Fishing in Alaska
You're overwhelmed with
excitement. Your dream has always been to take a fishing
trip to Alaska and it's finally been realized. You've
hired the services of a guide and he leads you deep into
the wilderness to a gurgling mountain stream that runs
off of a glacier. The water is crystal clear and
freezing cold. You set down your gear, bait your hook,
cast and quietly converse with the guide. Suddenly,
something hits your bait hard. You set the hook and the
fight is on. You're glad that the guide is along. He
coached you in the type of line and weights to use. You
finally land your catch and the guide weighs it on the
portable scales that he carries in his backpack. You've
landed the biggest fish of your life, a 35 pound King
salmon.
King salmon, also known as Chinook, are common in
Alaska, and they often weigh up to 50 pounds. Giant
halibut are also found in Alaska's waters, as are
northern pike, graylings, Pollock, shiner perch, sole,
rockfish, sturgeon, steelhead, shad, herring, lake chub,
Alaskan blackfish, smelt, trout, Arctic char, Arctic
cod, walleye, Arctic flounder, crabs and shrimp.
There are hundreds of places to fish in Alaska. The
southeast region of Alaska, also known as the panhandle,
has a wide range of places in which to fish, depending
on the species you are targeting. There are hundreds of
mountain streams that run off of glaciers. There are
deep fjords in abundance. Winters are not as cold here
as in other parts of Alaska, because this area is warmed
by the ocean. Summers are cool and very moist and this
is the time when halibut move into the waters near the
shore. Salmon migrate to this region by the hundreds to
spawn and there are a variety of trout species to be
fished.
South Central Alaska is the area of Alaska that has the
highest population and there are great fishing
opportunities available. From Bristol Bay to the Copper
River, there are watersheds and coastal waters that have
an abundance of fish. Anglers can fish the coastal
waters for halibut and ocean fish species. Watersheds
are abundant in species as burbot, Dolly Varden,
grayling, pike, trout and whitefish.
A popular Alaskan fishing destination is the area known
as the Lower Cook Inlet. Here you will catch Dolly
Varden, salmon species, and trout in the rivers and
streams. Halibut and salmon can be fished off the coast.
If you enjoy digging for clams, dig the area's beaches
for a good feed.
The fishing is great in the western and Arctic regions
of Alaska, as well as in the interior. These are the
areas where the Yukon and Kuskokwim Rivers drain. Here
you will catch burbot, char, graylings, pike, trout,
sheefish and more, for fish are in great abundance.
You will need a variety of fishing gear if you're
planning a fishing trip to Alaska. Gear should include
freshwater fishing rods, saltwater fishing rods, bait
casting rod and twice as much tackle as you believe
you'll need. Take flies, weights, lures, a variety of
fishing line, a net, nylon cord, at least one water
bottle or canteen, a fillet knife, nail clippers, needle
nose pliers, waders, wading boots, a flashlight and
extra batteries, maps, a couple of tire patch kits, a
compass, a first aid kit and flares and survival rations
if you plan to camp in wilderness areas.
You will need to bring along a fishing vest, warm
clothes, including socks, a jacket, a winter coat,
fleece clothes, rain gear, sunglasses, a fishing hat and
gloves, hiking boots, bug repellent, a couple of
lighters and matches, sunscreen, a floatation device, a
backpack, Tylenol, any personal medications you will
need, a cell or satellite phone, pepper spray for bear
protection, a fishing license, a small amount of cash,
traveler's checks, a credit card, anti bacterial hand
cleaner, a camera and lots of film, or a digital camera.
Live bait for Alaskan fishing includes nightcrawlers,
crustaceans, prawns, live bait systems, cut bait,
shrimp, oysters, live fish species, crayfish, lugworms,
razor fish and herring. Frozen baits consist of
mackerel, herring, squid, sardines and octopus.
Artificial bait includes lures, wet and dry flies,
spinners, streamers, spoons and Mepps. Egg sacs work
great for attracting fish species. The best rule of
thumb is to use the natural bait that the targeted fish
species prey upon. Also keep in mind that you need to
match bait to the hook size and equipment that you are
using.
If you need advice on Alaskan fishing, seek out an
angler who is experienced. If you don't know, or can't
find such an angler, seek out an experienced Alaskan
fishing guide. These can be found easily online. Beware
of hiring a guide that you have never met. Email the
guide service and ask how long they've been in business,
if they are licensed, if they carry insurance and if
they are members of the Better Business Bureau, or
something equivalent. Ask them for the names and phone
numbers of references. If you hire a good guide, the
price you pay for these services will be well rewarded.
You will land a beauty and have the memories forever.
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