Bringing Your Alaska Catch Home: A Simple Guide To Traveling With Fish

Catching fish in Alaska is unforgettable, but getting your haul home can feel a little intimidating. Between flights, luggage rules, and keeping everything fresh, it’s easy to overthink it. Don’t worry because we’ve got you covered. At Sportsman’s Cove Lodge, we make it easy so you can enjoy the adventure without stressing about logistics.

Fresh, Flash-Frozen, and Travel Ready

The day you catch your fish, we flash freeze it on site to lock in flavor and freshness. Each filet is carefully cleaned, portioned, and vacuum sealed, then packed into an insulated box that’s easy to spot at the airport. If you want some of your salmon smoked, we handle that too! Your smoked filets get packed right alongside your frozen ones. By the time you head home, your fish is travel-ready and just as delicious as the moment it left the water.

Flying and Traveling With Your Catch

Flying with frozen fish doesn’t have to be stressful. Most airlines let you check in a box of frozen fish, and our clearly labeled and insulated packages make it simple for airline staff. Just be sure to declare it at check-in and double-check any airline-specific rules. With a little prep, your Alaska catch can travel safely, even if your plane ride is several hours long.

Thawing Your Fish Made Simple

Once you’re home, thawing your fish is easy. The best method is a slow thaw in the fridge. Overnight works perfectly for most filets. In a hurry? Keep them sealed and pop them in a cold water bath, changing the water every 30 minutes. Avoid leaving fish out at room temperature to protect flavor and texture.

Ready to Enjoy Your Alaska Catch

With filets individually wrapped and portioned, cooking your fish is simple. Grill, bake, pan-sear, or enjoy smoked salmon right out of the package. Every bite tastes fresh, like it was caught just for you. Whether it's halibut, salmon, cod, rockfish, your box is a little piece of Alaska you can enjoy anywhere.

Stress-Free and Delicious

The goal is simple: catch, pack, and savor. At Sportsman’s Cove Lodge, we handle the tricky stuff so your fish travels safely and arrives tasting amazing. You bring the memories, and we make sure the flavor comes home with you.

Want to learn more about how to cook your catch at home? Check out some of our recipe-based blog posts!