FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT WILL WE CATCH on our chartered fishing trip?
Most of our trips are multi-species trips. You can catch Halibut year-round, as well as Black Rockfish and Yellow-Eye Rockfish. King Salmon are usually in season in May and June, where Silver Salmon are primarily July and August. However, keep in mind that Salmon are on their own schedule and come and go as they please. The months mentioned above are merely typical time frames. Lingcod season opens up July 1st and lasts the rest of the season. Thus, depending on when you come fishing, you can estimate which different species you can go home with.
WHAT DOES THE COST INCLUDE?
The price of the charter fishing trip includes either a full day or half day charter along with your bait, all fishing gear (rods/reels/tackle) and the assistance of the captain and crew. Gratuities for the crew are not included as well as warm gear/rain gear, your fishing license and any food or drink you want to bring on the boat.
WHAT OTHER COSTS WILL WE INCUR?
Aside from your fishing license, parking, food/drink for the trip, and your gratuities for the crew- the other cost incurred will be that of processing and shipping your fish home. J-Dock Seafood Company does a phenomenal job of vacuum packing, sealing, and freezing the fish for around $1.60/pp. The fish is shipped by weight overnight by UPS. Our shipping is guaranteed, so if something happens and the fish doesn’t make it, we can replace that shipment or your money back.
WHAT Should we BRING ON OUR charter FISHING TRIp and what should we PACK FOR THE LODGE?
When preparing for your charter fishing trip, it is always a good idea to check the local Seward weather; however, you should always bring lots of layers because it is normally 5-10 degrees cooler out on the ocean. We always recommend you bring heavy rain gear and boots. If you are traveling lighter and cannot bring rain boots, definitely wear heavier boots or athletic shoes that have a good rubber sole and are waterproof. You never know when it is going to rain around here. Technically, the area is considered a rainforest, so expect rain at some point during your trip! Other than that a good base layer that lays tight against the skin, warm pants, sweatshirt, headgear/hat, gloves if it looks cooler out, and warm socks. Layers are your friend.
DOES THE charter fishing BOAT PROVIDE FOOD, DRINKS, OR WATER?
Our charter fishing vessels are very practical so they can quickly and efficiently get out to the fishing grounds as fast as possible. That being said, there is not very much space to store water, snacks, and food for the boats to sell. Any food, snacks, and drinks you want on the boat will need to be purchased before going out to sea. Alcohol is allowed as long as the persons drinking are 21 and drink responsibly. Please avoid glass bottles.
HOW MUCH SHOULD WE TIP?
Our captains and crew work extremely hard to make sure you have the trip of a lifetime in Alaska. Not only are they up at 4:45 am prepping the boat, chopping bait and getting things ready for you, they also stay on the dock until 8 or 9 pm cleaning, filleting fish, doing oil changes, making sure the electronics are working correct and much more. It is recommended that each angler tip, according to their experience, 20-25 percent on the cost of the trip. The average tip is therefore around $80-$100 each. However, if you were particularly impressed by the level of service you received, you can, of course tip more. Please let our office staff know if you have an unpleasant experience so we can continue to improve the fashion in which we operate business.
WHAT SHOULD WE EXPECT ON THE charter FISHING TRIP?
Your guided fishing trip is going to be a whirlwind ride of majestic mountain scenery, wild animal sightings, action packed fishing, and an experience that will last a lifetime. You will get the opportunity to fish for Halibut. Note that this is a more relaxed, methodical fishing experience since halibut are big scent feeders. You'll need to get your bait in the water, and allow them to catch the scent, however, it is entirely worth the mild pause. Especially since our crews are known for bringing in some of the biggest Halibut that Seward Charter boats produce. Each captain has their own process but you won’t be disappointed with the outcome.
WHAT HAPPENS TO OUR FISH AFTER THE TRIP?
After the fishing trip the captain and crew will bring your fish up to the top of J-Dock where you’ll have the option to hang your fish at our custom hanging station. We can’t always hang fish, depending on the duration of your charter and when you arrive back to the harbor, but please make it known to your captain if you’d like your fish to be hung for pictures. After pictures, the crew marks and filets each individual's fish. The filets are then placed into J-Dock Seafood tubs. From there, you will check your fish in to J-Dock Seafood Company to be vacuum packed, sealed, and frozen, ready to be shipped out or taken on the airplane. We also sell other seafood delicacies in our seafood market that you won’t catch on your day trip including; Sablefish, Alaskan prawns, and the famous King Crab.
DO WE KEEP OUR OWN FISH?
Yes! The crew marks each groups' fish a certain way making sure each group keeps their own fish that they caught on the trip!
WHAT KIND OF TRIPS DO YOU OFFER?
J-Dock Fishing Co. offers full day combo charters, half-day charters, and 3/4 day charters. Our most common trip is the full-day multi-species charter fishing trip. Contact us for more information about our fishing charters!
WHAT KIND OF FISHING LICENSE DO YOU NEED?
The state of Alaska requires all angler’s to purchase an Alaskan Fishing License, which you can find here: http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=license.main They have different options for licenses which include a 1 day, 3 day, 7 day, 14 day and year long for non-residents and also have options for residents. These licenses must be purchased online.
WHAT HAPPENS IF THE WEATHER IS BAD?
Alaska has a very diverse range of weather, and although we wish for each of our customers to experience that perfect Alaskan fishing day, that can't always be the case. Ultimately, it is up to the captain of each vessel to call the trip depending on the weather. That being said, expect some waves and rain on your fishing trip to encourage you to take the precautions necessary to handle the weather. Dramamine or sea sickness medicine is recommended, ginger pills or chew work great as well. If the weather is too foul to leave in the morning you will be refunded for the trip.
ARE THERE BATHROOMs ON THE BOAT?
Yes! All boats have a marine grade flushable toilet.
ARE WE GUARANTEED TO CATCH FISH?
Although we wish we could make this guarantee, it’s called ‘fishing’ not ‘catching’. Our crews work hard to get you some fish and have a very high success rate, but quantity, and specific species are not guaranteed.
what’s your cancellation policy?
Cancellations made 90 DAYS or more before your charter will be given a FULL refund minus a 5% cancellation fee.
Cancellations made 45-89 DAYS before your charter will be given HALF a refund minus a 5% cancellation fee.
Cancellations made within 44 DAYS of the trip will not be authorized a refund unless those spots can be filled. IF those spots are filled, you may receive a refund minus a 5% cancellation fee.
ALL bookings made online will NOT be refunded the online booking fee.
J-Dock Fishing Co. reserves the right for the above cancellation policy due to the very short and limited season in Alaska. Thank you for your understanding!