Why Guests Say Our Ketchikan Fishing Charter Was the Best Alaska Cruise Excursion
When it comes to choosing the best Alaska cruise excursion, travelers are turning to the waters of Ketchikan—and the reviews say it all.
At Ketchikan Fishing Company, now proudly operating under our partner company Ketchikan’s Finest Fishing Charters, we’re honored to be called the highlight of guests’ entire cruise experience. Whether it’s families, friend groups, or first-time anglers, our guests consistently tell us the same thing: this was the best part of their trip to Alaska.
But don’t just take our word for it—read their full stories below.
“An Unforgettable Fishing Adventure in Ketchikan”
-Trisa D.
“Our group of 10 booked two charters with Ketchikan’s Finest Fishing Charters and had the time of our lives! We turned the day into a friendly fishing competition and ended up catching over 40 keeper salmon—plenty of bragging rights for everyone!
From the moment we stepped on the boats, the guides were absolutely top-notch—funny, knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about what they do. They kept the energy high, taught us some great techniques, and made sure everyone was having a blast (even the less experienced fishers in our group).
One of the biggest perks was how seamlessly they coordinated with the fish shipping service. We didn’t have to stress about packing or logistics—our salmon were professionally processed and shipped straight to our homes. They took care of everything.
This fishing tour was truly the highlight of our trip to Ketchikan and gave our family memories we’ll never forget. Highly, highly recommend booking with them—you won’t be disappointed!”
“Hands-Down the Highlight of Our Alaska Cruise”
-Scott O.
“We booked a guided fishing trip with Ketchikan’s Finest Fishing Charters and it absolutely lived up to the name. Our guide (and owner), Luke, was outstanding from start to finish—and he brought along his awesome little dog Rudy, which was a hit with the whole family.
After a short 15-minute boat ride, we were on the fish almost immediately. Luke clearly knows the area—he adjusted once throughout the morning and kept us on the bite the entire trip. Despite being on a shortened schedule due to our cruise, we still caught 9 beautiful salmon!
We were a little nervous going in since some of us tend to get seasick, but the water was calm and protected, and the boat stayed relatively close. No issues at all—and we even had a surprise whale sighting (multiple times) which made it extra special.
Luke was patient, helpful, and great with our kids (we have an 11-year-old daughter and 14-year-old son). He made the whole experience easy and enjoyable for the entire family.
Ketchikan ended up being our favorite stop on the cruise, and this fishing trip was the biggest reason why. Can’t recommend Luke and his crew enough. We’ll definitely be back!”
“This Was the Best Trip Ever”
– Raquel Z.
“We did the 5-Hour Combo tour and all 3 of us, ages ranging from 23 to 80 years old, were not only able to each reel in a halibut, but caught plenty of salmon too!
Captain Grayson was the absolute best, and we would come back and do it again. He knew the vibe of the group, and adapted our experience to it… even saw we could handle some bites of a beating salmon heart.
An unforgettable fishing trip memory to last us forever—and plenty of fish to bring home and enjoy.”
“A Seamless, Memorable Day for the Whole Family”
– Shannon M.
“Our family’s salmon fishing adventure with Ketchikan’s Finest Fishing Charters became the standout moment of our Alaskan cruise. From the moment we booked, their team went above and beyond to ensure everything ran smoothly, even when our ship’s itinerary changed and we arrived in Ketchikan several days later. They happily shifted our reservation without any extra fees or hassle.
When we arrived at the dock, Greyson greeted us with a warm welcome, professional expertise, and genuine enthusiasm that set the tone for the entire day. Throughout our outing, he expertly guided us through the ins and outs of salmon fishing. The boat was clean and well-equipped, and every moment on the water felt safe, organized, and, most importantly, a ton of fun.
By the end of the day, we had plenty of fish to ship back home, which they handled that process as well for us. If you’re visiting Ketchikan and want an authentic, top‑notch fishing experience, look no further than Ketchikan’s Finest Fishing Charters. Their professionalism, local expertise, and warm hospitality truly deserve five stars.”
What Makes This the Best Alaska Cruise Excursion?
These reviews aren’t outliers—they reflect the guest experience we aim to deliver every single day.
Why Cruise Guests Love It:
Local guides with deep fishing knowledge
High catch rates, even on tight cruise schedules
Family-friendly charters for all ages
Seamless processing and shipping your fish home from Ketchikan
Bonus wildlife sightings like whales and bald eagles
Plan Your Ketchikan Cruise Stop
If you’re cruising through Alaska and looking for a memorable, locally owned, top-rated experience, our fishing charter just might become the best part of your cruise, too.
Spots fill fast in peak season, especially in August and September. Plan ahead and make your Ketchikan stop one to remember.
Want to read more reviews or leave one of your own?
Visit our Google Business Profile to see why so many guests call this the best Alaska cruise excursion.
Helpful Resources
FAQs for Ketchikan Fishing Company Charters
Yes, especially during peak season (July–September).
- Expert USCG licensed captain/ Alaska Sportfishing guide
- All fishing gear, tackle, and bait (included in combination Wildlife + Fishing Tour)
- Water, soda and snacks
- Coast Guard approved safety equipment
- Enclosed cabin with porta-potty and privacy curtain
- Delivery of catch to fish processor to ship your fish home
Absolutely. The itinerary is designed for cruise ship schedules.
Yes, we work with a licensed processor who handles everything. You can learn more about shipping your fish home from Alaska here.
Layered clothing, non-slip shoes, and a rain jacket! Remember, you can always shed your layers depending on the weather.