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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.
Learn how to plan, organize, and catch more fish on your next
Alaska Fishing trip.
Click Here
to read more.
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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