By Jennifer Eblin
Fishermen flock to Sitka, Alaska.
Sitka, Alaska, is an area well known to fishermen, especially those interested in fishing for halibut. There are several companies offering private tours of the area and several charters that take groups right onto the water and show them the tricks of the trade. Additionally, visitors and locals have the option of fishing on the water without a guide.
Halibut
Halibut are plentiful in Sitka due to the area's halibut fishery, the largest one in Alaska. This also means halibut are found in Sitka throughout the year and not just during a specific season like in other states. The halibut here range in size from 50 to 150 pounds, which is the average size of the catch. Locals have caught halibut that weighed nearly 400 pounds.
Charters
Charters are available for tourists and locals who prefer working with an expert guide. Sitka Point Lodge & Fishing Charters, Sitka Rose Sport Fishing Charters and A to Z Sport Fishing Charters LLC are among the best. All of the guides are from the area and have experience in fishing the waters in and near Sitka.
Sitka Point Lodge & Fishing Charters
4110 Halibut Pt Rd, Sitka, AK
907-747-7406
Sitka Rose Sport Fishing Charters
800 Pherson St, Sitka, AK
907-747-9373
A to Z Sport Fishing Charters LLC
105 Shelikof Way, Sitka, AK
907-747-3188
Characteristics
The halibut found in Sitka sit near the bottom of the water and only come up for feeding. Fishermen can trick the fish by bouncing their line off the bottom of the water, or by disrupting the surface of the water slightly. It's important to note that the fish can actually camouflage themselves in the water because of their pale gray-and-white color, making it hard for novice fishermen to spot them.
King Salmon
Sitka is also home to a large population of king salmon. The record for catching one of these fish came in Sitka, with the fish weighing just over 90 pounds. Fishermen in the area routinely catch king salmon ranging in size from 25 to 35 pounds. The best way to catch these fish is by trolling the waters and using a jigging line to bring the fish up.
Chinook Salmon
In the summer months, particularly around late June and early July, Chinook salmon are popular catches. The best places to find these fish are in Cape Decision, Point Amelia and Point Mary. They're also found along the coastline, around Salisbury Sound and Biorka. These fish tend to stay close to the shore, though during spawning season they may head further out to sea.
Resources
About the Author:
Jennifer Eblin has been a full-time freelance writer since 2006. Her work has appeared on several websites, including Tool Box Tales and Zonder. Eblin received a master's degree in historic preservation from the Savannah College of Art and Design.
Photo Credits:
fishing pole image by Pix by Marti from
Fotolia.com
