Alaska Mothership Trip

Looks like $600-$700 round trip. Hmmmmm.......

Hey Guys- Just getting back from the Fred Hall Shows in Southern CA. Great attendance for my kayak fishing seminars and my new rod sponsor SEEKER.
Wanted to throw out some info for those guys looking into coming up for the AK mothership trip. For transportation, check out Jet Blue. I am flying from Long Beach, CA direct to Anchorage for $139 each way. Much cheaper than the competition and a great airline. From anchorage you can jump on the train or get a shuttle to Seward.
To clarify, the price for the trip is $850 and an additional $100 for lodging the night prior and after the trip for a total of $950 with the lodging option.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions.
This trip is going to be sick!!! Honestly, I can't believe it hasn't filled yet? It is highly discounted. I'm not making a penny on it and the charter is doing it for cost.

Alright. I'm down. June is going to be here real fast.

I need a homie to go to seal the deal!! Bueller?

OK. A few more questions for you, Chris, and I'm only asking because I'm serious about making this happen.

What's the minimum number of kayak anglers you need to make this trip a go? How many have signed up so far?

Where are the accommodations? I'm assuming two nights sleeping aboard the boat...is this correct? For the $100 for two extra nights is that at a certain lodge/hotel? If yes, which one?

If kayaking is out of the question due to weather/conditions will we still fish from the boat? And God forbid, if the weather is too nasty for the mothership to go out is there a back-up plan?

As far as fish processing and shipping, are we on our own with that?

That's all I can think of for now. Thanks for any info.

No worries Rock Hopper-
I need six anglers to make this trip go. I only have one spot paid so far.
Two nights on the boat and the lodging before and after is at a 4 bedroom cabin 10 minutes from the boat harbor. It comfortably sleeps 8 and has a full kitchen, WIFI and outdoor BBQ.
Here's a link to the cabin: http://www.nickandbeulahsplace.com/tour.html

We can always fish from the boat if the weather gets snotty. The Voyager will also be there to provide kayak support and also a place to jump aboard to stretch out and have a bite to eat or something warm to drink. There will also be a skiff to assist with large fish and taking the catch back to put on ice.

The mothership is very weather capable and it is unlikely that we wouldn't be able to find somewhere in the lee of a storm to fish. Andy has been sport fishing and commercial fishing in the area for a very long time and has a big bag of tricks.

The crew will prep our fish but you will be responsible for vacuum packing costs and shipping. I suggest you bring back your fish on the plane.

I spoke to Andy today and if guys don't want to pack rods, we are welcome to use all his boat gear. He has all new high end tackle supplied by his sponsors. I think he has all Penn and Accurate Gear on board.

Here's the link to his site: http://www.crackerjackcharters.com/

Keep the questions comming. I can't believe this charter hasn't filled?

I'm definitely interested. 

Looks like $600-$700 round trip. Hmmmmm.......

JetBlue has flights from Sacramento - Long Beach - Anchorage for $440.50 round trip. I know I have more than that in change in my closet.

AND, since the Captain is graciously offering use of some of his gear we won't need to worry about transporting rods, which can add up.

Someone come with me.

Alaska Railroad tickets from Anchorage to Seward are $79.

Montague fishing on the Crackerjack.

http://www.outdoorlife.com/photos/gallery/fishing/2010/02/montague-island-alaska

FWIW, the trips I've led to Prince Williams Sound fish the other side of Montague Island, 60 miles to the NW.  The fishing is outstanding.  From all I've gathered, the fishing is pretty much similar on the other end of Montague.  Montague is a long run from either Seward or Valdez and doesn't get over-pressured.

In addition to the halibut, I'm pretty certain you'll catch the largest lingcod(s) of your life, although they are not open to retention at the time of this trip.  You'll also likely catch the HUGE black rockfish up to 10 pounds, and a good amount of yelloweye as well.

-Allen

Let me check with the wife and work, this sounds like a good and short enough trip that I might be able to make it.

Us newer dads gotta stick together after all Dustin!

Here's a shot of an exceptional Halibut caught last season on the Crackerjack Voyager. Be careful what u ask for. 337 lbs!

Damn...got the cash, just don't have the time to make this happen.  Looks epic, great deal!

Damn...got the cash, just don't have the time to make this happen.  Looks epic, great deal!

You put up the cash for the trip, I'll go and catch fish for you, you can keep all the fish I caught, deal ???  (j/k)

Half-tempted Sonny!  My last trip up there I brought home nearly 200 lbs of prime fillets that we feasted on all year.  With the price of halibut/salmon the cost of this trip would be recovered awfully quick!