Captain Bristol Confer
Kenai River Fishing Guide
Captain Bristol
Hi! I’m Captain Bristol Confer, born and raised in the stunning wilderness of Alaska. My roots run deep in The Kenai Peninsula during the summers and in Palmer for the winters.
My family has been involved with fishing in Alaska for generations. Our setnet fishing site on Salamatof Beach, nestled along the Cook Inlet, has been a part of our heritage for generations.
Growing up, I was immersed in the world of commercial fishing. From a young age I learned how to drive tractors and run boats. And, learned the nuances of different fish species supporting our commercial fishery.
I loved the lessons my grandma passed along regarding her cooking and baking skills. With her guidance I found myself not only fishing but helping to prepare meals for our fishing crew.
Our commercial fishing site is located on Salamatof Beach. It’s not just a workplace; it’s a magical place that has offered me beautiful and amazing opportunities throughout my life
Alaska Born & Raised
2024 will be Captain Bristol’s second year as part of the sport fishery on the Kenai River and our halibut operations in Homer.
In 2023, armed with a filet knife, a skill honed through years of fishing with her family, she found joy in preserving the harvest. Fishing is not just an experience; it’s a fusion of excitement on the water, the awe of Alaska’s nature, and the crisp air of the Kenai Peninsula.
One of the most rewarding aspects of fishing is the sense of community. The thrill of the catch is magnified by the diverse people she meets. Each sharing their own stories and life adventures
Guided by the wisdom of her parents and grandparents, she has been fortunate to gather knowledge about the areas I fish. Local insights, understanding weather patterns, and adapting to seasonal variations are the keys to successful fishing. Different fish species respond to specific bait and lures, and every day is a chance to learn something new.
Beyond fishing, her love for the outdoors extends to snowboarding at Alyeska Ski Resort during winter. Camping in the summer allows her to connect with nature and relish the simplicity of outdoor living.
Off Season
During the winter months, Captain Bristol trades her fishing gear for a barista apron, working in our small-town coffee huts. Engaging with people, building connections, and providing excellent customer service is something she take pride in.
Bristol is always eager to deepen her knowledge and provide our guests and clients with the best fishing experience possible. Every day on the water brings new techniques, different tackle, and the opportunity to understand the lives of King Salmon, Sockeye, and Coho in their natural habitat.
Bristol divides her time between our halibut operations in Homer and our river operations on the Kenai. Somedays you may find her guiding on the Kenai River and other days she might be working on our halibut boats in Homer, Alaska. There’s even a chance given the right schedule she’ll fish both of those amazing places with you.
We’re thrilled Bristol is an important part of Kenai Sportfishing and continues to pursue her passion for Alaska.