Sure-Strike Lodge

I’ve been coming to Sure-Strike Lodge for nearly 20 years now, and if that doesn’t tell you something, let me make it crystal clear: This is a bucket list trip wrapped in Gore-Tex, salt spray, and the most beautiful backdrop on Earth. Nestled in Craig, Alaska (reachable after a beautiful flight from Ketchikan), this family-run operation gives you front-row seats to one of the most breathtaking marine symphonies on the planet. Whales? Check. Bald eagles? Everywhere. And then there’s the fish: salmon, halibut, lingcod, black bass… if it swims and tastes good pan-seared, it’s probably in your cooler by day’s end. Some other lodges may look slicker online and focus on marketing, but let me tell you: loyalty doesn’t come from branding—it comes from unforgettable experiences. And that’s exactly what Kirk and Katie (the owners and hosts) have been delivering for over thirty years. They’ve found the rare balance of rugged outdoor adventure and just enough luxury to make your salty self feel downright pampered. The lodge maxes out at just 16 guests, which means your experience is intimate and personal. You won’t be packed onto a boat like baitfish either—four passengers per boat, max. It’s full-service all the way: your hooks are baited, fish bled, cleaned, filleted, vacuum-sealed, frozen, and boxed to fly home with you. All you have to do is crank, reel, and grin like a fool. Days start around 5:30 AM with a hot breakfast, then it’s off to the water by 6:15 AM with lunch and snacks packed for the ride. You’ll fish all day (or until your arms beg for mercy), and come home to hot showers and meals that are nothing short of gourmet. This year? Think Thai, Indian, and French-inspired dishes that belong in a five-star bistro—but somehow taste even better when served with a view of the Alaskan coast and a belly full of fish tales. Yes, it’s Alaska. Yes, it rains. The ocean can get moody. But if you haven’t reeled in a halibut while being pelted by sideways rain, have you even lived? These are the stories that marinate over years and come out sizzling at dinner parties. The lodge is family and women-friendly, but don’t expect them to cancel the weather and that’s what makes it unforgettable. Captain Matt: Matt is your guy if you’re looking for chill vibes, great fishing, and an infectious laugh you’ll remember. With his signature zinc-smeared cheeks, a sun-kissed auburn mop, and misplaced Hawaiian-accented encouragement, he brings a lightness to the boat no matter the weather. Rain, sleet, or rogue ocean wave to the face—Matt rolls with it, always working quietly to make sure you’re having a great time. Imagine Ed Sheeran if he fished. Overall great dude. Captain TJ: Cowboy of the Sea TJ is the more silent type… until your rod bends like a pretzel and your technique starts to slip. Sun-leathered, laser-focused, and drier than a martini in the desert, he’ll coach you with just enough humor to keep things real—but never overwhelming. He’s the guy who knows exactly when to help and when to let you struggle gloriously. I’m convinced he kept “accidentally” putting us over deep water with large just to feed our addiction. If you see an open trip, book it. Immediately. This place is the real deal.You’ll leave with sore arms, and a freezer full of fish

From Down Under to Craig, AK – Couldn’t Have Asked for a Better Guide We had the good fortune of fishing with TJ during a business trip to Sure Strike Lodge, with a group of twenty of us travelling together. TJ looked after me, another Aussie, and a mate from the US who’d fished in Alaska before – and he made the whole experience exceptional. Even when other boats were having a quiet day, TJ consistently found the fish. He clearly knows the area inside out and had us onto bites every day. That sort of instinct only comes with experience, and he made it look easy. For those of us from Australia, TJ really took the time to make it memorable – pointing out sea otters, bald eagles, whales and sea lions, not just rushing us from one spot to the next. It felt like he genuinely wanted us to soak in the full Alaskan experience, not just fill a cooler. He was hands-on in all the right ways: baiting hooks, changing rigs, calling out depths, and letting us know exactly what to do to land the next fish. Nothing was ever too much trouble, and he kept the mood light and enjoyable throughout. Best of all, he was just a top bloke. Easy company, good stories, and knew when to lean in and when to give us a bit of space. Just the kind of guide you want when you’re out on the water for a few days. If you get the chance to fish with TJ, take it. You’ll be in great hands.

Watched a Sure Strike boat captain rush another guide at full speed with a boat full of paying guest, initiate a full on cussing match, claiming that the other charter boats are stealing his fishing spots. putting his clients in unnecessary harms way, cussing, screaming and throwing herring, hitting a patron. the following day he similarly rushed multiple boats full throttle unnecessarily close in effort to cast large wakes. extremely unprofessional and bad business. Do better Sure Strike!, to that caption, whatever you're going through at home, seek help. plenty of fish in the sea!!!

I cannot say enough amazing things about Sure-Strike Lodge. The family that runs the business does an incredible job of taking care of their guests, and you feel like part of the family when you leave. I've been going for three years now, and it feels like coming home. The fishing guides at Sure-Strike are top notch, I look forward to spending time with them every year. Sure-Strike hires fishermen that are knowledgable, helpful, and make the long days A BLAST. (Shout out to Ernie!)

Family operated lodge with great hospitality and an intense fishing desire! If you want to experience Alaska, catch fish and come back to the dock exhausted, this is your place! The entire staff did everything possible to accommodate our group - even prepare gluten free dinners and lunches for my son. This was a grandfather, father and older grandchildren trip designed to make memories and bring home fish. TJ - our guide- worked tirelessly, put us on fish, switched tactics if necessary, relocated based on conditions and truly understands a guided trip. Back at the dock, we showered, feasted and went to bed - too tired for everything else. I spoke to several other guests who have been to Alaska numerous times, but have been coming back to Sure Strike for years because of the results. Loved the place, the fishing, and even the owner's children waited at the dock to help secure the boats and look at the catch!

Best ever vacation from the lower 48. Terrific accommodations, food, staff and, of course, fishing. Our party brought home over 200 pounds of fish. The scenery is breathtaking and serene. The eagles made the experience amazing.

The best lodge in alaska! This place has awesome food, great accommodations, beautiful landscape and they will do whatever it takes to get you on big fish. No other place even gets close. It's a bucket list type of place. Awesome!

Best fishing / guides and nicest people ever! Great food and accomodations, really an experience of a lifetime.

Wonderful time. Great experience. I'll keep coming back year after year to share this experience with friends.