In spite of the average decline in kings the past 8 years statewide. There have been some bright spots and some eye opening regulations the past 2 seasons. 2020 started our normal with a 1 king a day limit for residents and non Alaska residents. However by July the fish and game had raised the limit from 1 a day for residents too 2 and then 3 and by end of July it got to 5 per day for resident fishermen while opening up the Non resident annual limit back up to 4 a year. Due to angler participation down due to the pandemic. For ME personally …THIS was go time and I made good use of the opportunity late July to have some fun with friends locally and put some kings away for the year ahead.

Looking in to 2021 there was noted increase for the king limits and this was partially Covid -19 related due to lack of anglers last year catching normal annual allocations. Thus increasing the supplies left to roll forward in last season as well as 2021.

In short the limit will be 3 a day no annual limit for residents and 1 a day with 4 annual limit for NON Residents. That is outstanding and presents great opportunity for visitors and locals alike to significantly increase both fun and food for the time and efforts on the water.

See Official Statement Below

Click Here

Click Here for Official Document

Yakutat has the Highest average per charter boat landing for years already.

“Because we are moving past a period of low numbers of fish recruitment from 2006 through 2010, Stewart said stock declines are projected over the next several years. But there are some encouraging signs –

Trends seen in the survey on both coast wide halibut weights and catches ticked upwards by 6 percent.

That’s based on what was pulled up per units of effort, meaning a standard “skate” of gear that is 1,800 feet long bearing 100 hooks.

Total weights in the Central Gulf were up 24% – but other Alaska regions didn’t fare so well.

Weights per unit were down 5% in Southeast and down 6% in the Western Gulf. They were a mixed bag of small 2% to 3% changes along the Aleutians, but weights increased by 8% in the Bering Sea.”}

This data shows a decline in weights in SOUTHEAST Alaska areas such as Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan, Hoonah, Craig etc..ALL of the lower panhandle down 5%. Also the western Gulf witch is generally Homer,Seward, Whittier, Valdez, Kodiak, All  Central fishing ports seeing a 6% average weight drops. This is over a large testing procedure that shows THOUSANDS of landed halibut and the results.

So IF you still wondering where to go for you best chance at larger halibut and easy access to the CENTRAL GULF fishing area,

you should consider Yakutat Alaska as your best bet when it comes to Ocean Charter Fishing.

Scott Chadwick
YakutatCharters.com