By Captain Lukas, Owner & Head Captain, Ketchikan’s Finest Fishing Charters
If you’re planning your first Alaska fishing charter, chances are you’ve wondered about one thing before you’ve even thought about catching a salmon or halibut:
“What if I get seasick?”
It’s one of the most common questions I hear from first-time guests, especially those visiting Ketchikan on an Alaska cruise.
After guiding thousands of fishing trips in the waters surrounding Ketchikan, I can tell you this: most people spend far more time worrying about motion sickness than they ever spend dealing with it. That doesn’t mean it can’t happen. Some people are naturally more sensitive to motion than others, and conditions on the water change from day to day. But with a little preparation—and by working with an experienced captain—you can greatly improve your chances of having a comfortable, enjoyable day on the water.
Here are the same three tips I share with my guests before every charter.
Tip #1: Prepare Before You Step on the Boat
The best way to avoid motion sickness starts before your fishing trip even begins.
If you’ve experienced seasickness before—whether on a boat, cruise ship, or even while riding in a car—it’s worth talking with your healthcare provider before your trip about whether an over-the-counter motion sickness medication like Dramamine is right for you.
The morning of your charter, I also recommend:
- Eat a light meal before boarding.
- Stay hydrated throughout the morning.
- Avoid arriving on an empty stomach.
- Get a good night’s sleep whenever possible.
These simple steps can make a noticeable difference and help you feel your best once we’re on the water.
Tip #2: Keep Your Eyes on the Horizon—and Let Your Captain Help
One of the easiest ways to reduce motion sickness is surprisingly simple.
If you begin feeling uneasy, look toward the horizon instead of staring down at your phone, tying fishing tackle, or looking inside the boat for long periods of time. Giving your eyes a stable point to focus on can often help reduce symptoms before they become more noticeable. Fresh air helps too.
Just as importantly, tell your captain if you’re not feeling well.
Many first-time guests don’t realize that we’re paying attention to more than just where the fish are biting. We’re constantly watching weather conditions, water movement, and how everyone on board is feeling.
Sometimes a small adjustment—changing the boat’s position, moving into more protected water when conditions allow, or simply helping you find a better place to sit—can make a big difference. Our goal isn’t just to help you catch fish. It’s to help everyone on board enjoy the experience.
Tip #3: Focus on the Fishing—Not the Motion
Here’s something I’ve noticed after years of guiding fishing trips in Southeast Alaska… the guests who spend the most time worrying about getting seasick usually forget all about it once the action starts.
One minute they’re asking if the water is always this calm. The next they’re holding a bent fishing rod while everyone else cheers as a salmon makes its first run. Before long they’re spotting humpback whales, watching bald eagles soar overhead, taking in the mountains surrounding the Inside Passage, and creating memories they’ll talk about for years.
That’s the Alaska experience I want every guest to remember. Not the worry they had before leaving the dock.
Why Ketchikan's Waters Are Often Calmer Than Guests Expect
One of the biggest misconceptions about an Alaska fishing charter is that you’ll spend the day in rough, open ocean. In reality, much of our fishing takes place within the protected waterways of Southeast Alaska’s Inside Passage. These channels are naturally sheltered by islands and surrounding land, which often creates calmer conditions than many first-time visitors expect.
While no captain can ever guarantee calm water every day, many guests are pleasantly surprised by how smooth the ride can be. One of my favorite things to hear after a trip is:
“That was way smoother than I expected.”
Knowing we helped replace someone’s anxiety with excitement never gets old.
What Our Guests Say About Motion Sickness
Many guests arrive concerned about seasickness but leave talking about the fishing, wildlife, and scenery instead.
One recent guest shared that both she and her son are prone to motion sickness. Captain Grayson made every effort to keep them in calmer water throughout the trip, allowing them to enjoy catching halibut, seeing bald eagles and Steller sea lions, and taking in the incredible scenery. She later described the experience as one she couldn’t wait to recommend.
Another family encountered rougher conditions, and three of the five people in their group became seasick during the trip. Rather than letting it ruin the experience, Captain Grayson adjusted the boat’s position when possible, continued helping the anglers who wanted to fish, and regularly checked in on those who weren’t feeling well. Despite the conditions, the family still called it the best fishing trip they had ever taken and praised how the crew made sure everyone was able to enjoy the day.
Stories like these are a great reminder that while we can’t control the weather, we can control how we take care of our guests. Whether that means choosing more protected fishing areas when conditions allow, making small adjustments throughout the trip, or simply checking in to make sure everyone is comfortable, our priority is helping you have an unforgettable day on the water.
Check out our 5-star reviews for Ketchikan Finest Fishing Charters on Google here.
Don't Let the Fear of Motion Sickness Keep You Ashore
If I could give every first-time guest one piece of advice, it would simply be this:
Come excited.
Not worried.
Prepare ahead of time, dress for the weather, ask questions before your trip, and let your captain know if motion sickness is something you’re concerned about.
Then take a deep breath, soak in the scenery, and enjoy one of the most incredible fishing destinations in the world.
When that first salmon takes your line, something tells me motion sickness will be the last thing on your mind.
Frequently Asked Questions About Motion Sickness on an Alaska Fishing Charter
Will I get motion sickness on an Alaska fishing charter?
Most guests don’t. While everyone is different, many people are pleasantly surprised by how comfortable fishing in Ketchikan’s protected Inside Passage can be. Weather always varies, but these sheltered waterways are often calmer than visitors expect.
Should I take motion sickness medicine before my trip?
If you’ve experienced motion sickness in the past, it’s a good idea to talk with your healthcare provider before your trip. Many guests choose an over-the-counter medication before boarding and follow the product’s directions.
What should I do if I start feeling seasick?
Tell your captain as soon as possible. We can often make simple adjustments, offer guidance, and help you get more comfortable before symptoms become more severe.
Is an Alaska fishing charter suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. Many of our guests have never fished before. We’ll provide the equipment, instruction, bait, and guidance—you simply bring your sense of adventure.
Learn more on our FAQ page here.
Ready to Experience an Alaska Fishing Charter?
A little preparation goes a long way, and for most guests, the excitement of the day quickly replaces any nervousness they felt before stepping aboard.
Whether you’re hoping to catch salmon or halibut, see whales and bald eagles, or simply experience the breathtaking beauty of Southeast Alaska, we’d love to welcome you aboard.
At Ketchikan’s Finest Fishing Charters, we’ll take care of the fishing, the gear, and the guidance.
You just bring your sense of adventure.
