An Alaska Fishing Trip Will Bring Your Vacation Dream To Life

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.

The first step to planning a trip is to choose a species for fishing. Many anglers go for Alaska’s great salmon, but fishing for some of the incredibly big halibut is another saltwater thrill. Freshwater fishermen will enjoy hooking into Northern Pike, Rainbow Trout, Steelhead, Grayling and many others in rivers and streams.

Certain species are best fished for in one of Alaska’s five regions: Arctic, Western, Interior, Southcentral and Southeast. Many guides combine the westernmost areas together into one region. Here are some of their characteristics:

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 boasts some of the state’s most well-known fishing spots, such as the Kenai River where the salmon roam. You can drop lines here also for halibut off the coasts and for Pike, Trout and Grayling in the streams.

Interior/Arctic/Western Alaska. The westernmost parts of this region feature treeless plains, while the Interior is covered in forests. Salmon make long runs up the Kuskokwim and Yukon rivers. Grayling tops the freshwater species, along with trout, char, pike and burbot.

Once you’ve chosen your species and region, these tips can help you select a fishing guide.

1. Ask for at least two references from the guide. Contact these references and ask detailed questions about their experience. If they were 100 percent satisfied with their trip, move on to another prospect.

2. Get a timeline for the trip, including boat travel time and fishing time. Half a day’s trip is quickly expended if a long boat ride cuts into valuable fishing time.

3. Guides’ prices vary significantly, and usually for a reason. In this instance, the low bid is probably not your best choice.

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. Don’t be shy about any concerns - ask before you get out 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/