Alaska Salmon Fishing: Enjoy Some Chinook Catches

Alaska Salmon Fishing: Enjoy Some Chinook Catches
by Ernesto Maitim


Alaska is the US state that is also known as the salmon country. In fact, this state is considered one of the most popular destinations when it comes to fly fishing and angling. It is also the state to go to if you are someone to loves to catch the King Salmon fish, one of the largest of its species. If you are in Alaskan salt waters, you can catch this fish by trolling or angling into the waters. Actually it is not just Alaska salmon fishing that one can enjoy catching in this state. All angler and fishers from the state itself and likewise those from out of state would continuously troop to the its waters, both fresh and salt, never worrying about the possibility of having no catch as the streams, rivers, lakes, and seas in and surrounding Alaska are bountiful in all kinds of fish.
Still, Alaska salmon fishing is the one that is very popular in this state simply because the it is available for catching all throughout the year. Here are the popular salmon species that you can catch.
Chinook or King Salmon - is the largest, weighing from 20 to about 40 pounds. Although Alaskan records show that the heaviest caught is over 110 pounds. One distinguishable mark is its bluish green spotted back. Other names for this species are springs, tule and tyee.
Sockeye salmon is another popular species. It is very much sought after because of its thick flesh that has a deep reddish hue. When cooked, it can give a very rich and delectable flavor.
The Silver Salmon, also known as Coho, belongs to the small species of salmon. On the averages, the Coho weighs from 8 pounds to 12 pounds at its heaviest. The silver salmon loves to spawn on the smaller bodies of waters such as the streams. Spawning periods of silver is from the month of July running up to November.

Sea Fishing Vacation on Alaska

Deep Sea Fishing Vacation - Alaska or Caribbean?
by Dean Forster

In your dreams do you see open waters filled with fish? And in these dreams are you on a boat with a sturdy fishing rod in your hands? Sounds like you need a deep sea fishing vacation. A fishing vacation in Alaska, Bermuda, Bahamas, or the Caribbean will be a dream come true if you are the avid fisherman. The most important step in planning your vacation is to know what species of fish you are hoping to catch. Different destinations have different species of fish. Along with the different species are different climates. If you are lucky, you can find a vacation package that includes multiple destinations such as Hawaii then to Alaska. What a difference that would be!Now, deep sea fishing is not just where you take your canoe or kayak out into the open sea and cast out for a few tropical fish. Deep-sea fishing is often referred to as big-game fishing or even blue-water fishing. Have you ever heard of big-game hunting? That is where people go out to hunt animals that are massive. Well, much is the same for deep sea fishing. Fishermen, this includes women, go out in a large boat with monstrous fishing rods and cast out for fish and even sharks. Since you need a boat to get this sport rolling, it wasn't actually a sport until the boat was invented. Some of the most popular species of fish that are being targeted today are large tuna, billfish, and as mentioned previously sharks. What type of bait do these fishermen use? Smaller fish are used as bait. The smaller fish include small tuna, dolphinfish, barracuda, and Wahoo.
How can you go deep sea fishing without your own yacht or boat? The answer is simple: rent a boat of go on deep sea fishing charters. Renting a boat can be fun, feeling the power of being in charge, but you wouldn't want to do that on your own. That is why when you rent a boat they come equipped with a crew that has many years of experience. On these charters you will find record breaking sized fish.
Have you decided on the destination? You need to have proper clothing and equipment along with you in order for you trip to be successful. Is your destination Alaska? Planning a deep sea fishing vacation to Alaska is very tricky. Bringing the right clothing can be complicated. The weather out on the open sea can change in an instant so that is why you need to bring layers upon layers of extra clothing along. Not only do you want layers of warm winter clothing, but you must also have rain gear. Your clothing wouldn't do you any good if they were completely soaked from the rain. Knowing what to bring on your Caribbean vacation should seem simple, but there are a couple things that you must remember to bring. First of all, sunscreen is a must! The water will reflect the sun and you will be very susceptible to sun burn. Wear a hat and sunglasses as well. Bring clothing that is light, but not loose enough to get caught in the fishing equipment.
No matter where you take your deep sea fishing vacation you must remember one thing. That one thing you must take with you is a camera. Have proof of your fish stories to make sure they are more than just that.

Fish Types for Great Fly Fishing in Alaskan Waters

Fish Types for Great Fly Fishing in Alaskan Waters

by Trevor Price

So, you're planning on fly fishing in Alaska? Do you know the area's different species? What types of fish you can expect to encounter? If not, keep reading for an overview of the area's most abundant fish species. Pacific Salmon
There are four major species of Pacific salmon in Alaska: Chinook salmon (also known as king salmon), pink salmon, silver salmon and sockeye salmon or reds. They're a great game fish, but usually less popular with cold water fly fishers than, say, trout or Arctic char.
It's important to note that while Pacific salmon won't eat after returning to fresh waters, they will still strike subsurface and surface flies. However, fly fishers need to be ready to take in what are a large and aggressive fish species. The king salmon in Alaska can weigh close to or over one hundred pounds.
The Steelhead (Trout Family)
The steelhead is actually a type of rainbow trout, named for its beautiful silver body and steely color. Like salmon, they like to swim in open ocean or bigger lakes, however they'll spawn in nearby rivers. The steelhead will spawn multiple times in its lifetime.
The steelhead is strong, large, high-leaping and long-running, making it highly prized among experience fly fishers. It's also a great catch for the dinner table and an overall tasty fish. The fish averages between 4 and 12 pounds, but can often exceed 20 pounds, particularly in Alaska.
Grayling
The graying is a unique fish, easily identifiable by its high and broad dorsal fin and almost neon blue color on its body and fins. For fly fishing, Alaska graylings are both prized and easy to catch. The fish aren't very discriminating and tend to go for almost any fly.
Graylings mostly feed on live and active insects, but will sometimes eat crustaceans or small minnows. The most effective flies tend to be smaller or dry flies.
An Alaskan grayling will typically grow to about 4 pounds, but they're a tasty catch and well suited to the dinner table.
Arctic Char
As a trout, the Arctic char lives for the pure and cold waters of Alaskan lakes and streams. The fish makes a great catch that's lively and strong, though willing to fall for more flies and slightly easier to trick than the rainbow trout. For fly fishing, Alaskan arctic char is an easy lure, but a fantastic catch.