Tipping and gratuities are not mandatory but very much appreciated. Photos are usually taken back at the dock but usually only the dozen largest fish are hung on the rack for pictures. If you want to get photos of your specific catch onboard the boat, be sure to take your camera. All of the halibut fishing areas around the Kenai Peninsula have excellent fishing and it is almost impossible to get skunked. These fisheries measure their annual sport catch in hundreds of TONS of halibut caught each season.
Drift boats offer a very enjoyable experience that many anglers prefer.
These boats are usually 16 to 18 feet in length and are surprisingly comfortable for their size. These guides usually fish the more quieter sections of the river starting from Skilak Lake or Moose River and end in the Soldotna area. Some operations do work the lower section of the river where most of the power boats are concentrated. This leisurely pace allows the client to really soak up the Alaskan scenery watching birds, eagles, waterfowl and wildlife such as moose and an occasional bear. The rates for drift boats may be slightly lower than for power boat guides.