We used Baranof fishing excursions last year while on a cruise. When returning again to Ketchikan this year, we knew we wanted to go again. We were met early at the top of the gangway of our cruise ship by Josh and a shuttle. If you are docked at a farther pier/berth or the weather is rainy, they will bring a shuttle van for you which is nice. We drove over to the Salmon landing pier to get ready to go. Josh offered us any gear we would need, but we came dressed in waterproof shoes/boots, layers, rain jackets, and gloves. Remember to bring $15 cash for the Alaska fishing license. We chatted with the other folks who were super friendly and welcoming as we waited for our fishing license to be processed. They already had the boat all outfitted and ready to go so we got on our way! We visited in mid September, therefore the Coho Salmon/Silver Salmon were running at the time. We went North for about 30-45 minutes. We used a couple different strategies. Josh was very friendly and helpful, telling us about the area, the fish, and the different strategies and skills to reel in our salmon. First we looked for bait balls and casted down and reeled up. We caught many this way and even caught one on the first cast! We did this until we were out of bait and then we switched to trolling. Josh got us all set up again and we boated around trolling until one of the lines got a hit. Then we reeled in. We caught Duskee and Spiney rockfish which we had to throw back. We also had to throw back a king salmon that we caught. We also caught 2 pink salmon that Josh would use for bait. We got to keep 6 really large Coho/Silver Salmon. It was so much fun to fight them and reel them in. We had never been salmon fishing before so it was so fun to experience. We did the 5 and a half hour excursion and it was a great amount of time. If you are prone to seasickness, use your remedies such as sea bands and Dramamine since you never know what the weather will be in one singular day. When we went out it was a perfect 55 and not raining, then the wind came in and it got cold, then a short rain squall moved in, then the sun came out and it was 60 beautiful, then it became partly cloudy and back in the 50’s. Therefore there were some calm areas that we fished but also some not so calm areas. Two folks in our party took their remedies the night before and the morning of and fared well. There is also a snack box on the boat that has apples, cookies, smoked salmon dip with crackers, and water bottles. The boat also has an inside cabin part which was nice to take a break, warm up, or get out of the wind/rain. Throughout this excursion we were also able to see bald eagles as well as many whales and whale tails! Very cool! Josh was very flexible and allowed us to kind of plan our day if we wanted, but of course we also used his guidance. Josh was willing to help or be as hands off as needed. We got tangled once and he was able to help. Also when reeling in my whopper he was able to help take over to give my arms a break for a quick second. Allow extra time on the back end to get off the boat and take pictures with your fish! You are able to ship them home, it is based upon what fits in 15 pound boxes at a time, along with a processing fee since they gut it and filet it for you. Know that one box goes for around $200 for shipping home. They try to give you an estimate but you really won’t know the final charge until you see it on your credit card. You are also able to choose the day it overnights to ship home. So just be prepared for that up front if that is something you are interested in. Also, they are partners with the Alaska fish house on the pier which have an amazing halibut fish n chips as a snack after fishing. Overall everyone really enjoyed their time with Josh and Baranof fishing excursions, they are professionals who really know what they are doing. They have everything down pat which makes you feel so much more comfortable. Thank you for two great trips year after year!