Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT DOES THE DIP SHIP PROVIDE?

The Dip Ship is a custom built 28' pontoon boat powered by a Mercury 150Hp engine, outfitted specifically for Dip-netting! The Dip Ship is proud to be handicap accessible, and is designed to provide a comfortable and rewarding experience to all passengers!
Once on board, the crew of The Dip Ship will use over 30 years of boat-dipping experience to put you on the fish! We provide each fisherman with their own dip net and comfortable seating to provide the most efficient and comfortable dip netting experience!
During your charter, we will take care of filleting and bagging your catch, so at the end of a long day of fishing, all you have to do is throw some ice in your self provided cooler for the trip home!

Professional commercial VACCUM SEALING Is now available shore side for your catch following every charter. Flat rates per lb will apply.

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?

You must be in possession of proof of residency (Alaska Drivers License, Active Military I.D.)
A current Alaska fishing license and Personal Use Dip Net Permit. Licenses may be purchased at most general or sporting goods stores as well as Permits, online at www.adfg.alaska.gov. It is important that each permit holder know their bag limit, which can be found on the actual permit. During our safety briefing, please share that info with our crew.
We strongly recommend that you monitor the weather forecasts leading up to your scheduled charter, and bring weather appropriate gear and garments (rain jacket, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, etc.) and prepare to be on the water and exposed to the elements for at least 8 hours!
We recommend you have a camera handy to record your Dip Ship Memories!
Any other personal effects you may require, medications, cellular device, etc.
A small backpack or dry pouch to keep belongings in. Consider carrying a zip-lock baggie or other water repellent bag to keep phone, wallet, and any other valuables you don't want to get wet. We will have LIMITED dry storage space available, but due to the nature of our charters, expect water and fish grime to be risks.
A cooler with ice for your catch at the end of the day. DO NOT BRING ON THE CHARTER.

CANCELLATION POLICY

Here on the Dip ship, we understand that "ship happens"! If you need to cancel or re-book your reservation, we will do our best to assist you! However, due to the highly limited nature of our fishery, and the scarcity seats available, we are unable to offer refunds inside of 30 days of the date of your scheduled charter.
We would be happy to assist in rebooking, or, transferring your reservation to another person! Meaning If you have to cancel at the last moment, we will be happy to give your seat to another occupant of your choosing. We often have a list of clients requesting last minute availability, so we will do our best to fill your spot with them, but there are NO GUARANTEES.
DISCLAIMER: It is important to remember that the Kenai River Dipnet Fishery is a part of the much larger Cook Inlet Fishing District, and is thus affected by other entities (commercial and personal use alike) who rely on these waters to support their way of life. The Dip Ship cannot be held accountable for ADF&G commercial fishing openers and will do our best to provide our services regardless of potential commercial influence.

WHAT SHOULD I DO AFTER I MAKE MY RESERVATION?

Congratulations and Welcome aboard the Dip Ship!
Upon booking your charter with The Dip Ship, you will receive an email detailing the do's and dont's of preparing for your journey aboard the Dip Ship. This will include a reminder about when and where to meet your guides, what you need to bring, what the weather projection will be, and other details concerning your trip.
SAVE THE DATE AND START TIME!! TIMES VARY DAY TO DAY BASED ON TIDAL MOVEMENTS!!
Please keep in mind that road conditions on the Seward and Sterling Highways can be contentious during the height of fishing season, and it is not uncommon for traffic jams to occur on the highway due to accidents or other variable road hazards.
Please plan ahead and allow ample time for travel to and from your charter! The Hwy and City of Kenai & Soldotna are often very crowded during dip net season, We ask that all fisherman please plan on being at The Kenai City Boat launch facility located at 1591 Boat Launch Rd. Kenai, Alaska 99611 at least 1/2 hour before your scheduled charter time, and understand that delays are common when leaving the water at the end of the day.