Seattle is the jumping off point for people coming to Sitka from the lower 48 and Alaska Airlines is the only carrier. We recommend flying non-stop if possible. One-stop flights via Ketchikan or Juneau are the second choice. Pick the flights that work for your timing. Regardless of when you arrive, a smiling face with an Angling Unlimited sign will greet you as you walk into the terminal.
Arrival: As you step off the plane, the AU hostesses will be there to welcome you to Sitka!
At the airport we’ll help you claim checked baggage, then drive you to our suites and help you settle in. We’ll also fill out your fishing licenses, provide you with the daily schedule, lay out the itinerary for your trip (again, you’ll already have gotten this when you book), and generally orient you to our suites and Sitka. Groups of four will get a car for their exclusive use. Groups of less than four will share a car with other groups of less than four.
Lodging: Depending on our schedule with the next groups coming in, you will either spend your last night at our suites or in one of a few very good local hotels. This will all be made clear at the time you book – no surprises. The four hotels we use are: The Westmark www.westmarkhotels.com, Totem Square www.totemsquareinn.com, The Blueberry www.ablueberryinn.com, and the Fly In Fish Inn www.flyinfishinn.com
Departure: On the day you leave, your fish will be boxed and ready for shipping on the airlines. We’ll pick you up a couple hours before flight time, take you to the airport and help you check in for your flight home.
Fishing Days:
The typical fishing day begins with a wake-up call just after 4 AM. Breakfast fixings will be in your suite. At 4:55 a.m., you’ll board our van and take a short ride to our boats. Please be punctual because your fellow anglers will be eager to get on the water. When you arrive at the dock, just before 5 a.m., the boats will be warmed up and ready to depart. Your snacks, beverages, and lunches will be aboard. We depart at 5 a.m. sharp for the 30 to 90 minute trip to the best fishing grounds.
We fish a full day, returning to the dock between 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. In the afternoon, we’ll immediately go to work on vacuum sealing and freezing your catch. You can return to your lodging immediately or stay to watch the fish processing. For dinner, you select from a variety of restaurants in town or you can cook your own catch-of-the-day using your fully equipped kitchen and barbecue grill on the deck.
Our office is in the building with the WaterView Suites. You can go there with any questions, concerns, needs, interest in rebooking, or to buy an assortment of Angling Unlimited clothes and accessories. Or, you can just stop by to visit and let us know how your trip is going.
What to Bring:
Clothing: Bring ample clothes for dressing in layers (gloves are optional). We provide raingear and boots. We strongly suggest that you pack your clothes in carry on bags so you can use your checked baggage allowance for your boxed fish on your return flight. Alaska Airlines – Go to alaskaair.com for their baggage allowances and changes.
Tackle: We furnish you with the finest quality tackle, specifically designed for our style of fishing. We have left-handed reels and Canadian-style single-action reels, too. Still, if you have a favorite rod or reel, feel free to bring it along. Also, if you have some light tackle or fly tackle you’d like to try, we’re happy to see it. It’s your trip.
Packing Ideas: Don’t forget your camera, video camera, sunscreen, a hat and good sunglasses. Despite Southeast Alaska’s reputation for rain, the sun can be quite powerful. Our boats have private toilet facilities and heated cabins with plenty of room for everyone to sit comfortably while underway. The cabins provide a dry and a secure place to store extra clothes, cameras, and video equipment.
Sea Sickness: Nothing can ruin your time on the water more than a case of mal de mar, also known as seasickness. Unless you are 100% certain, like beyond a shadow of a doubt, that you aren’t the slightest bit prone, we suggest you visit your family doctor and get medication. Our experience is that over the counter seasickness medications are of marginal value. Prescription medications, particularly scopolamine, work well.
You can get scopolamine in two forms: Transderm (the patch) or Scopace (pills). The patch has been around a long time and works well. We’re getting some very good feedback on Scopace, too. Always consult your doctor.