Archive for the ‘Fishing in Alaska’ Category
Hints To Make Your Alaska Float Fishing Excursion Thrive
Posted in Fishing in Alaska on the November 21, 2008
When you’re planning an Alaska float fishing trip, the focus should be on the planning. Alaska sees over a million tourists every year and that means popular lodges book up fast, charters get reserved and you could get stuck without a seat.
So, plan ahead, book early and know the best places to be. To find out more on how to make your Alaskan fishing trip a hit, keep reading for tips on what to bring, the best season and where to stay.
What to Pack
Ideally, you want to pack clothes that will layer easily - keeping you prepared for hot sun, rainy days and cold nights. Choose a fabric like performance wool or a high-tech fabric that will wick away sweat, dry quickly if it gets wet and keep you warm at night.
Before you start packing all your heavy float fishing gear, double check with your lodge or charter company to see what is and isn’t included in your package. Of course, pack your favorite floats and lures, but many charter companies include larger equipment and safety gear.
Finally, invest in high-quality rain gear. While Gore-Tex may seem like the best choice, it is actually only waterproof for about four to six hours. So, though PVC rain gear can be hot, clammy and uncomfortable, it will keep you dryer for a longer period of time on rainy days.
The Best Time to Go Float Fishing in Alaska
The peak season for float fishing in Alaska is the summer, so it’s between the months of June and September. You’ll likely have warm, if not rainy, weather, great fishing and easy pickings on the water. However, the summer is also prime tourism season, which is why it’s so important to book ahead.
Great Locales for Fishing
Some of the best places for Alaska angling are
* Bristol Bay, the world’s largest salmon fishery which is also home to a wide assortment of other fish
* The Copper River Delta, a fast-moving water rich with trout
* The Kenai River, a place known for its massive king salmon, and
* Kodiak Island, home to great roadside and remote fishing locations
It’s hard not to have a successful fishing vacation trip, but with a little planning you can make any trip a great one. Just remember to hit the best fishing spots, go at the right time and pack appropriately. Also, always check with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game Sport Fish Division before you book a lodge or charter company. Their website is available at sf.adfg.state.ak.us.
Fish Species For Enjoyable Fly Fishing In Alaskan Waterways
Posted in Fishing in Alaska on the November 17, 2008
If you’re thinking of fishing in Alaska, you should recognize the fish species in the area, understand their preferred flies and know what to expect. So, read on for a general overview of the fish species during your next fishing vacation in Alaska.
Pacific Salmon Varieties
The four most populous Pacific salmon varieties in Alaska are: silver salmon, reds or sockeyes, pinks, and Chinook or king salmons. Overall, the Pacific salmon is a great game fish that can put up a fantastic fight and pose an incredible challenge.
It’s important to note that while Pacific salmon won’t eat after returning to fresh waters, they will still strike subsurface and surface flies. However, fly fishers need to be ready to take in what are a large and aggressive fish species. The king salmon in Alaska can weigh close to or over one hundred pounds.
Steelhead Trout
The steelhead trout is a unique rainbow trout that can swim in the open sea or large lake environment, but does spawn in connecting rivers. After their spawning, they’ll return to a large lake or ocean.
The steelhead is strong, large, high-leaping and long-running, making it highly prized among experience fly fishers. It’s also a great catch for the dinner table and an overall tasty fish. The fish averages between 4 and 12 pounds, but can often exceed 20 pounds, particularly in Alaska.
Grayling
The grayling trout is a rare, beautiful and delicate fish found in cold waters - and for fly fishing, Alaska graylings are probably the most prized fish. To survive, the fish needs pure, cold and clear lake or stream water, meaning Alaska is likely the best place in the world to find the grayling.
Graylings mostly feed on live and active insects, but will sometimes eat crustaceans or small minnows. The most effective flies tend to be smaller or dry flies.
An Alaskan grayling will typically grow to about 4 pounds, but they’re a tasty catch and well suited to the dinner table.
Arctic Char
As a trout, the Arctic char lives for the pure and cold waters of Alaskan lakes and streams. The fish makes a great catch that’s lively and strong, though willing to fall for more flies and slightly easier to trick than the rainbow trout. For fly fishing, Alaskan arctic char is an easy lure, but a fantastic catch on any fishing trip.
Not everyone has the opportunity to enjoy the majesty of the Alaskan coastland while going after some of the best fish in the world. If you are able to squeeze in the time, don’t miss out.
A Short Introduction To A Float Fishing Outing Around Alaska
Posted in Fishing in Alaska on the September 22, 2008
Alaska float fishing, also known as angling, is some of the best in the world. The salmon are massive, the scenery spectacular and the fishing adventure is unbeatable. For an overview of angling, good angling sites in Alaska and where to look for more information, keep reading.
Float Fishing Explained
Float fishing is basically a form of angling that uses floats, and angling is any form of fishing using a rod, line and hook. The float, essentially, is used to not only suspend the bait, but also indicate when a fish is biting. The float will move and bounce, letting the fisherman know to draw his line.
Alaska Fishing Licenses
If you’re planning an Alaska float fishing vacation, you’ll need a license. The license fees for non-residents are $20 for a day, $35 for three days, $55 for a week and $80 for two weeks.
If you want to fish king salmon, you’ll need to purchase an additional stamp which costs $10 for the first day, $20 for three days, $30 for seven days and $50 for fourteen days.
Hot Fishing Spots in Alaska
The thing about Alaska fishing is that it’s more about your timing than any of your fishing locations. This is why having a guide can be so critical for a successful fishing trip there. Nonetheless, the best locations are Bristol Bay, the Copper River Delta, the Kenai River and Kodiak Island.
Kodiak Island is known for its abundance of salmon and great roadside and float fishing. The Kenai River has massive king salmon, but they’re fast and strong, making them hard to catch for a beginner fisher and not the best for float fishing.
The Copper River Delta has an abundant fish supply and is fairly isolated, however the waters run quickly. Finally, Bristol Bay is the world’s biggest salmon fishery and is home to a number of high-quality lodges and fishing destinations that also cater to those hunting rainbow trout and other fish.
Where to Find More Information
If you’re seeking information on Alaska float fishing, good fishing tour companies or recommended lodges for your fishing vacations, your best resource is the Alaska Department of Fish and Game Sport Fish Division (sf.adfg.state.ak.us).
Their website has information on fishing in Alaska, how to buy a fishing license, location-specific info and resources on recommended local companies. Check out the free resources to gather the key information you need to nail down a great vacation.
Handy Pointers For Fishing Experiences In Alaska
Posted in Fishing in Alaska on the September 15, 2008
So, you’re investigating Alaska fishing vacations? Maybe wondering what to bring, where to book and how to prepare for what could be the adventure of a lifetime?
Alaska has the best fishing in the world, pristine wilderness, amazing landscapes and plentiful wildlife, so don’t let poor planning spoil your vacation. Keep reading for four great tips that will make your fishing expedition a success.
Plan for Bugs
To avoid a mosquito nightmare, plan ahead by packing a high-quality mosquito net hat, long-sleeved shirts and pants free from holes. Look for clothing that offers ventilation, but has holes that are small enough to keep out the pesky bugs. You should also bring a strong, cream-based mosquito and bug repellent, and avoid depending on mosquito coils.
Pack Sunscreen
Despite the sometimes cold temperatures and rain, there are still high risks for sun damage and possible sunstroke. Keep yourself protected with long clothing and a high-quality, non-greasy and waterproof sun block. Choose an SPF higher than 30 and avoid combo bug-repellent products as these tend to wear off faster.
Book Ahead
During the peak summer tourism seasons, places like Juneau, Anchorage and Flagstaff can book up fast. The area sees over a million tourists every year, many of whom are booking their own Alaska fishing adventure - meaning hotels will fill up, recommended charters will be reserved and you’ll be left wishing you had planned ahead. Don’t be disappointed - book your lodgings and charters well in advance.
Always Pack a Personal Survival Kit
Whether you’re on a fully catered luxury tour or a self-guided adventure expedition, you should always pack a small survival kit that can be carried in a vest or pocket at all times - in case you’re separated from your pack or tour group.
The kit should include purification pills, waterproof matches, chalk to make markings, a whistle, a granola bar, fishing line and hooks and a Ziploc bag for carrying water. You can pack it all in a metal tin or can, which can also be used to boil water.
Alaska fishing vacations are the adventure of a lifetime, offering abundant fishing, beautiful wilderness and truly wild nature. You can make that trip even better and safer by following these four critical tips - book ahead, plan for bugs, safeguard against the sun and be prepared with a wilderness survival kit. These are simple preparations, take very little time, and will all enhance your fishing experience.
Why Fly-in Fishing Outings In Alaska Give Up The Best Catches
Posted in Fishing in Alaska on the September 8, 2008
If you’re planning a fishing vacation but debating whether the extra cost of an Alaska fly-in fishing adventure is really worth it, it is. Booking with a flight charter service or a lodge with float boat service means you can be flexible, go where the fish are, hit the remote spots, do more and see more.
Still deciding whether it’s worth it? Read on for an overview of why fly-in will make your Alaskan fishing experience even better.
Follow the Fish
Most of the fish in Alaska are migratory. That means if you book at a particular lodge and the fish have already passed through or aren’t there yet, you could have slow fishing all week and not much of an experience.
If you had booked a fly-in trip at a lodge that offers float boat services, you’d have the flexibility to travel to where the fishing is good. So, instead of depending on predictions, you can base your fishing on up-to-date migration information.
Because the bulk of their business is based on taking customers to the best fishing spots right “now,” most flight charter companies employ naturalists or highly experienced, local staff who are dedicated to tracking fish migrations and finding you the best fishing.
Hit the Remote Spots
If you’re a solitary fisherman, someone who hates competing for fish, you can’t beat the fly-in experience. Instead of spending your day looking for a fishing spot that’s not already occupied, you can fly in to some of the most remote and not-accessible-by-boat locations in the state.
Do More
Choosing an Alaska fly-in fishing vacation over a lodge or boat-focused trip means you can hit a lot more fishing holes. You’re not as limited by time, water systems or distance - therefore, you can do more, see more and fish more.
In addition to being able to spend more time fishing, you also have greater opportunities for alternate activities like hiking, kayaking, rafting or wilderness watching. Instead of tethering yourself to one lodge and the area around it, you can easily arrange side trips and expeditions with a flight-based trip.
Flightseeing Opportunities
The best side benefit to an Alaska fly-in fishing trip is all the sightseeing opportunities. Each day, you travel to a new fishing spot, and on your way you’re getting an included tour of the state’s majestic beauty and wilderness.
Since Alaska has perhaps the most spectacular wilderness and scenery in the world, the view is no small bonus for the person who loves the outdoors. You can do some of the best fishing anywhere and simultaneously enjoy breath-taking views of the landscape and animals which inhabit it. It is a fishing excursion well worth the time and effort to get there.
Ideas For Preparing For A Fulfilling Float Fishing Vacation In Alaska
Posted in Fishing in Alaska on the August 30, 2008
When it comes to planning a float fishing trip, Alaska is like the Mecca of fishing spots. The views are incredible, the waters are pristine and the fish are abundant.
You’ll find rivers full of fish, beautiful landscapes, great people and an incredible experience. However, before you start booking, read on for a few tips that will ensure your Alaskan fishing adventure is one to remember.
Try a Vacation Planner Service
Instead of tethering yourself to one lodge or a specific charter company, you can opt to use a trip planning service. Most Alaskan vacation planners will work within your budget, booking your trip according to when you’re coming, your fishing skill level and where you can find the best fishing.
One company recommended by the Frommer’s Guide to Alaska are Sport Fishing Alaska (907-344-8674). They can coordinate all your need, including your lodging and local travel options.
Be Informed
Because most of the fish in Alaska are migratory, it’s so important to know when they’re in season, as well as where they’ll be at a specific time. Otherwise, you could find yourself staying at an empty lodge next to a river with no fish.
Probably the best information resource is the Alaska Department of Fish and Game’s Sport Fish Division. You can access their information at sf.adfg.state.ak.us. Their site is updated weekly with hot spots, run timing facts and general educational information on fishing in Alaska.
For region-specific information, you can click on particular areas of the state and obtain publications or guides for fishing in that locale. You can also contact the local offices by phone (numbers listed on the website) for guide or charter service recommendations.
Book in Advance
For a peak-season float fishing trip, Alaska residents and travel veterans recommend reserving your place early. The best lodges at the peak fishing times tend to book up quickly, meaning you need to be prepared and ready to reserve your place. You’ll also find that port cities and airport hubs can become overcrowded with tourists, so commit to your hotel and rental car well ahead of time.
Packing List for Alaska Fishing
Alaska is all about wild temperatures - from the hot noon sun to the cold nights or pouring rain. Plan ahead by packing clothes that can be layered, will dry quickly and will wick away sweat.
Also, invest your money in a high-quality, waterproof and wind-resistant rainwear suit that’s designed for fishing vacations. To ensure a comfortable and safe float fishing trip, Alaska residents know you have to pack the right clothes and be prepared.
Not Using Your Boat Much? Why Not Consider Donating Your Yacht?
Posted in Fishing in Alaska on the August 13, 2008
You don’t have to be rich to receive significant benefits from boat donation to a marine charity.
Contrary to general belief, donating your yacht does not mean “giving it away” without any benefits to you. In fact, many yacht owners are finding that they can net more bottom line dollars from a boat donation than they can in an outright sale.
This is a very real possibility because you receive a tax deduction up to the market value of your boat depending on the intended use by the non-profit organization plus your marine expenses end immediately – not in six months or a year while you’re waiting for a sale.
With high fuel prices and difficult economic times, any vessel broker will tell you that boats are taking much longer to sell these days, and you’re stuck with paying for moorage and maintenance costs until a sale is final.
In a boat donation, the transaction can be completed in a matter of days, there are no broker commissions to pay, and your expenses are eliminated immediately.
You’ll want to consult your tax adviser on how this applies to your individual situation, but you can deduct up to 100 percent of the appraised value of your boat, depending on your tax situation and the intended use by the nonprofit group.
You can then apply this savings on up to 50 percent of your adjusted gross income annually, and any remaining balance not immediately deducted can be carried forward for the next five years.
That’s important to note: you can deduct the value of your yacht donation for up to five years forward. It doesn’t matter if you can use the deduction now – if you expect to have a significant taxable income anytime in the next five years, a tax-deductible vessel donation could come in handy.
When you add up the tax deductible value of your boat donation plus all of the money you save by not having to pay any more boat expenses during a protracted sales effort, you could end up with more money than you would in an outright sale.
By donating your boat to Pacific Marine Foundation, your ongoing expenses of ownership, such as moorage, maintenance and fuel, terminate immediately, and there are no more headaches with showing your boat to bargain hunters and “fender kickers”.
Pacific Marine Foundation has quickly become a leader in the field of boat donations precisely because of its expertise in understanding and managing the complexities of marine donation. Our paid and volunteer staff includes attorneys, yacht brokers, marine equipment specialists, licensed commercial captains and industry experts with more than 30 years in the business.
When you decide to donate your boat to the Pacific Marine Foundation, you can be assured that your gift will be handled promptly, professionally, with legal integrity and with personal care. We have the proven experience.
A tax-deductible vessel donation to Pacific Marine Foundation offers you significant advantages. While your gift gives you the benefit of an immediate tax savings at 100 percent of appraised value, it also creates tangible benefits for our recipient organizations.
While you might not have a high taxable income now, but if you expect to have a high income — and high tax bill — in the next five years, you might be a good candidate for donating your boat! Naturally, you would want to consult your tax adviser.
A gift to Pacific Marine Foundation is a legitimate alternative to what may otherwise be a disappointing return on sale, and you’ll be making a contribution that helps support our youth programs.
Contact Us for a no-obligation consultation at 1-888-GIFT-BOAT (888-443-8262) or visit our web site at PacificMarine.org.
Alaska Fishing Guides: Choosing Superior Fishing Guides Around Alaska
Posted in Fishing in Alaska on the July 27, 2008
If you’re considering hiring Alaska fishing guides to enhance your Alaskan fishing trip adventure, you’ve already made a great decision. Charters and guides typically know the waters, fish migrations and great strategies to ensure you’ll come home with a trophy-sized catch.
But, like any business, there are good guides and bad ones. So, how do you know the difference? How do you find a great fishing guide or charter company? Should you go with a group fishing vacation or book privately? For hints and tips on how to choose an Alaskan fishing guide, keep reading.
Check References
Ask for the phone numbers or email addresses of former clients. Tell them you’d simply like to check their references. Remember, you could be spending several thousand dollars for a private, chartered and guided fishing service, so requesting references should be automatic.
In addition to verifying references from former clients, you can also try a quick phone call to the local tourism office. Remember, Alaska may be big, but it has small communities. Ideally, you want to hire Alaska fishing guides that are not only known by their tourism office, but also recommended.
Check Crew Qualifications
Before you arrive or upon arrival, you can ask to see the crew’s licenses and certifications. These can be faxed ahead of time or presented to you before departure. You also want to look for a crew that has a lot of experience in Alaskan waters and a strong understanding of the area.
Hire and Experienced, Local Guide
The best Alaskan guides and tour operators are either Alaska-born or long-time citizens with an impressive resume of local work experience. Remember, you’re hiring a guide because of their knowledge of the area and fishing waters - so look for one that has a proven track record.
A great way to check a guide’s success is to ask for their catch track record. How many fish are caught on each trip? What are the average weights? What’s their overall success rate? Remember to ask about their safety record too.
Check What’s Included and What’s Extra
Many Alaska fishing guides will include extra perks like lunches, fish processing and freezing, equipment, licenses, bait and tackle. However, some won’t - so, it’s important to find out what is and is not included in your fishing expedition before you book.
Most people only find the opportunity for an Alaska fishing trip adventure once in a lifetime. That being the case, you want to ensure that any guide you select is knowledgeable, professional, service-oriented, and has a wealth of experience on the Alaskan waters.
Alaska Fishing Charters: First-class Fishing Outings In Alaskan Locations
Posted in Fishing in Alaska on the July 21, 2008
Your chances of catching an incredible King Salmon or a trophy-size Rainbow Trout will be greatly increased by booking the services of Alaska fishing charters or tour guides. They know the waters, the location of the fish, and the best strategies for catching them.
So, if you’re planning an upcoming fishing trip to Alaska, whether for fly fishing or otherwise, keep reading for an overview of some of the best fishing tour companies in the state.
Puffin Alaska Fishing Charters
With fishing grounds that include the majestic Resurrection Bay, Montague Island, Nuka Bay, Prince William Sound and even Kenai Fjords National Park, Puffin is able to offer both incredible fishing and beautiful sights.
The company has 23 years of experience in chartered fishing trips and prides itself on its fast fishing boats, top of the line equipment and quality personalized service. Puffin specializes in halibut, salmon, lingcod and rockfish sport fishing.
Alaska NW Charters
Recently featured in National Geographic magazine, this highly personalized charter company offers 5-star luxury dining aboard a private yacht for eight. The crew includes a fishing guide, naturalist, hostess and captain - all available to serve and ensure that you and your group have the Alaskan experience of a lifetime.
If you’re thinking a private yacht is an expensive way to experience and fish Alaska, think again. The cost of chartering a private yacht for a fishing vacation is typically no more expensive than what you’d pay to book a cabin on a massive cruise ship. The difference is that on a cruise ship you’ll be sharing your experience with 2000 other strangers.
The Saltwater Safari Company
Saltwater Safari Company is known for its service and affordable rates that start at around $200 for a half-day and go up to $325 for a full day of both halibut and salmon fishing. The company also offers exclusive group bookings for privacy or large groups.
When calculating your total price, don’t forget to add the cost of meals, fishing licenses and fish freezing or processing. Like most Alaska fishing companies, the company does provide filleting, bait and tackle free of charge.
When it comes to Alaska fishing charters, you have hundreds of choices. So, the three companies above simply represent a cross-section of what’s available, but there are still a lot of choices out there. If you don’t use one of those referenced here, look for one that has strong customer testimonials, a solid catch track record and an experienced crew.
My fly fishing in alaska make me realized not to leave home without trusted baby care products, and 12 volt coffee maker
Posted in Fishing in Alaska on the May 17, 2008
Now, as in all trips, no matter how much preparation that you do for your outing, there are bound be hiccups. And the hiccups would be amplified if it is a camping trip, where you really have to depend on your preparation…
It was almost a year ago when we took our Alaska Fly Fishing Trip and although I must admit that the trip was fantastic, we were glad of something done right and lament for something that was not done.
The best thing that we did remember for our fly fishing in alaska was packed by my wife and it was so useful that I am going to remind all if possible to never leave home without it. That would be the Products For Baby Care that we used to carry when my daughter was much younger.
We call it by its Chinese name as Ru Yi oil and this products for baby care treats everything from colic to mosquitoes bites. And insect bites is what this Rui Yi oil is most effective against.
Of course, no matter how wild is Alaska, mosquitoes still can find its way there. And there are loads of mosquitoes down there during summer, so the Products For Baby Care that my wife has packed works wonder not only in relieving the pain, but also keep those nasty insects at bay.
The Ru Yi Oil is so effective that other fly fishers even want to buy it from us. If I had known that it is so good, I would have brought a few more, and it might earn us some meals.
Speaking of meals, the next thing that I wished I had brought along is a 12 Volt Coffee Maker . While it is true that this coffee maker might not brew the best coffee but compared to burn coffee that is already cold when stored in thermal flask, I guess the former can be consider to be gourmet coffee.
That is really the coffee we had for those few days that we spent fly fishing, sometimes sour, many times bitter and at times bland. At that time, the ability to have any coffee makers to brew myself a decent cuppa is appreciated.
So, that is the reason why I feel that this trip would be really complete if we have brought our travel coffee maker along.
[spin]I imagine casting my fly without any mosquitoes buzzing me and returning with a catch to a hot cuppa waiting for me. Now, that is really a good fly fishing trip…
|That is how a good fly fishing trip should be, no nasty mosquitoes to buzz you and a hot coffee to perk you…[/spin]