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The Best Halibut Fishing Rigs

How Cruise Guests Catch Huge Halibut in Ketchikan, Alaska

If you’re planning an Alaska cruise and stopping in Ketchikan, you’ve got a rare opportunity: a chance to hook into one of the most exciting fish in the Pacific — the mighty halibut.

Ketchikan is world-famous for halibut fishing, and even with limited time in port, cruise ship guests can experience an authentic Alaskan fishing adventure. The key to success? A well-prepared halibut fishing rig.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how we target halibut on our short, high-impact fishing charters for cruise passengers — and the gear that makes it possible.

Why the Right Halibut Fishing Rig Matters

Halibut are deep-dwelling, bottom-feeding giants. They’re powerful, can grow over 100 pounds, and require specialized rigs to reach and attract them in the cold, nutrient-rich waters just outside Ketchikan.

Our halibut fishing rig setup is tailored for fast action and reliable hookups — perfect for 3- to 5-hour cruise excursion windows.

Our Go-To Halibut Rig Includes:

  • 12 to 32 oz lead weight (adjusted for depth and tide)

  • 1–4 foot 200 lb monofilament or fluorocarbon leader

  • 8/0 to 12/0 circle hook

  • Glow-in-the-dark squid above the hook

  • Natural bait: herring, cod, or salmon belly

We prep everything in advance so you can start fishing minutes after leaving the dock.

Captain Lukas holding a massive halibut with a fishing rig in its mouth.

Three Keys to Catching Halibut on a Ketchikan Cruise Ship Excursion

Whether you’re a seasoned angler or trying fishing for the first time, these fundamentals will give you a real shot at landing halibut on your port day.

1. Get to the Bottom — Fast

Halibut feed near the ocean floor. Your rig must reach the bottom and stay there — even in strong Alaskan currents. Our guides will choose the correct weight so you don’t waste time figuring it out.

2. Use Visual Attractants

We rig every setup with glow-in-the-dark lures or soft squid baits. In 200+ feet of water, visibility drops fast, and halibut are drawn to the subtle glow and movement.

3. Add Scent That Stays

Halibut have an excellent sense of smell. Oily, natural baits like salmon belly or herring are highly effective. We sometimes enhance the bait with synthetic attractants to keep scent in the water longer — especially useful when time is limited.

A massive halibut with a fishing rig in its mouth.

How We Fish the Halibut Rig

Here are the three rig-fishing techniques we may use:

Bounce the Bottom

Jig the rig up and down while keeping it near the seafloor. This stirs up the sediment and gets the attention of nearby fish.

Deadstick

Drop the rig to the bottom and leave it in a holder. This lets the scent and glow do the work while you relax and take in the views.

Suspended Drift

Reel up a few feet from the bottom and let the bait drift mid-water. This is great when halibut are swimming above the ocean floor.

Your guide will coach you on the best approach for that day’s tides and fish behavior.

A guy holding a massive pacific halibut with a fishing rig in the halibut mouth and a fishing pole in his mouth.

Prefer Jigging? We’ve Got You Covered

If you want a more active experience, we offer jigging setups using soft plastics and metal lures. These lures:

  • Imitate wounded baitfish

  • Don’t always require natural bait

  • Attract halibut and cod

  • Work well for guests who enjoy a hands-on approach

We’ll provide the right jig weight based on depth and current (usually 8–20 oz), so you’re never guessing.

Halibut Fishing Charters for Cruise Guests: What to Expect

If you’re on a cruise ship visiting Ketchikan, here’s how your fishing trip works with us:

  • Dockside pickup: We’re located right next to the cruise ship docks (see map)

  • Fast access to fishing grounds: No long travel times

  • Rigs and bait prepped in advance: Maximize your time fishing

  • Top-tier gear: No experience necessary — we’ll coach you

  • Fish processing options: We can help ship your catch home

Our halibut fishing charters are perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers looking for a once-in-a-lifetime Alaskan fishing experience — all within your ship’s schedule.

Book Your Ketchikan Halibut Fishing Excursion

We’ve helped thousands of cruise guests catch their first (or biggest) halibut. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced angler, our guides make sure you’re confident with your halibut fishing rig and ready to go the moment you step aboard.

Book your Ketchikan halibut fishing charter now and make the most of your time in port. Don’t miss your chance to fish Alaska like a local — even if you’re only here for a few hours.

-> Contact us with questions about your Ketchikan Halibut Fishing Charter

-> More FAQs about Ketchikan Halibut Fishing Charters

-> Check out our partner fishing charter company, Ketchikan’s Finest Fishing Charters Halibut Rig setup

A guy holding a huge halibut with a fish hook and a fishing rig in its mouth.