FAQs
What’s provided?
All of our trips include waders, boots as well as all fishing and safety gear needed for a successful day. We use fly fishing gear as well as conventional spin tackle depending on the species of fish we’re targeting.
What do I need to bring?
“The Four L’s” – Lunches, Layers, Licenses and Lenses.
Lunches: Make sure you bring food for the day as well as something to drink to keep you hydrated. Adult beverages are allowed as long as they are not in glass bottles.
Layers: The waders and boots will keep you dry and insulated even if we are just fishing from the boat. You will still want to layer up underneath them as well as have plenty of layers on top including a good rain jacket. Even if the weather says it is supposed to be warm, prepare for cooler temperatures — the glacier fed rivers we fish cool the air around it making it much colder on the water. We can always take extra layers off and will have plenty of room to store them on the boat.
Licenses: Non-residents under the age of 16 do not need a sport fishing license and residents under the age of 18 do not need a sport fishing license. All other adults will need fishing licenses for all days that you will be fishing. Single day, 3 day, and weeklong licenses can be purchased depending on the duration of your trip. King stamps are not required unless you are specifically going on a King Salmon trip. You can purchase your license online at https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/
Lenses: Sunglasses are extremely important to not only see this gorgeous state during our almost 24 hours of daylight in the summer, but also for eye protection when fishing. Even the best angler’s cast can get away from them sometimes!
How do we get our salmon home?
Captain Jack will fillet your fish and send them home with you at the end of the day. From there you will take them to a fish processor to get them frozen and vacuum sealed. Make sure you bring a cooler to transport your fish from the boat to a processor.
You can talk with the processor about shipping them to your house once you arrive back home or you can check them via a fish box as an extra bag on your flight (this is the more popular and cost effective option). These insulated cooler boxes will keep your fish frozen up to 72 hours.
How many people can fish at a time?
We fish up to 4 people in the boat at a time, but for serious anglers looking to chase big fish private boats with 2-3 people are suggested.
What if we have more than 4 fishermen in our group?
Captain Jack is partnered with other amazing guides on the Kenai, and multiple boats can be booked for bigger groups.
What time do we leave?
For Sockeye Salmon trips you can expect to be at the boat no later than 4:00am. (if limits are priority)
For Silver Salmon Trips you can expect to be at the boat anywhere from 5:00am-7am (if limits are priority)
For Rainbow Trout trips you can expect to be at the boat anywhere from 6:00am to 8:30am depending on the time of year
Where do we meet?
There are a variety of different boat launches where you could be meeting your guide. These launches are found in the towns of Cooper Landing, Sterling, and Kasilof. The majority of the time you’ll be meeting at Bing’s Landing in Sterling. Captain Jack will call you before the trip date and make sure exact time and meeting place are confirmed and drop you a pin on your phone that will have directions via google maps to the boat launch.
How much prior experience is needed?
None! We tailor each trip to the goals and experience-level of every group. Captain Jack loves teaching people new to the sport how to fish as well as taking more experienced anglers out for a new challenge.
What if I’m an experienced angler?
For experienced anglers, be ready to fish hard. Captain Jack loves nothing more than a hunt for trophy Rainbow Trout and Salmon. He will want to get you out early and suggest a private boat with no more than 3 people to give you ample casting space. Private boats also give Captain Jack the ability to tailor the trip to exactly what you want out of it. He is ready to give you the best opportunity to dance with a Kenai giant.
How much does it cost?
Our rates differ for full day vs half day and seat vs. private boat.
For full day trips:
Full Day Per Seat - $300
Full Day Private Boat 2ppl - $1000
Full Day Private Boat 3ppl - $1050
For half day trips:
1/2 Day Per Seat - $200
1/2 Day Private Boat - $600
1/2 Day Private Boat 3ppl - $650