Southeast Alaska offers a mild, though variable, summer climate. Preparing for both rain and sun will make you most comfortable on the water.
What to wear:
The weather in Ketchikan is reliably unreliable. You will want to prepare for the worst and hope for the best. Ketchikan is in a rainforest, and we have record levels of rainfall year round. You want to make sure you have a waterproof coat and a number of layers underneath. If the weather cooperates and it is in the 70s in mid-July, you will be comfortable in jeans and a t-shirt. If it’s raining and blowing, you will be happy you packed the extra sweater. We strongly encourage folks to avoid wearing cotton while aboard the charter. When wet, cotton retains moisture, making the wearer cold. Instead, we suggest wool or synthetic layers like polypro, fleece, or capilene, which wick moisture away and retain heat even when wet. Because our weather can vary from hour to hour, it is best to be prepared for most any condition. Be prepared for the worst and hope for the best. We have an enclosed cabin, so you will always have shelter and protection from the elements.
What to bring:
Typically, water, soda, and a snack will be provided while aboard along with all the fishing gear. We will also have spare rain gear for our guests when needed. Our boat has a private marine toilet for your comfort and an enclosed cabin. You are welcome to bring your own food and drinks and/or booze. For the half day trips, you will want to make sure you eat before heading out. You can certainly bring snacks and/or a sandwich with you. For the full day trip a sack lunch is a good idea to supplement the snacks provided.
Outside of these few supplies and appropriate layers, the only other important item is a positive attitude. We are in fact “fishing,” and while Captain Jos is one of the best, landing a salmon is never guaranteed as the fish can be elusive. It is possible that you hit the water for a four hour trip and fail to land a keeper salmon. While uncommon, there are a few intervals throughout the summer between runs, and the exact timing of a salmon run is unpredictable. During these limited windows the bite can slow to a crawl. In these instances you will see Captain Jos changing leaders, bait, flashers, depths, etc. or opt to fish for other more prevalent species.