About Big Blue Charters

We use Osprey boats.  We like them because they have plenty of fishing room and work very well in these waters.  These boats have almost 12 ft in the back to accommodate the most agile sportsman. Cabin room is ample with a heater and an enclosed head. Music is an essential and we welcome all tapes and CD's that you might want to share. We think you will like our boats, too. Why we like these boats   Mike Keating (r.) with a good-sized halibut caught near Sitka

Big Blue Charters is owned by Mike and Karen Keating, year round residents of Sitka.  That's Karen in the upper left hand corner of the page with a pretty nice looking King Salmon.  You can see Mike a little further down the page where he's holding a happy client's very respectable halibut.

Mike started commercial fishing off the Washington coast at the tender age of 12, and has not managed to get fishing out of his blood yet.

He has been a commercial fisherman in Alaska, and now operates one of the Big Blue boats alongside the other experienced captains that are part of the crew.  Mike holds a 100 ton US Coast Guard license.

In addition to Big Blue, the Keatings operate Sitka's Cascade Inn, a delightful place to stay right next to the waters of Sitka Sound -- and in plain sight of Mt. Edgecumbe, a Fuji-like volcanic cone across the sound.

When you read that Mike also owns Big Blue Fisheries, a Sitka seller of smoked and fresh frozen Alaska fish and seafood, you might be tempted to think that he has Salmon in his blood.  Well, actually, he does.  It turns out that one of Mike's ancestors was a fellow named Lou Salmon.  Really.  And, care to guess what his trade was?  Old Lou was a commercial fisherman selling fish to gentleman's clubs and others in New York State.

Mike laughs: "I'd like to think old Lou would be proud of me."

Taken together, you can see there's a lot of experience and local knowledge right here.  We think you'll enjoy fishing with us.  Please call today and let's talk about your trip!