PREMIER ALASKA CHARTER FISHING FOR SALMON, HALIBUT, & MORE
Discover world-class Alaska charter fishing in Sitka. Cast Alaska offers guided salmon and halibut fishing trips, targeting king salmon, halibut, and more. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a first-timer, our expert crew delivers unforgettable fishing experiences on Alaska’s scenic waters.
OUR FISHING TECHNIQUE
There are three styles of fishing you can expect to learn from your guide: mooching for salmon, bottom-fishing for halibut, and jigging/mooching for rockfish and lingcod.
SALMON MOOCHING
Mooching is a fishing technique where each angler uses their own rod to vertically work bait through the water to attract salmon, without a big hook-set required.
HALIBUT FISHING
We set anchor on the outer coast at depths of 200 to 700 ft deep. We use heavy-tackle, larger hooks and stinky-bait to target halibut on the ocean-floor.
ROCKFISH / LINGCOD JIGGING
We look for rocky bottoms on our depth-finder to target rockfish and ling cod. We make this style of fishing more "sporty" by using light tackle and unique jigs.
WHAT TO EXPECT FISHING
Our charter fishing fleet in Sitka, Alaska, is a great choice for both novice and experienced anglers. We use the exciting “mooching” method, which allows each angler to hook their own salmon. Unlike other techniques, every angler will have their own rod, allowing you to catch your own fish while others do the same! Our knowledgeable guides have extensive experience in the local fishing grounds and use Garmin depth finders to locate schools of bait fish. Once we find an area with favorable fishing conditions, we'll set a drift that lets you work your line vertically through the bait to attract feeding salmon. After setting the drift, your captain will recommend a depth to fish at, and you'll use your Shimano depth-counting reel to drop your line to that depth.
Mooching can take a bit of time to get the hang of, but it's definitely worth it once you learn to recognize the subtle and thrilling salmon bite. As you're dropping, you'll feel for a bite. Once you're at the recommended depth, you'll begin reeling in to make your bait spin in the water and attract fish. When you feel a bite, there is no need for a big hook-set; just start cranking to reel the fish in. Our crew will help you navigate other lines on the boat while the other anglers continue fishing for even more fish.
Throughout the day, your captain will determine an appropriate time to switch species and fish for halibut and/or rockfish, considering the amount of fish that has already been caught, the ocean conditions, and your input. Scent and location matter most for halibut. To fish for halibut, we'll drive to the outer coast and anchor. Once the bait hits the bottom, the smell begins to attract halibut, and it becomes a waiting game. Generally, once one halibut starts to come into the scent, more will follow. Once we've caught halibut, we'll determine the next plan based on the time of day.
We like to say that once you've fished in Sitka, you've been spoiled for life, because there are no other fishing grounds that can match Sitka's abundance and beauty. So whether you're a seasoned angler or a first-timer, join us at our charter fishing lodge in Sitka for an unforgettable fishing adventure!
MEET OUR GUIDES
Captain Mike
Owner/Captain
Mike is a veteran of the seas. As owner and operator of Cast Alaska Charters and Lodge, he is incredibly hands-on in all aspects of the business. A killer captain, who ensures his crew gives the same experience he does on and off his boat.
Captain Mac
Captain of Aquacolt
Born and raised in Sitka, I’ve always been a huge fan of the outdoors. Over the years, I’ve played, worked, and explored all across Southeast Alaska. From commercial fishing to running charters, I've spent lots of my time on the water. What I enjoy most about my job is sharing the incredible marine ecosystem I’m lucky enough to call my backyard, giving others a glimpse into the wild beauty I’ve been spoiled with my whole life.
Captain Jack
Captain of Aquacat
I’ve called Sitka my home since I was three, but along the way, I’ve also lived in Tennessee and attended college in Washington. My favorite part of my job is being on the ocean and sharing the outdoors with others, giving them a glimpse into the lifestyle that many of my friends and family get to experience every day. Whether it’s helping someone land a once-in-a-lifetime fish or watching their awe as they see a pod of orcas for the first time, those moments never get old. I’ve been working seasonally since I was sixteen. After college, I moved to Jackson Hole, WY, where I spend my winter seasons skiing and working at a ski shop, and my summers back on the ocean working for CAST.
Captain Mike Svenson
Captain of the Legasea
I was born and raised in Sitka, born into a commercial fishing family and fished my whole life. Bought multiple permits for commercial fishing starting at the age of 14. I love making the transition from commercial to chartering and showing people what Alaska has to offer and being able to socialize with clients! I was fortunate to marry Christine, the daughter of Vonnie, who started the lodge, and I’m looking forward to being apart of the Cast Alaska team!
Captain Chatham
Captain of Andrea Grace
Captain Chatham's Bio Coming Soon!
Hunter
Deckhand of The Legasea
I love seeking the next adventure. I enjoy working with people and sharing the great outdoors with people that enjoy it, like myself. I do what i do because i love teaching and seeing the excitement in peoples faces when learn how to fish and become successful in their fishing. My favorite fish to target is Kings down south of Sitka and gaff (Big Dog) halibut. What I really enjoy the most is getting people on board that don’t know how to fish and are unsure of their fishing skills and then coaching them along their trip to see them on gradually gain confidence and success.
Tanner
Deckhand Aquacat
I'm all about connecting with nature and sharing those experiences through fishing. I love the thrill of reeling in a big catch, especially when I'm out in the quiet of the early morning. Mooching for King salmon is my favorite; there's nothing like the fight they put up! It's not just about the fish; it's about the peace and the stories shared with friends.
THE FLEET
Our fleet is specially designed for fishing in the challenging conditions of the North Pacific. We have 3 custom-built Allen Marine boats, each measuring 32.5 feet by 9.5 feet, that are powered by twin Honda 250s on the AquaColt and AquaCat, while the Legasea is powered by a Volvo Penta diesel 380HP dual prop engine. With our powerful engines and custom design, our boats can cut through the waves with ease, allowing you to reach even the most remote fishing spots.
Our boats are designed with full walk-around decks, allowing you to move around freely and follow your fish as you reel them in. Additionally, we understand the importance of comfort during your fishing trip, which is why our boats are equipped with heated cabins to keep you warm and cozy between drifts.
We also have high-end Garmin electronics, including fish finders, radar, GPS, and VHF radios, to help us locate the best fishing spots and communicate with our team. With our top-of-the-line equipment and custom design, our fleet is the perfect choice for your next fishing adventure in the North Pacific.
AQUACAT
AQUACOLT
LEGASEA
ANDREA GRACE
GEAR WE TRUST
TACKLE
Salmon rods: G.loomis 8’6” to 9’
Salmon reels: Shimano Tekota line counter reels
Salmon line: high viz 30lb main line
Salmon leaders/hooks: 40-50lb 6'-8’ leader with 2 Gamakatsu hooks
Halibut rods: Shimano, Cousins, and Lamiglas halibut rods
Halibut reels: Large Shimano Tekotas, Penn reels, Diawa electric reels
Halibut line: 100lb high viz braid
Halibut leaders: 200lb
Halibut hooks: Circle hooks and jigs
Note: We catch a variety of different species on each setup. Feel free to bring your own light tackle to fish for black bass. Fly rods are always welcome and can be fun to land a rockfish or a nice ling on a 7-10wt rod.
