FAQ | Wild Strawberry Lodge
What is included in the sportfishing package price?
We offer a complete Alaskan fishing package which includes:
- Transportation to and from the airport as well as transportation around town
- Fishing with an experienced U.S.C.G. licensed Captain and crew
- All quality fishing equipment, tackle and bait
- Full rain gear and boots
- Fishing license
- King salmon stamp
- Hot breakfasts, lunches and hearty evening meals featuring fresh seafood
- Clean and comfortable lodging accommodations with private baths
- Fish cleaning, vacuum packing, freezing and boxing of all your catch
- A seafood and desserts cookbook featuring Lodge favorites
- Wireless Internet
- Guest computers with Internet / Email access
- Free laundry facilities for your convenience
- Genuine Alaskan hospitality
- An enjoyable and memorable Alaskan experience!
Can I stay even if I don’t want to go fishing?
Yes. Our Wild Strawberry Lodge welcomes non-fisher guests along with fishing guests. Ask about non-fishing rates when you call about booking your trip. During the winter months we offer long term room rentals.
Do you provide lodging?
Yes. Our Wild Strawberry Lodge can accommodate 42-48 people at one time. We also have lodging arrangements with local Hotels and Bed & Breakfasts, should our lodge be filled to capacity. Check out our Virtual Tours to get a visual or accommodations.
Where is Sitka?
Sitka is located in Southeast Alaska, and is the hotbed for fantastic ocean-bright salmon and halibut fishing. It is accessible through Alaska Airlines — a 3 hour flight from Seattle, Washington. See About Sitka for more information.
Do you have laundry facilities available?
Yes, we have free laundry facilities on site. The Front House and Cabin each have their own washer and dryer, and the main lodge and suites have laundry rooms available for your use.
What about transportation?
Our friendly staff will provide you with transportation to and from the airport, as well as to local hiking trails, restaurants, stores and tourist attractions, should you desire to go exploring.
Is Sitka on a remote island, or does it have amenities available?
Sitka is a small city of about 8,500 full-time residents, with about 9,000 residents during the summer season. It has grocery stores, restaurants, well stocked liquor stores, gas stations, tourist shops and attractions. You can buy just about anything you need right in Sitka.
What else can I do besides fish while I’m there?
There are numerous hiking trails, small shops, visitor center, and tourist attractions such as the Sheldon Jackson Museum, National Parks, Sitka Sound Science Center, Fortress of the Bear, and the Raptor Center. You can also go kayaking or flightseeing. Other highlights include: the New Archangel Dancers, Sheet’ka Kwaan Naa Kahidi Native Dancers Russian Bishops House, Sitka History Museum, St Michael’s Cathedral, Sitka Lutheran Church, and other Scenic areas and Wildlife viewing opportunities like at Whale Park. Please see About Sitka for more information.
What kind of temperatures can I expect in Sitka?
Temperatures range from 48°F to 70°F during the summer season. The average moderate temperature is 52°F to 58°F. Be prepared both for rain and strong sunshine. Also be aware that weather onshore is not necessarily the same as out on the ocean.
What should I bring with me to Wild Strawberry Lodge?
Pack as lightly as possible, so you can minimize the cost of checked luggage, because your processed catch will be coming home with you on the plane. We recommend traveling to Sitka with a carry-on only. Dress casual and be comfortable. We provide boots and raingear from kid size to adult 4XL. Here is a list of items that you may want to consider:
- Comfortable tennis shoes or hiking boots
- Good thick socks, or wool socks
- Warm jacket with hood
- Stocking cap
- Breathable polypropylene undergarments
- Waterproof gloves
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and lip balm
- Warm layered clothing
- Fleece vest
- Long sleeve T-shirt or sweatshirt
- Seasick medication (if needed)
- Camera
- Hearty appetite
- Sunshine
Are gratuities included in the package price?
Gratuities are not included in the package price. However, tips are welcome and much appreciated. We have no set program for tipping; do what makes you feel comfortable. Depending on service and your personal experience, you may choose to direct certain percentages of your tip to the boat crew and the lodge staff as a whole. As an average guideline, tips range from 15% to 25% of the package price. Tips are usually distributed as follows: 1/3 of the dollar amount to the captain, 1/3 to the deckhand, and 1/3 to be distributed among the lodge staff (which includes housekeepers, all cooks, processors, the client coordinator and assistants). We accept cash, checks, or credit cards for all gratuities, your choice.
What are my options for my arrival night dinner?
Your arrival night dinner is the only meal not included in your package. This gives you the opportunity to experience restaurant dining in Sitka. We will be happy to make a reservation in advance for you at one of the local restaurants or you may decide upon arrival during orientation.
Do you provide raingear?
Yes, full raingear, which includes bib pants, hooded jackets and rubber boots are included for our guests. Bib pants and rain jackets go from size XSmall to size 4XL. Rubber boot sizes go from size 3 to size 17.
How far out on the ocean will we go fishing?
The boat ride from the dock to the fishing grounds takes 35 minutes to 1.5 hours. This depends on weather conditions, where the fish are biting, and what you’re fishing for. Over the course of the day, our experienced captains will bring you to various fishing grounds to provide a variety of fish to be caught.
What do you fish for?
Fishing always depends on open seasons and what fish are biting. But generally we will bring you fishing specifically for Salmon, (both King and Coho) and Halibut. You can also expect to catch Rockfish, Ling Cod, Black Cod (Sable fish), and maybe a crazy Ratfish, Skate, Wolf Eel or Shark!
How long is a typical fishing day?
A typical fishing day starts with a 4:45 a.m. hot breakfast, with the boat leaving the dock at 5:30 a.m. Depending on fishing and weather conditions, you will return to the dock between 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.
What kind rods and reels do you use?
We use the highest quality rods and reels on the market. Our salmon rods include G. Loomis and Lamiglas. We use Custom-wrapped Seeker Blanks for halibut fishing.
Our salmon reels are Shimano Tekota 600LC level wind with Line Counters. For Halibut fishing, we use Avet 30/2-two-speed lever drag halibut reels with 80-100 lb. Spectra Line.
How big are your boats and how many people will be on them?
We have a total of seven vessels in our fleet. All of them can hold six people plus a captain and deckhand. This means more personalized service. Your party may be with another group to maximize boat seats, but if you have a specific request for who is on your boat, we will do our best to accommodate you. See our Vessels page for more information.
Do your boats have bathrooms?
Yes! We have seven 31 foot charter vessels – ALL with a walk-in head and door located at back of cabin. (NOT a porta potty and curtain). See our Vessels page for more information about our boats.
What kind of food options are available on the boat?
You never need to worry about what you’ll eat while out fishing; we pack a fresh cooler and a dry box for each of our boats daily. The cooler contains a variety soft drinks, a number of deli meats, cheeses, dressings and spreads, and sandwich toppings. The dry box contains chips, bread, homemade cookies and treats, three types of crackers, peanut butter and jam, utensils, tea, hot cocoa, cream and sugar. There is also a fresh thermos of coffee and plenty of drinking water on board. The captain and deckhand will prepare fresh deli sandwiches for you, made to order, and will keep you in supply of snacks and refreshments.
Do you provide alcohol?
Wild Strawberry Lodge is not licensed to provide or serve alcohol. However, you may buy your own alcohol at the nearby well-stocked liquor store (with our complimentary shuttle service). You may store your alcohol in our guest refrigerators, and we will provide beer coolers, should you choose to bring it out with you on the boat. We have ice, bottle openers, corkscrews, and wine glasses for your convenience as well.
Do you offer day charters?
If you’d like to fish with us but do not require food or lodging, you might be able to opt for a day charter, on a limited basis availability. Please call 1-800-770-2628 for availability and pricing.
How do I inquire about getting a job working for Alaska Premier Charters?
Visit our Employment page or Contact us to speak with our team to inquire about working here.
Is Cell phone coverage an issue in Sitka, Alaska?
It would be wise to check with your local cell phone provider prior to visiting Sitka to find out if your plan provides you access to cellphone service in Sitka. However, there are spots at the far ends of our road system (all 14.3 miles of it), or out on the ocean, where the terrain will block most reception. This is only a guide for general reference. Individual results may vary.
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