Alaska’s fishing lodges can be commission giants for travel agents. According to a report from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, packaged sport-fishing tours for non-residents generated more than $137 million in revenue in 2007.
Package rates for mid- to high-range lodges run from $2,500 to $7,000 per person. While the commission rate is variable depending on lodge, group size and time of year, agents can profit greatly from these trips, especially when booking a group or family.
Orca Adventure Lodge
Orca Adventure Lodge in Cordova, offers a la carte pricing as well as full-service, all-inclusive packages. It appeals to both the seasoned angler seeking the best fishing and families looking for a less intense fishing experience.
Orca guests Frank and Linda Morris said they will be visiting Orca for the sixth year in a row in 2014.
“We’ve made friends with other couples over the years, and now we all visit at the same time so we can share the fishing and the fun,” Frank said.
Orca brings in guests with special deals.
“We took our entire family to Orca for a week,” said guest Jenny Pyle. “We all stayed in the same room, and the lodge gave us a discount on the meals because our kids were 12 and younger.”
A six-night Orca fishing package costs $2,450 per person, based on double occupancy.
Kodiak Lodge
Bob Maschmedt owns Kodiak Lodge, a family-run business on Kodiak Island. The lodge caters to saltwater anglers as well as to freshwater salmon and trout fishermen. The price for a six-night stay is $4,495 per person, based on double occupancy.
“We pride ourselves on offering family service, from the accommodations to the lunches we serve on the water,” Maschmedt said. “Ours is a great value with many return clients each year, because of the variety we offer.”
Steamboat Bay Fishing Club
For those anglers who are searching for a variety of personal services, point them to Steamboat Bay Fishing Club, located on the north coast of Noyes Island, near Ketchikan.
Rather than a standard menu for all guests, all meals are prepared to order by the lodge’s executive chef.
“Steamboat is a fishing lodge where guests enjoy an open bar, fresh seafood and saltwater or intertidal fishing each day,” said Steamboat’s Chuck Baird. “The price includes roundtrip transportation to and from Ketchikan, all gear, guides and equipment, as well as all fish cleaning and processing. Business executives find that the lodge is a great place to have informal meetings in the Club Room. With its hot tub and sauna, the lodge also offers the best luxury available in a remote environment.”
The cost for a four-night package is $6,795 per person.
The Details
Kodiak Lodge
www.kodiaklodge.com
Orca Adventure Lodge
www.orcaadventurelodge.com
Steamboat Bay Fishing Club
www.steamboatbay.com