For a helpful packing list to enjoy the ultimate Alaska fishing tour, keep reading. But, remember that this is a packing list for those going on a guided charter and not intended for individuals who are planning a solo or independent expedition into the wild.

Your Fishing Gear

The fishing gear you wind up bringing will depend largely on what is supplied by your fishing charter company. Some provide a full equipment line-up alongside bait and tackle while others ask you to bring everything yourself. So, before you pack that 30-pound bait casting system in your carry-on, check with the tour or charter operator to see if they supply one.

A Breathable Rain Jacket

Investing in high-quality rain gear is probably going to be your best decision after finally booking your Alaska fishing adventure. The Alaskan fishing season is a rainy one, so spend your money on a high-quality breathable nylon or Gore-Tex fishing jacket that’s going to keep you dry, but not hot and sweaty.

Layered Clothing

Fishing season may be warm, but the nights and water are deadly cold. Look for clothes that are breathable, can be easily layered and dry quickly. One of the best brands is Smartwool, made from real wool so that it keeps you both cool and warm, doesn’t trap body odor or sweat and dries quickly.

Dry Bags

If you’re bringing your passport, fishing licenses, wallet and electronics like your Blackberry or digital camera, you’re going to want high-quality waterproof bags because Ziploc bags simply won’t cut it. Seal Line is a great brand that makes dry bags in a range of sizes.

For items such as wet clothes or dirty waders, pack a few plastic bags and garbage bags so everything else in your suitcase doesn’t get covered with dirt and water.

Bits and Pieces

Your accessories kit should include personal items like your hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, powerful and non-aerosol bug spray or cream, gloves and toiletries.

While your charter guide should have a complete first aid and survival kit on board or with you, you should always pack your own small, personal survival kit as well. This Alaska fishing trip survival kit should include a box of strike-anywhere matches, a compass, a crayon or piece of chalk, a few water purification tablets and something to eat like a granola bar.

What is Angling?

Angling is a method or type of sport fishing. The hook is attached to a line and fishing rod, and it’s basically the most popular form of recreational fishing, as opposed to nets. A float is used to suspend the bait and also serve as a bit indicator. So, when a fish bites the bait, the float moves and the fisherman knows to pull his line.

Float 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.

To fish king salmon, you’ll need a special stamp which is $10 per day, $20 for three days, $30 for a week and $50 for two weeks. Most fishing lodges and guide companies can arrange for your license ahead of time.

Hot Fishing Spots in Alaska

While Alaska has an abundant fish supply and some incredible fishing locations, it can often be about your timing and knowing where the fish will be. That’s why a guide or tour can really help your fishing trip be a success. However, the best spots for fishing in Alaska are Kodiak Island, the Kenai River and the Copper River Delta and Bristol Bay.

Bristol Bay is considered to be the world’s largest salmon fishery and plays host to hundreds of remote lodges designed for recreational anglers. It’s also well-stocked with Rainbow Trout and other fish species.

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.

Additional Resources

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.

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.

The Florida variety of black bass has 69 to 73 scales along the side, whilst its northern cousin, the largemouth, has 59 to 64 lateral side scales. There is also a larger fish produced in Florida black bass than its northern counterpart. This is partly due to the warmer waters whereby they thrive in temperatures between 75 and 85 degrees. They do however, during the early spring spawning, which is generally between December and May, lay their eggs in waters of approximately 65 to 70 degrees. 

A one year old black bass can reach approximately 7 inches, growing into adult size in approximately 18 months. Once the black bass reach the age of three or four years, the females will continue to grow faster than the males. The general size of a male is approximately 16 inches, whilst a female can grow to 22 inches or more.  If a black bass of eight pounds or more is caught, it is more than likely to be a female.

Attitude Makes Florida Black Bass Fishing Popular

The majority of anglers will agree that it is the way that black bass strike a wide variety of baits that makes fishing for these species so popular.  The black bass performs an explosive jump to the surface bait or performs a fast-running grab at a crank or a spinner bait, which gives the impression that the fish is attempting to gain control of the rod and reel. 

They provide the most excellent fight which is challenging in such a sense that the fish is daring the angler to get it to the shore. Adult black bass are not particularly fussy about their diet and will eat almost anything that gets in their way. This makes it very easy to locate bait black bass as they will eat smaller fish, crayfish, crabs, frog, and salamanders. It has even been known for them to eat mice and snakes.

The state record for the Florida black bass is 17 pounds, four and one-quarter ounce. The world record is just over 22 pounds, which was caught in Montgomery Lake, Georgia. There is an official state record from 1923 of a black bass being caught from a private pond at a weight of 20 pounds, two ounces.

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.

Book With a Trip Planning Service

Instead of depending on one specific lodge, charter company or your own self-guided tour, try booking a trip using a planning service. These companies will lock in and plan your fishing trip based on when you’ll be there, what fish you want to catch, your style of fishing and, of course, your budget. They can also be an invaluable resource for finding the best guides and fishing spots.

One company, recommended and listed by Fodor’s Alaska are Sport Fishing Alaska (Phone: 907-344-8674), who can plan everything from self-guided adventure expeditions to upscale and luxury lodges.

Do Your Research

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.

Your primary source of facts should either be your local guide or the state’s Department of Fish and Game Sport Fish Division. The division is online at sf.adfg.state.ak.us and has one of the most comprehensive websites in the country. Check it weekly for updates on great fishing spots, run data, tips and educational articles.

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

If you’re planning a float fishing trip, Alaska veterans recommend booking well in advance to secure the best lodges at the optimal times. Locals and seasoned visitors know when and where to book, so plan ahead. You’ll also find that during the peak summer season, hotels in major cities and rental cars can become sparse quickly.

Packing List for Alaska Fishing

The basic rule of thumb for any Alaska adventure is to prepare to dress in layers. Daytime temperatures can reach the high 70s while cool nights or pouring rain can instantly drop the temperature to a chilly 40 degrees.

Remember to pack a wind and waterproof outer layer designed for fishing. For successful float fishing vacations, Alaska veterans know to pack smart and be prepared.

Make Your Reservations Early

Between the months of June and September – the prime fishing season – Alaska sees over a million tourists. That means the hotels in Juneau won’t have vacancies, the charters will be booked and your preferred fishing lodge may already be full. So, start planning now and book your trip well in advance.

Hire an Experienced Guide

Going it alone on your first Alaskan fishing trip is not recommended. A local guide will know where the best spots are, what flies or lures will work and how to catch the biggest fish. Their experience and knowledge of the area is invaluable, particularly for a first-timer.

To find a qualified local guide or charter company, try asking at the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, a vacation planning company like Sport Fishing Alaska – who were featured in Frommer’s and Forbe’s Travel – or simply book with a lodge and use their in-house guide.

Follow the Fish

Fish may be abundant in Alaska, but they’re also migratory. You need to know the best fishing season and the right locations. So, while a lodge or specific spot may boast some of the best fishing in the world, that may only hold true for a few weeks out of the year. Instead of being disappointed by a slow fishing vacation, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game will be able to tell if your proposed location and dates will coincide with a fish migration.

There’s also the secret fishing season in Alaska – the fall. Trout are still running, no one’s around and fly fishers will experience some of the best fishing of their lives. Many river lodges and resorts specialize in an autumn season and even offer heavily discounted rates, saving you money.

Pack Smart

Remember that when you’re packing for a fishing trip, Alaska can be blisteringly hot, drenching wet or freezing cold. The best advice is to pack layers of clothing that will dry quickly. You want to protect yourself from the sun, rain and cold, but also be able to remove clothing or dry it fast. Don’t forget sunscreen, bug repellent, your gear, a small personal survival kit and your camera.

For almost every angler there is a type of fish. Many people choose to only fish for one or two species, as they enjoy the skill development hunting that type of fish entails. All fish are different and have different habits. This is one reason that makes fishing so unique.

Some fishermen enjoy setting off on their own during their free time to see what the lakes and rivers offer. Others, however, prefer a planned fishing charter.

Fishing charters are the ideal adventure if you don’t have all the equipment needed to fish but would like to all the same. Fishing charters are not all the same though. And it is important to consider the following points before doing so.

1. Cost of the Charter

You will want to collect enough information to gain a good idea of what you get for your money. What is included in the price? What equipment will the charter provide?

If there is a payment or deposit needed before setting off on the trip, how much is it and is it refundable if you have a change of plans?

Do their costs seem reasonable to you? If so, great; if not, look elsewhere for another charter that is more suitable. Remember it is up to you to schedule the trip that you want.

2. The Length of Each Charter Trip

You should determine how long the fishing trips will last. Many captains will allow people to do extra fishing before docking. Does this cost any extra? If you are not happy with the answer, say so.

Also, if the time frame or duration on the water is liable to change, you need to know in advance. Some charters even charge by the minute. Since you are the person paying for the time, it is crucial you know what you are getting.

3. The Captain

Find out information that is available about the captain. What chartered fishing experience does he have? The more experienced he is, the more you will likely get out of your trip. Any captain should be more than happy to answer a few questions for you before you decide to opt for his charter.

These few points are very basic. However if you follow through with them, you should have a terrific fishing charter adventure!

1. Ask your family members and peers if they know of a good guide. That way you will gain from their prior experience using fishing guides. By asking the advice of others you will save yourself time in choosing a good guide.

2. Look on the Internet. This could be a valuable source of fishing information. There are also fishing groups you can join online. Why not try asking a question in a forum and see if you can find a guide from there?

3. Check to make sure that your guide is licensed. If you don’t do this you could end up with a guide who doesn’t work according to state rules and regulations. You need to know that everything you do is legally and ethically correct. For your own peace of mind and to fish within the law, hire a licensed guide.

4. How long has your guide been a guide? You need to know the level of your guide’s expertise in the types of fishing available to you. It is best to opt for someone with plenty of experience. That way you will gain the benefit of that experience and not waste any of your fishing time.

5. Make sure you know what you are paying for. Sometimes the price you pay will include everything you need from your guide to an overnight stay somewhere to all your bait.

However, at times these costs can be broken out and paid for separately. If this is the case you need to know so you can budget accordingly. You definitely do not want unanticipated expenses spoiling your trip.

6. Tell your potential fishing guide everything about your level of fishing knowledge. Do not be afraid to tell the person if you have never been fishing before. If you tell the truth you are more likely to get the kind of fishing trip that is ideal for your abilities.

7. Take the time to become friendly with your guide. This will help you in many ways. Not only will you be able to build a comfortable relationship with your guide, but you will feel at ease in each other’s company. This is very important since you will be spending quite a lot of time, possibly alone, with the person on your fishing adventure. You don’t want to hire a guide that you don’t get along with.

If you follow these few tips, you should be able to select a terrific guide to help you with all your fishing needs.

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

Before you lay down a few grand for a private, multi-day fishing charter in Alaska, always check their references from previous clients. Ask for a phone number or email so that you can speak with the former client directly. If a company refuses to give you any references, don’t be inhibited about walking away.

In lieu of – or in addition to – checking client references, try making a quick phone call to the company’s local tourism office. Because the communities in Alaska are still small, the office should both know and be able to recommend the company’s services. If they don’t, they may have alternate recommendations for Alaska fishing guides.

Check Crew Qualifications

Always check whether a crew has its full licenses and certifications. You can do this when you arrive or ask your guide to fax this information to you. Ideally, you want to book a charter or guide company which employs a crew that’s not only experienced, but has a background in Alaskan waters.

Hire and Experienced, Local Guide

Ideally, your Alaska fishing guide or tour operator should either be an Alaskan native or have extensive working experience and history in the area. You want a guide that knows the waters, knows how to navigate them, can find the fish and lead you to the catch. Otherwise, you could simply rent a boat and go out alone.

One way to quantify a guide’s ability is to simply request their success rate and track record? How many fishers go home with a catch? What’s the average size or weight? And their biggest fish caught? Also, you should inquire about their safety record.

Find Out What Is and Isn’t Included

Some Alaska fishing guides include services like filleting, freezing, fish processing, equipment rentals, bait and licenses. Others charge extra for them. So, if a deal sounds too good to be true, make sure you ask exactly what’s included and what isn’t in your fishing expedition.

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.

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.