rainsuit and claim the next one by tying your dish towel/mung rag through the rod holder. (The little old lady in the pink rainsuit will usually secure a doilie or frilly dish towel to hers)

Rule #5. The little old lady in the pink rainsuit may try to fool you by wearing her baby blue or easter egg yellow rainsuit. You can tell who she is when she quietly says, "Ummmm, Ummmmmmmmm, Ummmmmmmmmmmmmm, There's something wrong with my fishing rod!" as the first 25 pound king of the day hits her rod.

Rule #6. Have fun!

Which charter are you guys going out on? Boat?

Andy

Bring your own rod! And also leaders for that matter. And weights. It's great fun and you'll have a super day.

Bring Dramamine, and take before breakfast. I was out last year and 6 of the 7 on board were involved a pukefest to end all. I've fished here for 35 years and never been seasick. I was sick for 9 hours. The second we crossed the bar coming back I was fine. My buddy was the 1 person that took dramamine. He limited the boat, drinking beer and laughing his arse off. He's a guide in Ketchikan and said he'd never seen hotter fishing anywhere. Coho Charters, ask for Russ. He runs the smaller boat so you don't have to fight the big crowd.