Archive for November, 2008
Great Sport Fishing Regions And Charters In The Vicinity Of Fort Lauderdale
Posted in Information on Fishing on the November 29, 2008
If a fishing venture or fishing trip in the beauty of Alaska isn’t your gig but you love your time as an angler on the water, then how about a fishing expedition at the other end of the U.S. in Florida?.
Fort Lauderdale sport fishing is one of the area’s biggest tourism generators. Because Fort Lauderdale and its nearby suburbs provides both saltwater and freshwater fishing, anglers can enjoy a deep sea experience, leisurely fly fishing or even bottom fishing.
Because sport fishing is so popular in Fort Lauderdale, you won’t have a hard time locating a charter boat or fishing guide company. However, for the most current information on prices, quality companies and pier locations, try the resources below.
The International Game Fish Association World Fishing Center
The World Fishing Center, run by the IGFA (International Game Fish Association) is an incredible 3-acre park, museum and library that’s also home to a virtual reality sport fishing simulator. Anglers can practice reeling in a computer-generated catch, browse the library resources or even find a list of recommended local guides and charter companies.
You can visit the World Fishing Center daily between 10am and 6pm, or you can call them at 1-954-927-2628 and ask to speak with a librarian. The IGFA has a website at igfa.org. The site even lets you search for IGFA-certified captains in the Fort Lauderdale area.
Fort Lauderdale’s Hall of Fame Marina
The Hall of Fame Marina, on Seabreeze Boulevard, is full of captains and charter fishing companies, all clamoring for your Fort Lauderdale sport fishing business. Going down to take a look lets you inspect the boats in person, develop a rapport with local captains and often garner a better price.
Fort Lauderdale’s Pier 66
Like the Hall of Fame Marina, the Pier 66 Marina is another hot spot for some of Fort Lauderdale’s biggest and best fishing charter companies. The marina can be found on SE 17th Street or by phone at 954-525-6666. Again, ask your hotel concierge or the IGFA for a recommended boat and captain.
Hillsboro Inlet Charters
Actually located in Pompano Beach, Hillsboro Charters are recommended by both Fodor’s Florida guide and Frommer’s. The company operates over a dozen charter vessels and tracks marlin, shark, sailfish and pompano. You can contact them by phone at 954-943-8222 to make a reservation.
Average Prices and Charter Rates
For bottom fishing, most boats charge about $40 per person for a 4-hour trip and will typically include reel, rod and bait. For private charters, expect to pay around $350 for a six-person, half-day trip and about $600 for a full day adventure.
For the frugal fisher or those looking for a quieter Fort Lauderdale sport fishing experience, pier fishing may be the way to go. Places like Pompano Beach, Lauderdale by the Sea and Deerfield Beach all offer fishing piers that range from free to $5 for a full day of use. Rod and reel rentals are also available.
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.
Analysis Of Some Of The Choicest Fly Fishing Outings In Alaska
Posted in Fly In Fishing Trips on the November 9, 2008
For an exciting overview of some of Alaska’s most popular lodges and fishing tours, read on.
Ultima Thule Lodge (ultimathulelodge.com)
Featured in the National Geographic’s Ultimate Alaska issue, Ultima Thule Lodge is renowned for its luxury service, knowledgeable staff and experienced bush pilots. The lodge is fly-in only and located in the expansive Wrangell-St. Elias National Park.
Their bush pilots can arrange any type of guided fishing experiences, including fly fishing in Moose Valley, an area known for its fantastic fishing.
By offering alternative day trips and other activities, Ultima Thule Lodge has set itself apart from the competition. Whether it’s a corporate retreat or family fishing trip, guests can choose between hiking remote glaciers, rafting the rapids or spending the day fishing.
However, if you and your group want a more rustic or self-catered experience, you may want to look elsewhere. Ultima Thule is known for luxury, not wilderness expeditions.
Sadie Cove Wilderness Lodge (sadiecove.com)
Sadie Cove Wilderness Lodge is situated right in the middle of the beautiful Kachemak Bay, an area known for its fishing. The eco-lodge uses wind, hydro and solar power, and prides itself on being one of the greenest hotels in the country. Its amazing systems and accommodations have been featured in National Geographic, Forbes’ Traveler, the Discovery Channel, ESPN, the Fishing Network and more.
They arrange everything from photo safaris to fully customized Alaska fly fishing trips, while pampering guests with an in-house chef, on-site sauna and incredible scenery. Despite the amenities and commitment to sustainability, the rates at Sadie Cove are fairly reasonable. They start at about $400 per night per adult for an all-inclusive stay - meaning three meals a day, use of lodge facilities, a private cabin, and fishing equipment. However, private fishing charters or fly-ins do cost extra.
Drifter’s Lodge on the Kenai River (907-595-5555)
If you’re looking for a more rustic experience that centers it attention almost exclusively on fly fishing, Drifter’s Lodge is a great choice. The lodge offers a more down-to-earth Alaskan experience and has been featured in National Geographic, the Lonely Planet and Time magazine. For fly fishing, their draw is on the fall season when the trout are at their peak.
The lodge has on-staff guides who know the Kenai River, know the fish patterns and are able to assist you to find great fishing locations and choose the best flies and casting techniques to catch your fish. They focus on techniques for rainbow trout, Dolly Varden trout and Alaska salmon, and are able to plan some of the best Alaska fly fishing trips available.