» Navigation     Home  About Van Saun  Schedule a Trip`  Captain Letter  Lodging  » Contact     » Fishing     Photo Gallery  Seasons  Information  Prices  Cook Inlet  » Our Boat     » Memberships     IGFA International Game Fish Association  TAA Tournament Anglers Association  DCCA Deep Creek Charterboat Assoc  NACO Nat'l Assoc of Charter Boat Operators  SCI Safari Club International  » Links     Local Lodging  Hunting Guides  Taxidermy  Friends  Music Cook Inlet The Cook Inlet is world famous for having the second largest tidal exchange in the world. On extreme highs and lows the water can change depth by as much as 28 feet in 6 hours. This causes extreme current. In Lower Cook Inlet (our area) the current can run as fast as 4 knots (almost 5 mph). In areas in Upper Cook Inlet and Turnagain and Knik Arms the current can run as fast as 9 Knots or 10 mph. Fishing Cook Inlet is a whole science in itself. Our experience fishing these tides is invaluable. We have an excellent understanding of the safety issues. Captain Rod also knows how to fish these tides. Most fishing is done while on anchor and around the slack between high and low tides. This is when the current slows to the point you can keep your bait on the bottom. Halibut are extreme predators and scavengers. There are two things that attract a halibut to your bait. Smell and sight. While fishing we work very hard at keeping fresh bait on the bottom. This combined with the current creates a scent trail that can bring fish to the boat from quite a distance. We use a combination of bait and lures to catch the fish. Most are caught on bait. Herring is the most popular bait for halibut. However we also use Pink Salmon caught by local commercial fishermen. A big favorite of haibut is Pacific Grey Cod. We catch these while we are halibut fishing as they like herring as well. We have caught many halibut that had whole cod or whole salmon in their stomach. Halibut also love crab. We dont use crab for bait but knowing where crab are located in the Inlet helps us find where big halibut may be hanging. One of the bonuses of fishing Cook Inlet is the beautiful scenery. There are 4 active volcanoes located on the west side of the Inlet. They are Augustine, Iliamna, Redoubt, and Spur. At different times it is also possible to view a wide variety of wildlife. Whales that frequent our area include Minke, Grey, Killer and Humpbacks. We also see otters, porpoise, sea lions and a large variety of bird life. Captain Rod prides himself in knowing the different species and sharing that information with you. The weather on Cook Inlet is unpredictable. There are definately days that stormy conditions prevent fishing. Otherwise we strive to make the best of what the day provides. Weather often dictates where you can and can not fish. Captain Rods experience on Cook Inlet and his commitment to "Veering to the side of Caution" set the stage for a good trip for his clients. Cook Inlet is an amazing place for an Alaskan Fishing Adventure.