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THE GREAT OUTDOORS — When planning a trip to Alaska for some fishing, it’s good to know exactly what you’re looking for in an outfitter or guide service.
Guided trips are good in that someone already knows where fish have been recently caught and also knows the area, and can therefore potentially increase your catch. But some areas have more liberal catch limits when you guide yourself. And they can create more of a challenge because they require a strategy to be successful— which can be fun for anglers to figure out for themselves.
Getting lodging and a boat
Even if you opt to not have a guide, you’ll still want to have a lodge or some other kind of housing booked in advance, as well a boat and all the necessary equipment for fishing. Having a boat allows you a set number of days to plan to fish. Whether under the supervision of an experienced guide or taking the wheel of the boat in your own hands, such services are a welcome addition to your experience.
It's a good idea to have your nightly accommodations near an outfitter so you can easily and quickly transport your catch each day. Most of the outfitter businesses in Alaska arrange to clean, package and freeze your catch for the long plane ride home.
Doing your research
Different “zones” throughout Alaska have differing regulations, and it’s vital that you know all the rules and requirements for safe, legal catches. This does require some reading of fishing proclamations and research on your part to know things as simple as the species of fish that you’re catching and potentially keeping. Informed decision-making can keep you from breaking regulations and getting into serious situations with Alaska Fish and Game officials.
Ask a lot of questions to locals, study maps and make plans for specific fishing areas to concentrate your efforts. This preparation is probably the most important work you’ll do as you get ready to embark on a self-guided fishing trip.
Fishing gear tips
Knowing a good lure selection and color preferences are also of value. On some days, every color in the box will work for you. But look for patterns that can help you establish a strong game plan for the day. For example, pink and purple may be the hot ticket one day, and then green and yellow another day.
Whether fishing for silvers (Coho), kings (Chinook), pink salmon (humpies), sockeye (reds) or even halibut, a selection of bait to sweeten your lure or circle hook to entice a strike from your query is important.
For salmon, a hoochie (squid) rig with a double hook leader is great when tipped with herring. A flasher is placed 18-inches or so above the business end of the rig and resembles wounded baitfish. Trolling with a downrigger at varying depths and speeds can help you target the salmon at specific levels in the water column and can add fish to your limit. Being 40-80 feet down isn’t uncommon for salmon.
Halibut gear requires a more sturdy rod and a 2-pound or heavier weight to get the bait down to the bottom. Water depth and currents play a role in keeping your baited hook on the bottom where these tasty fish call home.
Conclusion
The fulfillment of a successful day’s catch, and knowing you’ve done a good job finding fish, is very satisfying. Talking with other self-guided anglers and sharing information can help both parties to be more successful with their fishing. You can find great satisfaction from a job well done when the limits and shipping boxes are filled.
