Hello fellow Fodorites. I need some advice regarding fishing charters. I live in interior Alaska (just moved here last summer), and my parents are coming out to visit around the second week of August. More than anything, they want to catch some fish - halibut and salmon, particularly. We'd like to take a halibut charter and then fish for salmon on a river, rather than going out on another charter for salmon (to save costs). We will have a car, so transportation isn't a problem. Can anyone recommend a good fishing charter out of Seward? Also, is the river fishing up there "combat fishing," or are there any rivers that aren't quite so busy?

I can't give you any information about the river fishing but I completely enjoyed my charters with Ninilchik Charters out of Seward. The fishing was good and the captain friendly and knowledgable. They have a web site at http://www.ninilchik.com/.

There are plenty of rivers that aren't combat fishing -- you just have to be willing to walk a bit.

While the combat fishing at the confluence of the Russian and Kenai rivers is justifiably legendary, you can at times hike up the Russian or down the Kenai to find more peaceful surroundings. And the combat fishing is concentrated on red salmon and the second run might be over or at least well past its peak by then.

While I know you're trying to saver costs, consider an upper Kenai float trip.

Actually the second week of August is usually prime time for silver salmon in Resurrection Bay -- it's just before the huge salmon derby. You could check at the Fish House in Seward for a charter that offers halibut/salmon combos.

There are plenty of rivers that aren't combat fishing -- you just have to be willing to walk a bit.

While the combat fishing at the confluence of the Russian and Kenai rivers is justifiably legendary, you can at times hike up the Russian or down the Kenai to find more peaceful surroundings. And the combat fishing is concentrated on red salmon and the second run might be over or at least well past its peak by then.

While I know you're trying to save costs, consider an upper Kenai float trip.

Actually the second week of August is usually prime time for silver salmon in Resurrection Bay -- it's just before the huge salmon derby. You could check at the Fish House in Seward for a charter that offers halibut/salmon combos.

Thanks for the good info repete! Sounds like you've been to Seward a time or two? We will definitely keep those things in mind. What do you think of the 1/2 day salmon river fishing tours (run around $135+)? Have you ever known anyone to go on one of those? I'm wondering if that would be worthwhile yet affordable? My Dad is the big fisherman - he went on a very disappointing fishing trip to Wrangell a few years ago where he caught only 1 fish (it was a very soft pink salmon) the entire week he was there. The sad part of the story is that he'd saved for many years to go on that trip. For some reason, he has his heart set on fishing for salmon in a river in Alaska. Thus, that's why we're looking for some cost effective fishing alternatives. Know of any good restaurants in Seward?

Repete recommended Ray's Waterfront Restaurant in Seward to us, and it was excellent. It's right next to the Kenai Fjords boat tours at the small boat harbor.

We thought Homer's views were exceptionally beautiful, and we went on an excellent halibut fishing trip with Capt. Mike. Have you considered taking the folks to Homer?

I've had dinner at Rays a couple of times and was disappointed each time. However, just next door to it, Chinook's Brewhouse, is of the same style and has similar menus but, to me, was much superior to Rays. Both have very nice marina views.

Yes, daph24ne, I kept a boat in Seward for a number of years. Great times!I used to have visitors ask if they could charter with me -- a big no-no, although it would have been nice to have help with the gas.

I think all Seward restaurants can be somewhat hit or miss because they are either dealing with a flood of cruise customers -- or dealing with the ater-effects of thate crush. Everybody's experience varies, but I've found Ray to be the most consistently solid place in town. That said, however, these things can change quickly -- and not just in AK.

As for shore fishing, a lot is determined by the stage of the salmon runs. I took my dad, who had limited mobility, on a half-day float on the upper Kenai. The reds were in and we had a great time.

Even if the reds aren't thick, there should be dollie varden and rainbows in the upper river at that
time. Both are beautiful fish and it's a scenic stretch of river.

You might want to play it by ear on the salmon part of the trip and try to target the best option once you arrive. Check out the Anchorage Daily News fishing report when you arrive and figure out a plan from there -- also, chat up the halibut charter folks -- from the booking people to the deck hands about shore/salmon fishing -- and they'll likely have some good advice.

Best of luck.