hayjax

My husband loves to fish for halibut. We will be spending some days in Valdez, sightseeing, boat tours and fishing. I am wondering which is better for halibut, Valdez or Whittier? I have alotted two days in Valdez and two days alotted for Whittier both for halibut fishing. I know Valdez has better accomodations, etc but these are his days to get the halibut and I want him to be as successful as possible. He will fish for lingcod, etc but isn't interested in salmon. Does anyone have the scoop on which is a better port to go out of for halibut? Your help is greatly appreciated. We want to make the best of each day in Alaska.

Patriot_Express

Mrs. Hayjax,

Valdez and Whittier both offer great halibut fishing in Prince William Sound and outside the Sound in the Gulf of Alaska. Rarely do either charters fish the same waters due to the proximity of either fishing port. Most Valdez charters consider their halibut charters long range and usually venture to the Gulf of Alaska and can produce really good results in quality and quantity halibut. On the other hand, most Whittier charters remain within the protected calm waters of Prince William Sound with mirror like results of their Valdez counterparts. Valdez and Whittier also do very well with lingcod. Some charters in Valdez require an overnight stay aboard their vessel due to the distance they travel for halibut. On the other hand, all Whittier halibut charters are accomplished within a day of fishing.

Here are some pointers when inquiring to a fishing charter in Valdez or Whittier:
Will the charter operator target more than one species of fish for the same price? (the price of fishing for lingcod the same as fishing for halibut during the same trip?)
What is the travel distance? (not miles, but rather how much time is involved before you actually start to fish).
Where do you fish? Gulf of Alaska? (because if you are susceptible to sea sickness, the Gulf waters can be rougher than Prince William Sound).
Minimum number of people required to book a charter? (most charters require a minimum of four, some charter operators require more people depending on the size of their boat).

Regards,
Whittier Charter Operator