| For most of us, booking a charter trip to fish for the | | | | be in the party and how long you want to fish. |
| famous wild Alaskan salmon is a treat and possibly a | | | | Unless you are a seasoned fisherman used to long |
| once in a lifetime trip. Alaska is a big state and fishing | | | | days on the water, a full day in a rocking boat in |
| is big business. To make the most of your trip, invest | | | | Alaska's unpredictable elements might be too much. |
| a few hours in some research. You and your captain | | | | In this case, opt for a half day, which is usually 3 to 5 |
| will be grateful you did. | | | | hours. Come away with pleasant memories instead of |
| What type of fish do you want to catch? | | | | exhaustion. |
| Alaska hosts five species of salmon, plus other game | | | | Most rates are around $200.00 to $300.00 per person |
| fish such as Dolly Varden, Arctic Grayling and Alaska | | | | per day depending on where you fish. Discounts are |
| Rainbow Trout. Charter services often specialize in | | | | usually defined on websites. Ask if taxes, meals, port |
| the fishing expeditions they offer, so decide up front | | | | fees or fuel surcharge are included. |
| the fish you are after. Fishing seasons in Alaska vary | | | | Deposits are required and cancellation/refund policies |
| from region to region. Check with the Alaska | | | | should be made clear. |
| Department of Fish and Game, Sport Fish Division for | | | | What Should The Charter Service Provide? |
| the yearly sport fishing regulations and seasons for | | | | - Fast, safe, late model sport fishing boats |
| each year. An interactive map is available on their site | | | | - Friendly, experienced and licensed Captain and crew |
| to find these regulations. Also, check for any | | | | - Top quality fishing tackle with rigging appropriate for |
| emergency orders issued by the departments. These | | | | the fish species |
| emergency actions may decrease creel limits or close | | | | - All bait and lures |
| seasons and will always supersede the published | | | | - Fish cleaning (not always, but a heavy tip is usually |
| regulations. | | | | provided to whoever cleans your fish) |
| Be up front about your goals and desires. A | | | | - All instruction necessary to catch fish. |
| conscientious guide will be up front with you about | | | | - Better charters offer vacuum sealing, freezing and |
| their expertise. | | | | shipping. |
| River or Ocean Fishing? | | | | What Should You Bring With You? |
| Once you have decided on the type of fish you | | | | - Food and beverages (NOT usually supplied by the |
| want to catch, the next question is what type of | | | | charter. Ask.) |
| fishing are you interested in - river or ocean. Some of | | | | - Rain Gear (Sometimes supplied by the charter. Ask.) |
| Alaska's sport fish are present in both waters and | | | | - Camera |
| the fishing technique is often a personal choice. | | | | - Motion sickness Pills |
| River fishing is generally fly fishing, drift fishing and | | | | - Fishing license and king stamp (if fishing kings) |
| some trolling. Peaceful and unhurried, this venue | | | | - **BUY YOUR FISHING LICENSE ON-LINE AHEAD |
| allows for wildlife watching and appreciation of the | | | | OF TIME (See ADF&G website for details) |
| surroundings. | | | | - Cooler or bags to transport cleaned fish in your car |
| Ocean charters are almost always trolling or "jigging". | | | | - Weather appropriate clothing (dress in layers) |
| This is open water fishing with exposure to the | | | | - Sunglasses |
| whims of the sea and the weather. Some charter | | | | - Sunblock |
| services offer combination trips. For example, one | | | | - Bug Repellent |
| service offers what is known as a "combo" trip in | | | | - Rubber Boots |
| which 2 to 3 hours of trolling for early season salmon | | | | Other Things to Consider |
| is combined with a halibut charter. | | | | - Does the charter have a private head (bathroom)? |
| Is Gear Provided and What Quality Is It? | | | | This might make for a more enjoyable trip. |
| Most services provide quality gear. Broken poles and | | | | - Find out a definite departure time and Be On Time! |
| jammed reels make for miserable trips, not to | | | | - Find out in advance what the cancellation policy is. |
| mention terrible advertising. Bad experiences have a | | | | The fishing season is limited and each day counts for |
| way of getting around. If you have your own gear | | | | these businesses. On the other hand, Alaskan |
| that is adequate for this type of fishing and wish to | | | | weather can be unpredictable and no reputable |
| bring it along, be sure to ask first. If you have never | | | | service should insist that customers endure harsh |
| done this type of fishing before, allow the service to | | | | conditions. |
| outfit you with their gear. | | | | Following the above guidelines should connect you |
| How Much Will it Cost? | | | | with the captain and service that will help you land |
| Once you have contacted your potential charter | | | | that trophy fish of a lifetime. |
| service, but sure you mention how many people will | | | | |