An Alaska Fishing Trip Will Bring Your Vacation Dream To Life
September 15th, 2009 | Uncategorized | No Comments »It’s the dream of many an angler: the thrill of an Alaska fishing trip. Whether it’s once in a lifetime or a regular occurrence, nothing beats its adventure for devoted fishermen.
Experienced anglers know that hiring a guide is the way to a successful Alaska fishing trip. A local guide knows the best fishing sites and what local services are available.
Start by choosing which species you’ll fish for. Many anglers like the sport of fishing for one of Alaska’s many varieties of salmon, such as Silver Salmon, Red Salmon or the great King Salmon, which can run as high as 50 pounds or more. Others like the fight in freshwater species such as Northern Pike and Rainbow Trout, among others. Don’t overlook a saltwater fishing trip for Alaska Halibut, either. The Halibut in Alaska’s coastal waters are some of the largest found anywhere.
Choosing your species will determine which Alaska region you’ll visit. The state has five geographical areas: Southeast, Southcentral, Western, Arctic and Interior. Sometimes the western regions are grouped together. Here’s what each is like:
Southeast Alaska. If you’re looking for rushing streams, glaciers and fjords, this is your spot. Seasons are tempered by the Pacific Ocean, with cool, moist summers and snowy winters. Fish here for salmon, halibut and trout.
Southcentral Alaska. This region is home to some of Alaska’s most renowned fishing sites, such as the Kenai Rivers. From Bristol Bay to Copper River, this region offers salmon and halibut along the coasts and pike, trout and grayling on freshwater streams.
The Arctic, Western Alaska and Interior regions differ greatly from the southern areas. The Arctic and Western areas are treeless plains, while forests blanket the Interior. The Yukon and Kuskokwim Rivers are known for their salmon, while Grayling tops the freshwater species that include Pike, Char, Trout and Burbot.
Once you’ve chosen your species and region, these tips can help you select a fishing guide.
1. Contact at least two references for the guide and ask about their experiences.
2. Get a schedule for the trip and especially check the travel time. A lengthy travel time will cut back significantly on fishing time.
3. Guides’ prices differ considerably. Often there’s a reason that one guide’s prices are much lower than others, and that reason could be the difference between having a terrific fishing trip and blowing your money on an incompetent guide.
4. Find out how long the guide has been working in Alaska. The state’s fish runs tend to go in seven-year cycles, so the more experience the guide has, the better your trip will be.
5. Get an itemized list of what you’re getting for your money, including things like fishing tackle, rain gear, bottled water, etc.
6. Ask all your questions before you set out. It’s too late to inquire about bait once you’re on the water.
Above all, start planning and scheduling your Alaska fishing trip as soon as possible. Because of the short fishing season, some experience anglers book their outings as much as a year in advance so they don’t miss out on their favorite guides!
To get more detailed informtaion and resources for a great Alaska fishing trip be sure to visit: http://www.lureofalaska.com/