Ketchikan, Alaska is the salmon capital of the world! And, what better way to spend your day in port, than by sportfishing with Captain Cable Campbell. We offer 4-hour and 6-hour salmon fishing charters. If you want a longer excursion, we would be happy to customize your fishing trip. Our cruise ship based fishing tour is a wonderful family excursion for all ages!
Choosing the Right Fishing Charter in Ketchikan, Alaska
Planning a fishing trip to Ketchikan? One of the most important choices you’ll make is selecting the right charter—and not all charters are created equal.
While large tour companies and cruise lines often book guests on multi-boat operations, many of these rely on seasonal guides with limited experience fishing in Southeast Alaska. Though friendly and enthusiastic, these guides may lack the deep local knowledge that can make or break a successful day on the water.
In contrast, Ketchikan’s most experienced fishing guides often operate small, independent charters—usually single-boat businesses where the captain is also your guide. These are lifelong fishermen who know the local waters intimately: the tides, the hotspots, and the seasonal fish behavior that only comes with years of experience.
When booking a charter, consider asking:
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How long has the guide been fishing in Ketchikan?
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Is it a locally owned, owner-operated boat?
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How many trips do they personally run each season?
By choosing an experienced local guide, you’re not only supporting small business—you’re also getting a safer, more personal, and more rewarding Alaskan fishing adventure.
Cruise Ship Passengers:
If you’re arriving by cruise ship, please provide your ship’s name, arrival time, and departure time when booking. This allows us to coordinate a pickup location and ensure your fishing trip fits smoothly within your port schedule.
For ships docking in the downtown Ketchikan area, we can provide pickup right near the ship for your convenience. You won’t need to worry about finding transportation—we’ll make it easy to get from ship to shore and out on the water.
After your trip, we can also arrange to have your catch dropped off at a local fish processing facility. They’ll take care of cleaning, freezing, and packaging your fish, and can ship it home after your cruise—perfectly preserved and ready to enjoy.
Support local. Fish with experience. Discover the real Alaska.
- Alaska Fishing License: You will need a sport fishing license and king salmon stamp for the date and time you are fishing. Purchase Fishing License online at: <https://store.adfg.alaska.gov/>.
- Youth Fishing Requirements: Kids under the age of 16 are not required to have a fishing license; however, kids under 16 are required to have a harvest card for logging fish. Harvest Card: https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/static/license/sportlicense/pdf/sf_harvest_record_card.pdf .
Princess Cruise Line
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Disney Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line
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Crystal Cruises
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