Ready to test your mettle against Alaska's mightiest fish? Our 4-hour afternoon trip in Seward isn't your average charter - it's a hands-on hunt for hard-fighting salmon. We ditch the boats and get up close with the shoreline, where you'll learn to spot and stalk your prey before the real battle begins. This isn't sit-and-wait fishing; it's an active adventure that'll have you scrambling over rocks and reeling in monsters. But fair warning: when a 30-pound king decides to run, you'd better hang on tight!
Forget about lounging on a boat deck. We're talking waders-on, feet-in-the-water action here. Our local guides are masters at reading the water and spotting those telltale flashes of silver. You'll learn to cast with precision, mending your line to get the perfect drift. When a big salmon hits, it's all hands on deck - literally. You might find yourself knee-deep in the surf, rod bent double, trying to turn a fish intent on heading to Japan. It's an adrenaline rush like no other, and even seasoned anglers come away with new respect for these ocean-fresh fighters.
We fish the "combat zone" - that sweet spot where incoming salmon pause before heading upriver. Our methods are a mix of finesse and brute force. You'll toss heavy spoons or drift roe, learning to work your bait through prime holding water. The rocky shoreline can be tricky to navigate, so sturdy boots are a must. Don't be surprised if you end up doing some rock-hopping to follow a hooked fish! We provide all the gear, but if you've got a favorite medium-heavy rod you want to put through its paces, bring it along. Just be prepared - these fish hit hard and don't give up easy.
"In the event that fish are not hitting, for the price we paid... I would have expected a more prepared "guide". We could have bought gear at Walmart and experienced the same thing we experienced with our guide. But don't worry he will still take all your money and not feel bad. The entire experience was sketchy from the moment we started. If I had realized he was just a guy that camps here in the summer, I would not have booked him." - Joe
Chinook Salmon (King Salmon): The heavyweight champs of the Pacific, Kings can top 50 pounds and fight like they've got something to prove. They're in prime shape during our summer runs, packed with ocean-fed muscle and attitude. Hooking one of these bruisers from shore is the ultimate test of skill and tackle. Kings are known for blistering runs and acrobatic leaps - be ready for a workout! Best fishing is typically May through July, but some of the biggest fish show up late in the season.
Pink Salmon: Don't let their smaller size fool you - these "humpies" are pound-for-pound some of the scrappiest fighters you'll tangle with. They show up in huge numbers during even-numbered years, turning the water black with fish. Pinks are perfect for anglers of all skill levels, offering fast action and the chance to really dial in your technique. Their peak run is usually July to August, and they're a blast on light tackle.
Coho Salmon (Silver Salmon): If Kings are bulldozers, Cohos are the acrobats of the salmon world. These chrome-bright rockets are famous for their aerial displays and blistering runs. They're not the biggest salmon, but what they lack in size they make up for in pure fight. Silvers start showing up in August and fish well into September. They're aggressive biters and will smash both lures and flies with abandon. Landing a limit of these beauties will leave your arms aching and your face grinning.
Look, we won't sugarcoat it - this isn't a leisurely boat ride with a guarantee of limits. It's real, raw Alaskan fishing that'll push your skills and reward you with an authentic experience most tourists never see. You might get soaked, you might get skunked, but you'll definitely come away with stories. If you're after picture-perfect scenery and an honest shot at some of the hardest-fighting fish in the world, this is your trip. Spots fill up fast during peak salmon runs, so don't wait. Grab your crew (max 2 anglers) and get ready for a fishing adventure that'll have you hooked on Seward. The salmon are waiting - are you up for the challenge?
June 29, 2025
Chinook salmon, also known as kings, are the giants of the Pacific salmon world. These bruisers can top 30 pounds and put up a serious fight. You'll find them in deeper, cooler waters, often hanging around structure. Late spring through summer is prime time to target kings in Seward. Anglers love 'em for their size, powerful runs, and rich, flavorful meat. To boost your chances, try trolling with cut herring near underwater ledges or drop-offs. Kings can be finicky, so don't be afraid to switch up your presentation if they're not biting. When you hook one, be ready for some arm-burning action – these fish don't give up easy. Nothing beats the rush of battling a big king salmon and bringing it to the boat.
Coho salmon, or silvers, are the acrobats of the salmon world. These mid-sized fish typically run 8-12 pounds and are known for their spectacular leaps and runs. Look for them in calm areas of rivers and estuaries, often hiding under cover. Late summer into fall is prime coho time in Seward. Anglers love targeting silvers for their explosive strikes and aerial displays. They're also excellent table fare with bright orange flesh. To entice a coho, try twitching a jig with a long tail near submerged logs or cut banks. Here's a local tip: on sunny days, coho often hold in shadowy pockets, so focus your casts there. When a silver hits, hold on tight – these fish can turn on a dime and will use every trick to shake the hook.
Pink salmon, or humpies, might be the smallest Pacific salmon, but they make up for it in numbers. These feisty fish usually weigh 3-5 pounds and run in huge schools. You'll find them in shallower coastal waters and estuaries, often right off the beach. August is peak season for pinks in Seward. Anglers dig 'em because they're plentiful and put up a scrappy fight on light tackle. Plus, their mild flavor is great for smoking or grilling. To land a pink, try casting small, bright lures – pink or chartreuse work well. A local trick: when you see them finning near the surface, cast just beyond and retrieve quickly. Pinks are aggressive and will often chase down a fast-moving lure. It's a blast watching them attack your offering in clear water.
In the event that fish are not hitting, for the price we paid... I would have expected a more prepared “guide”. We could have bought gear at Walmart and experienced the same thing we experienced with our guide. But don’t worry he will still take all your money and not feel bad. The entire experience was sketchy from the moment we started. If I had realized he was just a guy that camps here in the summer, I would not have booked him.