FAQ
What Should I wear and is there a bathroom?
Weather on the Sound can change quickly, and the water temperature is around 50 degrees. Dress in layers, as it’s often 10–15 degrees cooler on Puget Sound than the local forecast suggests—you can always take a layer off! Wear non-marking shoes if possible, and bring quality sunglasses and sunscreen. Complimentary Grunden’s rain gear is available in spring, summer, and fall; in winter, bring warm clothing and rain gear.
For children 10 and under, a Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device must be worn for the entire trip. While several youth PFDs are available onboard, for younger children it’s best to bring your own to ensure a comfortable fit. We also have USCG Type 1 adult and youth PFDs—the bulky orange ones that aren’t great for fishing but are perfect in emergencies. Safety equipment includes a satellite beacon, marine VHF radio, radar, and more, and each charter starts with a brief safety meeting.
All boats are equipped with an enclosed private toilet.
Is there food on board?
Can I have my fish shipped and should I bring a cooler?
Bottled water is available, but only emergency food is provided. Feel free to bring your own snacks and drinks, and we encourage using refillable containers to help reduce landfill waste!
Will I get seasickness?
Puget Sound isn’t an open sea, so you won’t encounter the steady swells typical of the ocean. While there can be some wind chop, you can see land at all times unless there’s fog. If you’re prone to seasickness, it might be a good idea to take some motion sickness medicine, which you can find at most local drugstores.
First, we need to catch the fish! Keep in mind that Puget Sound generally has a one- or two-salmon limit per angler. This isn’t Alaska, and with Washington’s ranking as the 13th most populated state in the U.S., retention rules are strict and detailed. Catch and release is always an option. Please avoid bringing hard coolers on the boat; for safety, we keep the deck free of tripping hazards and clutter. Small, soft coolers are fine.
Two companies near the marina offer fish-packing services for a fee, and some vendors also provide fish smoking. You’ll need to check with them directly for details and to see if they offer the service during your Seattle visit, as policies often change.
B & E Meats bandemeats.com (2026 update: B&E will only smoke and ship)
Wild Salmon Seafood Market wildsalmonseafood.com