If you want to take home a trophy King Salmon or find yourself on some of the most secretive fishing waters in Alaska, you're better off hiring the services of Alaska fishing charters or guides. Because an experienced charter company knows the waters, the fish migration and the best locations, you're often better off with a guided experience. So, if you're looking for a charter company in Alaska, keep reading for a list of award-winning Alaskan fishing charter companies.

Puffin Alaska Fishing Charters in Seward, Alaska

Puffin Fishing Charters focuses on both fishing and incredible natural sights. Their areas include Nuka Bay, Resurrection Bay, the Kenai Fjords National Park, Prince William Sound and the renowned Montague Island.

Puffin is known for fast boats, an experienced crew, high-end equipment and a strong level of customer service. Their focus is sport fishing, particularly salmon, lingcod, rockfish and halibut. The company is based in Seward, Alaska and offers both private and group charters.

Alaska NW Charters

Life aboard the Alaskan Caledonia is slightly different than your typical fishing charter boat. It's a luxury yacht that can sleep 8. Private groups are treated to chef-prepared 5-star meals, a personal fishing guide, an on-board naturalist, an accommodating hostess and, of course - their captain. That's a great reason this high-end company was recently featured in National Geographic magazine.

One of the biggest misconceptions about a private yacht charter is that it's prohibitively expensive. But, what most travelers don't realize is that the cost of chartering a private yacht, including crew, is typically the same as booking cabins aboard a cruise ship - only you don't have to share with 2000 other passengers or pay extra for off-shore activities.

Saltwater Safari

With affordable rates for most anglers and a strong focus on halibut and salmon deep-sea fishing, Saltwater Safari has built a reputation on experience, quality and value. Their rates range from $200 to $325 for the half day to full day, and they also offer private group bookings.

When calculating your total price, don't forget to add the cost of meals, fishing licenses and fish freezing or processing. Like most Alaska fishing companies, the company does provide filleting, bait and tackle free of charge.

A fishing trip in the Alaskan waters results in thrilling memories for experienced and novice anglers alike. The fish are plentiful, the landscape is breathtaking, and the opportunities for fishing adventures are just about endless. It can serve as a great family time as well, not just for the individual outdoorsman.

When it comes to Alaska fishing charters, you fortunately have hundreds of choices. So, the three companies detailed above simply represent a cross-section of what's available, but there are still many other efficient and affordable choices out there. If you don't use one of those referenced here, look for one that has strong customer testimonials, a solid catch track record of customer satisfaction, and an experienced crew for the chartered trip.