Bringing a Non-Angler to Sportsman's Cove Lodge

Not everyone in your group needs to fish to have an incredible trip. And here's why.

This is one of the most common questions we hear from guests in the planning phase, "my partner doesn't fish, is there still enough for them to do?" The short answer is yes, absolutely. The longer answer is that some of our most memorable guests are the ones who showed up with zero fishing experience and left wondering when they could come back and do it all over again.

Here is everything a non-angler needs to know before the trip to make the most of it!

You Do Not Have to Stay Behind

The first thing worth knowing is that non-anglers are welcome on the water. You do not need to know how to cast, how to rig, or what a halibut even looks like to have a great day on the boat. The crew handles all of that.

Some non-anglers come out on the water simply to experience the Inside Passage. The scenery, the wildlife, the feeling of being miles from anywhere. All on a custom 37' vessel with a great group of people. Humpback whales surface. Eagles circle. Sea lions pop up alongside the boat. None of that requires experience on the water.

And here is the thing, once you are out there and the rod bends for the first time, most non-anglers find themselves a lot more interested in fishing than they expected. The crew is patient, the equipment is there, and reeling in your first halibut is the kind of experience that converts people pretty quickly.

A Full Day at the Lodge

For non-anglers who prefer to stay back while the boats go out, the lodge has more than enough to fill the day.

The fire-powered hot tub is a good place to start, especially on a cool Alaska morning when the cove is quiet and the water is steaming. The fitness center is available for guests who want to stay active, and the game room is a solid way to pass an afternoon. The full-service bar opens up in the early evening, and the saloon has a way of becoming the social center of the lodge once the boats come back in.

Relax

For guests who want to get outside, the lodge offers guided hikes through old growth Tongass rainforest that are genuinely worth doing regardless of whether you fish. The kayaks are available for exploring the cove at your own pace. And off-the-dock fishing is always an option for anyone who wants to try their hand without committing to a full day on the water. And then there's the newest addition, skeet shooting. On the waterfront, this is one of those activities that turns into a competition before anyone realizes it.

The Evenings Are for Everyone

One of the things that surprises non-anglers most about a trip to Sportsman's Cove is how much they enjoy the evenings. The boats come in, the fish photos happen on the dock, and then everyone gathers for a plated four-course dinner prepared by the executive chef. Non-anglers are fully included in every part of that experience.

The Big Fish of the Day awards, the stories from the water, the way the conversation flows at the dinner table after a long day. None of that requires having held a rod. You are part of the group from the moment y

ou arrive, and the lodge's hospitality is designed for everyone at the table, not just the anglers.

A Note on the Non-Angler Package

We actually offer a dedicated non-angler package based on availability, ranging from $500 to $800 per person per day. It is worth reaching out to the guest services team directly to discuss what makes the most sense for your group and how to structure the trip so everyone gets the most out of it.

Whatever brings your group to the lodge, the goal is the same. Everyone leaves with a story worth telling.

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