Beginner’s Guide: What to Expect

Keeping It Simple

We structure your Angling Unlimited Journey to be a simple and seamless process.

  • Book your trip with us
  • Book your air travel
  • Once you deplane in Sitka we have you covered until you board your flight home

Arrival to AU Lodge

  • When you arrive at the Angling Unlimited lodging, we’ll direct you to your suite where your hostess check you in. This includes signing licenses and assuring that the AU provided rain gear fits.
  • Next, your hostess will take you through the Angling Unlimited binder, which includes restaurant recommendations, fishing regulations, FAQs, and additional Sitka information.
  • Your hostess will confirm where you are staying your last night.
  • You’ll be assigned a vehicle for the duration of your stay.
  • After check-in, feel free to drive a short 5 miles into town and explore.
  • Later that afternoon, you can join our brief welcome party with beverages provided.
    • Details of your fishing day
    • Hot off the dock fishing report and weather outlook
    • Current fishing regulations and opportunities
    • Ask any questions that come up
  • The rest of the evening is yours to enjoy!

Fishing Days

  • Wake-up knock at 4:00 a.m.
  • Shuttling to the dock begins at 4:45 a.m.
  • At the dock, we’ll walk you down the ramp and lead you to your boat for the day.
  • Boats typically return to the dock between 2:30-3:00 p.m.
  • Our land staff greets you at the boat and leads you up the ramp to your shuttle.
  • If you want fish set aside to cook for dinner, let us know at this time.
  • Shuttle you back to the lodge and drop off at your suite.
  • The evenings are yours to enjoy!

Pavilion Party

AU hosts a party at our pavilion – typically after the second day of fishing. You’ll get a chance to hang out with your fishing crew, meet all the AU staff and leadership, swap fishing stories and mingle with other guests. This includes dinner and drinks.

Last Day Fishing

  • Same itinerary as your other fishing days until you hit the dock.
  • If you’re spending your last night at Aspen Suites:
    • Please have your bags packed before fishing. Our team will deliver them to the hotel while you’re on the water.
    • After fishing, our hostesses will shuttle you back to the lodge. You’ll shed your rain gear and boots at our office where your shoes will await.
    • Turn in the keys to your car if not left in suite.
    • We’ll confirm your departure-day shuttle pick-up time.
  • If you’re last night is with AU lodging:
    • We’ll drop you at your suite and ask that you leave your rain gear out for us to collect.
    • We’ll confirm your departure-day shuttle time.
  • On your evening prior to departure, expect a phone call or text from our fish processing team. They’ll provide your box weight and how many checked bags you’ll need for the flight home.

Departure Day

  • Departure day-timing depends on your flight. Shuttle times are set to ensure there’s plenty of time to check your fish boxes for your flight. It may feel early, but we’ve learned early works best at Sitka’s airport.
  • If you are staying at the lodge and on an afternoon flight you may be asked to check-out of your suite early. You will still have access to your car until shuttle time.
  • Our hostesses will either pick you up from the lodge or the hotel. Please check-in for your flight before the shuttle – airport cell service can be limited, and you’ll need your boarding pass to check your fish boxes.
  • At the airport, our processing team will help you secure luggage tags for your fish boxes, then tag and send your boxes through TSA.
  • After your fish boxes are tagged and checked, you’re free to go through security or grab a bite at The Nugget Restaurant.

Tips, Tricks, and Pointers

  • Share Your Goals: If you have a specific species you’re hoping for, let our captains know. Captains will prioritize target species and will also advise if conditions make something unsafe that day.
  • Seasickness: Unless you’re 100% certain you don’t get seasickness, bring medication – it works.
    • Scopolamine – marketed as the Transderm Patch – has been around for decades. It works quite well for many of our guests. You need a prescription, so consult your doctor.
    • Coast Guard Cocktail” – 25 mg of promethazine paired with 25 mg of ephedrine. The ephedrine has become extremely hard to get. Replacing ephedrine with Sudafed seems to work well for some.
    • New to the market, Tradipitant is the first FDA approved for seasickness in 4 decades. We have no experience with it at AU, but we’ll run a few trials of our own this summer. We’re hoping it provides another excellent option for helping you enjoy time on the water – even those rough days.
    • Some guests do well with over-the-counter options – Gravol, Dramamine, Bonine. The opinion at AU is Gravol is the best of them.
  • Packing: Sitka weather can change quickly, so plan for layers. Some “can’t fish without” items: sunscreen, hats (baseball cap & beanie), sunglasses, gloves, and warm layers. We recommend packing as much as possible in your carry-on so you have room to check fish boxes on the way home.
  • Rain Gear: Sitka is known for rainy days. We provide high-quality rain gear and boots to help keep you dry. Rain gear sizes range from Youth XS to Adult 5XL. Boots are available in youth, ladies, and men’s sizes up to a mens 15, with multiple brands to accommodate different widths. If you’re rain gear or boots don’t fit comfortably, let us know and we’ll swap them out.
  • Gear & Tackle: Angling Unlimited has all the gear and tackle you’ll need, including left hand reels, single-action reels, electric reels, jigging rods, and some light tackle. If you have a rod or reel you’d like to try, feel free to bring it.
  • Meals: Upon arrival, your suite will be stocked with breakfast items (breakfast is on your own in your suite). Items will be restocked daily while you’re fishing. You’re welcome to bring your own snacks and drinks onboard – please leave any glass in your suite.
  • Travel Delay: If your travel plans change, call our office at (907) 738-4746 and we’ll adjust your pick-up time.

New 2026 Crew

We are officially 12 days from kicking off our 2026 season, and the excitement is already building. Before we hit the water, we are excited to introduce the newest members of our crew. This season brings a mix of fresh talent and new perspectives, both on the water and at the lodge. Take a look and get to know the new faces joining us for the 2026 season!

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