Beginners Fishing for a few hours - any recommendations?

[Hitchens97]

Looking for somewhere where we could do some casual fishing (we're beginners) either en route to Denali, in the Anchorage area, or on our stop in Juneau.

 

We are a family with 12 and 16 year old boys. Don't want any fancy big day trips or need a plane to get there sort of thing.

 

Any recs greatly appreciated.

[karatemom2]

When are you going on your cruise? Timing makes a big difference in terms of the salmon being around. If you are traveling after mid-July you will likely be there when the salmon are running and you can do some casual fishing off the Creek Street bridge or docks in Ketchikan or on the dock by the Salmon Hatchery in Juneau. We bring our own gear, but there are places where you can rent poles, lures, and buy fishing license for the day. Your 12 year old will not need a fishing license, but 16 and up they are required. We usually just wait and purchase them online day of fishing so we don't pay in advance and end up not needing them. At both locations there are generally locals fishing who are more than happy to help and give you advice - last year my daughter landed a big salmon at the hatchery in Juneau and while my husband helped her reel it in, one of the locals fishing there stood by with his net to help grab it out of the water. Everyone was cheering her on - it was really nice.

 

If you want to do a more formal trip, there are small boat fishing charters out of almost every port and they are great for beginners because the captain and crew member will take you to the fishing spots, provide gear, licenses and instruction which might be the easiest route if you are new to fishing. But it is very pricey - for a family of 4 it will cost over $1000 for a half day of fishing. So just be sure to do your research before spending that much for an excursion.

[Suzanne123]

Fun and low cost for beginners in Juneau.

https://chumfun.com/

[Hitchens97]

23 hours ago, Suzanne123 said:

Fun and low cost for beginners in Juneau.

https://chumfun.com/

Thanks that might just fit the bill!

[HS2BS]

In Anchorage, look up the Bait Shack, right in town.