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October 2023 by Justin Stolpman
We used Baranof fishing excursions last year while on a cruise. When returning again to Ketchikan this year, we knew we wanted to go again. We were met early at the top of the gangway of our cruise ship by Josh and a shuttle. If you are docked at a farther pier/berth or the weather is rainy, they will bring a shuttle van for you which is nice. We drove over to the Salmon landing pier to get ready to go. Josh offered us any gear we would need, but we came dressed in waterproof shoes/boots, layers, rain jackets, and gloves. Remember to bring $15 cash for the Alaska fishing license. We chatted with the other folks who were super friendly and welcoming as we waited for our fishing license to be processed. They already had the boat all outfitted and ready to go so we got on our way! We visited in mid September, therefore the Coho Salmon/Silver Salmon were running at the time. We went North for about 30-45 minutes. We used a couple different strategies. Josh was very friendly and helpful, telling us about the area, the fish, and the different strategies and skills to reel in our salmon. First we looked for bait balls and casted down and reeled up. We caught many this way and even caught one on the first cast! We did this until we were out of bait and then we switched to trolling. Josh got us all set up again and we boated around trolling until one of the lines got a hit. Then we reeled in. We caught Duskee and Spiney rockfish which we had to throw back. We also had to throw back a king salmon that we caught. We also caught 2 pink salmon that Josh would use for bait. We got to keep 6 really large Coho/Silver Salmon. It was so much fun to fight them and reel them in. We had never been salmon fishing before so it was so fun to experience. We did the 5 and a half hour excursion and it was a great amount of time. If you are prone to seasickness, use your remedies such as sea bands and Dramamine since you never know what the weather will be in one singular day. When we went out it was a perfect 55 and not raining, then the wind came in and it got cold, then a short rain squall moved in, then the sun came out and it was 60 beautiful, then it became partly cloudy and back in the 50’s. Therefore there were some calm areas that we fished but also some not so calm areas. Two folks in our party took their remedies the night before and the morning of and fared well. There is also a snack box on the boat that has apples, cookies, smoked salmon dip with crackers, and water bottles. The boat also has an inside cabin part which was nice to take a break, warm up, or get out of the wind/rain. Throughout this excursion we were also able to see bald eagles as well as many whales and whale tails! Very cool! Josh was very flexible and allowed us to kind of plan our day if we wanted, but of course we also used his guidance. Josh was willing to help or be as hands off as needed. We got tangled once and he was able to help. Also when reeling in my whopper he was able to help take over to give my arms a break for a quick second. Allow extra time on the back end to get off the boat and take pictures with your fish! You are able to ship them home, it is based upon what fits in 15 pound boxes at a time, along with a processing fee since they gut it and filet it for you. Know that one box goes for around $200 for shipping home. They try to give you an estimate but you really won’t know the final charge until you see it on your credit card. You are also able to choose the day it overnights to ship home. So just be prepared for that up front if that is something you are interested in. Also, they are partners with the Alaska fish house on the pier which have an amazing halibut fish n chips as a snack after fishing. Overall everyone really enjoyed their time with Josh and Baranof fishing excursions, they are professionals who really know what they are doing. They have everything down pat which makes you feel so much more comfortable. Thank you for two great trips year after year!
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October 2023 by Brett M.
I did the Alaska Fishing & Wilderness Dining excursion with Captain Jonathan in mid-September, and it was the absolute highlight of my two weeks in Alaska. If you do one thing in Alaska, MAKE IT THIS.Our party of 5 was outfitted head to toe, and captain Jonathan was spot on in his explanations, helping a boat full of amateurs understand not only what we were fishing for, but why we were using the equipment we did to do so. The fish were fortunately biting in just the second spot we hit, and we pulled up enough rockfish for lunch just in our first half hour. After about an hour of successfully chasing more rockfish, Jonathan took us for the real fun: trolling for salmon. We had several hits, and pulled in four cohos, ten pounds each at least! Maybe the best part was that Jonathan seemed to be having as much fun with it as we were. He gave great instructions and encouragement, and it couldn't have felt like a more successful day on the water.Lunch was somehow the even better, even in spite of the catches themselves. Captain Jonathan happily took pictures for and with the group, and explained more about our fish as he skillfully filleted them and delivered them to Scott, our chef. The campfires we sat around provided the perfect ambience, and the other captains were all friendly and helpful as well. Jonathan brought lunch to us once it was prepared, and shared stories of his and his wife's adventures as we ate. The food was incredible--Scott cooked our rockfish and salmon perfectly, and paired it with a cioppino base that was absolutely incredible, and followed by an excellent rhubarb-berry crumble. I've literally never had a better-tasting meal anywhere in the world.This was, hands-down, the best experience I had during two weeks in Alaska. I'd recommend it to anyone that doesn't get seasick easily and has no dietary issues with fish.
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September 2023 by Shauna Salem
Had a great time fishing today with Captain Grayson! We caught Halibut, Salmon, and Cod. Highly recommend!
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September 2023 by David Martinez
Great excursion. Caption Devin did it all. Caught silver salmon and a rock fish. Cooked to perfections. Highly recommend!
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August 2023 by Keith C.
Went out today with captain James. He was a great guide who went above and beyond for us. Put us on some great catches. Wonderful hospitality very respectful and most helpful. We caught a variety of fish. It was an awesome day would highly recommend and look forward to coming back again and fishing with him again.
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August 2023 by Brad Patterson
This was an amazing experience.Our cruise ship had the wrong info for what excursion we wanted. But the lady there at Baranof moved us to a charter that we wanted with no hassles.Then our captain (Brant) also went beyond expectations. We had a great time and coughtmany fish. I would highly recommend.
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August 2023 by Anna
Had a great time halibut fishing. Our guide Connor was great and super knowledgeable! Highly recommend!
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August 2023 by Kim Lewis
What a great experience! Captain Ryan new exactly where to take us to catch halibut. We had a great day of fishing, and the day after we got home, our fish arrived. It was packaged extremely well. Would highly recommend this excursion.
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August 2023 by Eric Menard
We went fishing as three couples while on a Princess cruise in the first half of may 2023. We had a great time! We all caught halibut and cod. The ship's Kitchen cooked up part of our catch that day and the guide service shipped the rest of it home for us. Being able to have a successful Alaska fishing trip with my family while in town for one day was truly priceless. I recommend Baranof Fishing Excursions.
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August 2023 by Kip Thompson
My wife and I had a great experience, from the time we were greeted at the dock to stepping off the boat. Captan Dave was an excellent guide, knowledgable of the area, friendly and shared his smile with us all. Dave knew exactly where to go for the best fishing and was very helpful on how to catch the fish. There were 5 us on the boat and all five of us caught our share of salmon and a few rock fish. The cookout after fishing was just as good as the day on the water. The camp was beautiful and our fish was prepared by a great chef, it was the best meal of our Alaskan vacation. Thank you Dave and the rest of our group for a truly memorable day.
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August 2023 by PHYLLIS ARELLANO
WE HAD 4 DAYS OF SALMON FISHING. THE GUIDES WERE SUPER AND PUT US ON FISH RIGHT AWAY. THE SHOR LUNCH EXPERIENCE WAS EXTRAORDINARY--JUST WONDERFUL!
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July 2023 by Samantha Arceneaux
Hands down my favorite tour from any of our Alaska visits! There is just nothing like this. Skip the lumberjack show and experience Alaska the way it's intended. We boarded a small open air skiff with Captain Mary. It's 6 person, and the way the numbers stacked up we ended up with our own boat for our party of 4. They did accept credit card for the fishing licenses. The temperature was a bit chilly for the ride but the jacket, boots, and pants help, just bring gloves, chapstick, and sunglasses. Make sure you wear plenty of sunscreen too, I left mine behind and should have reapplied at some point. On the way out, we spotted eagle and deer. After making our way to the fishing spot for the day, we hadn't even dropped our lines when another boat came over our intercom to announce ORCA! There was a pod swimming right towards us. We had them split up and go on both sides, so we had the absolute best experience watching them unexpectedly. Mary was super patient and kind to my kids, one who is definitely not a fishergal (at ALL) and the other one who literally had the luck with her by catching (not once but twice in a row), 2 rockfish on one line with the double lures. We caught so much rockfish (5 different species), we switched to the more elusive salmon. We didn't have luck with salmon, as it was early in the season and the trolling isn't as involved so we only tried for a bit at the end. Then we headed to the coast where we pulled up for the cook your catch portion. We watched her fillet our fish right on the spot, and it was handed over to the cook who served it on top of a somewhat spicy stew (I was ok but pickier kids might struggle). Fresh bread, chocolate lava cake, plenty of drink options, and an awesome beach area to get a great view and see starfish. Mary was a great Capt and I highly recommend her!
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July 2023 by jessica crain
Captain Conner was great and took us to the best Halibut fishing spot! Our boat caught our Halibut limit within 40min of fishing!
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July 2023 by zheng man
Folks!! Its a great, amazing trip with captain Tim!! Children absolutely loved it!! Real catch and cook adventure, omg! Beautiful day! Highly recommended
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July 2023 by Troy Reed
Captain Jake Smith was amazing! Very professional but not too professional as in we felt like we made a friend by the end of the excursion. My girlfriend and I have sore arms today from reeling in so many fish! We limited out quickly on Halibut so he took us trolling for Salmon where caught more fish! Boat was clean and modern with very nice equipment. The salmon dip and crackers was delicious! Can’t wait for our fish to make it to our home this week. Highly recommend if your looking to catch some fish. We will book again in the future.
