Chinook Salmon
The “King” of salmon, also known as “Black Mouths,” average 20 to 30-pounds, though it’s not uncommon to catch a 40, 50, or even 60-pounder. For those who love and wish to catch Kings, the best time to come is the first week of June to the end of June. Although Kings are still around until the end of August, their prime time is earlier in the season.
Coho Salmon
Coho salmon, better known as Silver salmon, are an exciting fish to catch, especially when we get a double, a triple, or when everyone on the boat hooks up at once! Silver salmon usually start showing up in the first week of July and average 6 to 8-pounds. By the time August rolls around, Silvers can weigh 8 to 15-pounds each.
Halibut
SouthEast Alaska Fishing Adventures targets halibut using short and light Shimano Trevala rods, combined with a high-speed level wind reel. In our region, the Halibut average from 15 to 70-pounds. It’s not uncommon to reel up a "Barn Door” Halibut ranging from 100 to 300-pounds. Average running time from the dock to Halibut grounds ranges from 30-minutes to an hour.
Ling Cod
LingCod also known as the "Wolf of the Sea" inhabit rocky reefs, pinnacles, and rock piles. Ling's are known for their edacious eating habits. They will eat almost anything; from octopus, black bass, halibut, salmon, and even other lingcod. Lingcod have muscular jaws layered with razor sharp daggers and powerful striking capabilities. Our average size is around 30-pounds, but the big girls may weigh up to 75-pounds.
Yellow Eye
Yellow Eye is also known as “Snapper,” and often inhabit the same rocky reefs and structures. Snappers are available year round. Snapper typically weighs between 10 to 15-pounds, but it’s not uncommon to catch a 30-pounder. Each species provides for unreal table-fare and has a unique, distinct flavor. Snapper has a chewier texture that makes for delicious baked or pan-fried dishes.
Salmon Fishing Techniques
Mooching is a hands-on technique that uses a banana weight with a cut herring. Anglers will drop their line to the bottom of the ocean floor where Kings reside. Once the bait hits the ocean floor, anglers reel up at a moderate rate. Kings will hit the bait towards the bottom and Silvers are suspended at all levels. Mooching is a blast and is utilized best when fish are in large schools and/or concentrated in certain areas.
Trolling off the coastal waters on Prince of Wales Island is very effective. At SouthEast Alaska Adventures we use electric Scotty Downriggers. At the end of the fishing line, we attach a flasher with a hoochie, spoon, or herring. Trolling is enjoyable, relaxing, and a productive technique for catching salmon when the fish are more spread out. This technique gives SouthEast Alaska Adventures a larger advantage over other charter companies on P.O.W., in which may choose to only mooch.