Affordable Alaska Fishing Trip - Article 14 of 31
What to bring on your affordable Alaska fishing trip
Ok, so you’re planning for that memorable and affordable Alaska fishing trip. One of the biggest questions is, "What should I bring?" Let's talk about the necessities that you will need to bring with you to ensure a most memorable and enjoyable Alaska fishing vacation. This discussion is geared toward the “do-it-yourself” fishing trip and not a guided trip. If you are leaning more toward a guided trip, talk to the lodge and/or guide directly and they will supply you with your needs list.
As an economical angler, it’s up to you to plan well and to pack everything you will need as you traverse the Alaska wilderness…via highway, of course…to get to your fishing destinations. We’ll start with the items that you’ll take along with you on the stream/rivers since this is really the purpose of your trip. Then we’ll talk about the other general travel items you’ll be taking along in your luggage and the items you’ll pick up once you get there.
Fishing license
I believe in doing as much as possible before your trip begins. For that reason I recommend going to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website and purchasing your fishing license at least one month prior to your trip. This will save you time and will allow ample time for your license to reach you via the USPS. You can view all pricing options on the site prior to making your purchase. If you plan on going for king salmon, you will also need to purchase the accompanying king salmon stamp for the same number of days as your license. Remember to familiarize yourself with the Rules and Regulations before making the trip.
Rod and Reel
I’m guessing that if you’re reading this, you’re already a fisherman so we won’t spend a whole lot of time on the fishing rod and reel itself. Basically, for salmon you’ll want a 6’ – 7’, medium to medium-heavy weight, break-apart travel spinning rod. If you are a fly fisherman, you’re best bet is a 9’, 8 weight, 3-4 piece graphite travel rod. If you are targeting just rainbow, grayling or dollies, then you can go with smaller weight rods. For reels, all that needs said here is to bring a matching, quality reel for the rod that you bring. Also, bring a spare reel for your spare rod and bring spare spools for both reels, just in case you need to quickly switch out the line. I say quality rod and reel because they will be subjected to runs like they’ve never seen before and less than quality rods/reels may not hold up to the pressure. Always take a spare mid-budget rod and reel with you as a reserve in case you’re primary rod breaks on you. You never know when you’re going to latch onto that lunker that may be a little too strong for your rod to handle. The last thing you want is to be miles from civilization and no means to fish.
Lines
Your fishing line is largely a matter of personal preference. There are many new high-tech lines out there that are quite expensive. If you like these lines, go for it. They’ll hold up nicely but they aren’t a necessity. Some of the newer braided lines or even monofilament line will do just fine. What pound test you use will be determined by the species you’re targeting. If you are going for rainbows, steelhead or pink salmon, an 8 – 12 lb test will be the ticket. If you are targeting red or silver salmon, 15 – 20 lb test is called for. If you are going for kings, you’ll need to outfit with about a 25 - 30 lb test or even more depending on where you’re fishing. So, if you’ve counted with me, you should have a total of 4 spools. Take these spools to a fishing shop or fly shop and have them professionally spooled and labeled for you. Have them do one with 8 lb test, one with 12 lb test, one with 15 lb test and one with 20 lb test line. This way you’re covered for whatever situation you find yourself in. For you fly fishermen, you can pretty much gauge what you’ll need based on the numbers I’ve just discussed.
Tackle and Terminal gear
The choices here are staggering but it doesn’t have to be complicated. I’ve dedicated a separate article just for discussing the tackle that you should investigate and use. Once you are finished with this article, find the Tackle and Terminal Gear article for a quick look at how you will attract your fish.
Net
Don’t bring this one with you. Either go without or buy an inexpensive one in Anchorage when you arrive there. You may be able to borrow another nearby anglers net, practice catch and release, or beach your fish. Personally I don’t like being bothered with a net. It’s all a matter of preference.
Tackle Box and/or Backpack
Forget about the old, hard case tackle boxes. Space is critical on this trip so if you don’t have a soft-sided tackle box I highly recommend purchasing one. Depending on which kind you go with here, you will either pack this in your suitcase or duffle bag or you will use it to pack additional clothes in it and pack it in your cooler for your flight. That sounds confusing, I know, so let me explain. You can purchase either a regular, traditional sized, soft-sided tackle box or if you’re like me, you’ll go for the all-in-one model and go for the fishing backpack. If you go with the tackle box, you’ll simply pack it in your luggage. If you go with the fishing backpack, you’ll either use it as a carry-on or you will pack additional clothes in it and pack it in your cooler on your flight. A fishing backpack is a backpack that has multiple compartments and a detachable soft-sided tackle box at its base. A backpack is a critical item for you while fishing in Alaska. It will accompany you on the water and will carry a change of clothes, your rain gear, zip-lock bags and garbage bags, your first-aid kit along with other items and will even carry your fish at some point. You can find them at many of the larger outfitters. One note about the fishing backpack…if you go this route and you use it as a carry-on while flying, do yourself a favor and remove the tackle compartments and pack them in your checked luggage. The airline may view the hooks, spinners, etc. as weapons and not allow them.
Rain Gear
Don’t skimp here. Let me say that again…Don’t skimp here. If there is one thing that is almost a certainty it is that sometime during your visit it is going to rain on you. Quality rain gear is a must. Along with the rain, there could be wind and you may be walking along paths lined with trees, jaggers and thorns. These conditions will tear a cheap rain suit to shreds and being cold and wet wild fishing is the last thing you want to experience. I’m partial to a two piece rain suit with the rain jacket and pants. The reason is that rains are sometimes accompanied by winds. I find it quite challenging to fish when its raining and having my poncho flapping in the wind…but that’s just me. Whatever type you go with, make sure it will hold up to the elements.
Sunglasses and Hat
Both of these are used to cut down on glare from the sun. A good pair of polarized glasses are a must. Don’t waste money on a $10 pair. They simply don’t work. You’ll spend at least $40 - $50 on a decent pair. If you have the means, go even higher. This is one of those areas that generally yield better results by spending more. Look for something with coated lenses to protect the lenses from scratches. I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve gone fishing with my glasses and seen guys fishing in shallow holes where there are absolutely no fish (which I can see because of my glasses). There was one recent trip like this where a friend and I walked downstream past 2 anglers in this very situation. We walked no more than 30 feet downstream where a few steelhead were holding and I set my friend up there with the exact location of the fish (he didn’t have glasses either). Three casts later he began a 10 minute battle with a beauty. Needless to say the anglers just upstream weren’t too happy about this. Some folks also recommend amber glasses for dreary days. I’ve never found that to be necessary. I know it’s a dreary day, I can deal with it. Do I really want to look at life through rose (or amber) colored glasses? Save your money here. Your hat can be any hat with a brim to shade your eyes from the glare from the sun. Some like the full brimmed hats where the brim goes the whole way around the hat. These hats are nice if it rains because the full brim will allow the water to run off onto the shoulders of the rain suit. Personally, I have a favorite baseball-style fly fishing cap that I always where. If it rains, I simply put my hood up and protect my head and neck from the elements and the bill keeps the rain out of my eyes. This is totally your decision and neither is wrong.
Fishing Vest
Your vest is basically your portable tackle box while on the stream. Leave your tackle box in the vehicle (unless you have the fishing backpack which we talked about earlier) as you’ll want to keep your hands free and not have to deal with remembering to pick it back up at each destination. Plus, if you’re fishing tidal waters you run the risk of putting it down on the beach and having it wash away if you don’t pay close attention to it as the tides come in. Again I’ll make an assumption that you are already a fisherman and already own a vest and know how to stock it so we won’t go into any detail here. If that is not the case and you wish to learn more, do not fret, visit the VESTS section for a great discussion on the vest and its contents.
First Aid Kit
You don’t need anything elaborate here but a simple first-aid kit should be packed. You’ll be traversing terrain you’re not used to. You could get hooked, skin an elbow from falling, get a scratch from an unseen branch or cut your finger while filleting your catch. Have an ample supply of antiseptic and bandages, medical tape and gauze pads, and After Bite (or other lotion for itching from bee stings, mosquito bites, etc). Pack this away in a side pocket in your backpack in case you need it.
Waders
Again, you probably already have a favorite pair of waders that you’ll take with you. There are many different choices here. There are hip waders, waist waders, chest waders, neoprene waders, breathable waders, bootfoot waders and stockingfoot waders. For a detailed discussion, again I suggest the WADERS section for a wonderful breakdown of all the different waders. Personally I like the breathable, waist waders. They allow me to wear shorts under them on warm days and sweat pants on cold days using the same waders. Neoprene waders are great for cold temperatures but if it warms up during the day, you could get quite warm in these. All of the places that we talk about are easily waded with hip waders but again this is a personal preference so wear what you feel most comfortable in. You’ll be spending some long days on the water so get yourself as comfortable as possible.
Miscellaneous items
Stringer - If you’re going for salmon, a stringer will come in handy. Stick with plastic and leave the heavy, metal one at home.
Fillet knife - If you’re filleting your own salmon, a fillet knife will be needed. Remember, salmon are larger than most fish you’ve caught so you’ll want one with a large blade.
Sunscreen - Just in case you get a run of sunny weather, you’ll want to remember to pack some sunscreen in your backpack.
Gallon zip-lock bags – These will come in handy for protecting small items (like your camera) from inclement weather. They’ll also be used if you fillet your salmon as you’ll pack your fillets in these bags.
Camera – don’t forget this. There’s no place more beautiful on this earth than Alaska and you’ll want these memories captured. I have a small digital camera that I secure in a zip-lock bag and carry in one of my large vest pockets or in an easy to reach side pocket of my backpack.
Large garbage bags – get the heavy duty kind. These come in handy for storing your fish, your muddy shoes, your clothes, covering your backpack if it rains, wearing over your feet if your waders spring a leak and you’ll find many other uses as well.
Hand warmers – I sometimes get called a wimp for this one but again, I’m all about comfort. There have been days where both the air and water temperatures have been in the 40’s or 50’s and my hands have gotten so cold that I couldn’t tie my own knots. When this happens, I simply take a 15 minute break and break out the hand warmers and warm my hands up again. For me this is a necessity. Once my hands get cold, I’m useless.
Gloves – depending on the time of year, this may or may not be necessary. If your hands get cold easily like mine, you’ll want to consider taking a pair of gloves along. I have a pair of black neoprene fishing gloves with the tips of the thumb and forefinger cut out on both hands so I can tie my knots and can still feel the slightest bump on the line. They work great for me.
Bug repellant – get one with DEET. Alaskan mosquitoes can be ruthless. DEET keeps the mosquitoes from biting. A note on DEET though…after applying it, wash your hands thoroughly. DEET is a powerful chemical that can break down certain fishing lines and can damage the fishes skin if it is on your hands when you handle your fish. Another alternative if you really hate bugs is an anti-bug mesh. This comes in different models from a simple head cover to a full mesh jacket. The latter is a bit overkill so if you go this route, go with the head cover that can be easy folded and packed into your backpack.
Now we’ll list the few items that are left that you’ll also be taking with you to Alaska.
Small, reusable gel ice packs – several of these will be used coming and going to keep your food and your fish cold.
Rod case – large enough to carry your rods and reels only.
Cooler – after discussing this with many others it seems that almost everyone agrees that a 48 quart cooler is the ideal size. If you purchase a new one, go cheap. This cooler will endure a little abuse and will be wrapped with duct tape to seal it. Looks aren’t important…practicality is.
Soft-sided cooler – this one is your call but it is definitely nice to have. Being soft-sided, it allows you to fold it up and pack it away nicely when not in use. This would make a nice carry-on to pack away some snacks, maps, your camera, etc.
Bungy straps – they don’t take up much space and you never know.
Clean rags, towel and wash cloth and your other toiletries – for obvious reasons. I’ll leave this one up to you to decide what to take. Don’t forget toilet paper. Nature can call at the most inopportune times.
Rope and duct tape – if you’re going to be doing any camping, you’ll find more than just a few uses for these items. The most important use for the duct tape will probably be to wrap and seal your cooler. I’m sure you’ll come up with a few other uses on your own for both of these items.
Vacuum packaging machine – to some this may sound a bit overboard but you’re making an economical trip here so this is another item that will really save you money. This is to process your fish, vacuum pack it and get it on ice. If you have a hard time with this, consider the fact that your cooler will carry about 40 – 50 pounds of fish with a face value of about $350 - $400. This is not a necessity and is totally your call. If you do not wish to deal with processing your own fish, no problem. There are many fish processing locations that would be more than happy to do this for you. They will process your fish however you like and believe me, there are all kinds of options…all at a price…but all are good. This is your call. If you do this, don’t forget an ample supply of plastic bags for the machine.
Food and utensils - food in Alaska is expensive. You’ll want to buy as many of your food items as possible at home and take them with you. You’ll pack all your cold items in the cooler along with some other things that don’t necessarily need chilled. Avoid glass containers and go as light as possible for all foods for obvious reasons. Food items are all another personal preference but here are some of my choices: powdered drinks, dry pasta and vegetable meals that you prepare with boiling water, other pasta and rice, dried soups, bread, lunch meats, condiments, butter, salt and pepper and other spices. You’ll also need paper plates and utensils, aluminum foil and plastic containers to mix your drinks.
Now we’ll talk about some things to pick up once you reach Alaska and have your rental vehicle. First you’ll make a bee line right to the super market. Pick up your additional food items that you didn’t bring with you. These could be chips, fresh fruits and fresh vegetables and any other items you choose. Also, depending on what camping supplies you’ve rented, you may need to stock up on some camping consumables. These could include small propane tanks for propane lanterns or cook stoves, lighter fluid, charcoal, a grilling basket for the fire, matches or other fire starter, a Styrofoam cooler for additional cold storage. The last items you may want to stock up on are firewood and additional fishing tackle and/or flies. Ask what’s hot and try it out. And finally a tip from an uncle, get a spare key made for your rental vehicle. This could save you a lot of money and frustration if you happen to lose the primary set or lock them inside the vehicle accidentally.
Good planning is the difference between an awesome trip and/or a disaster. Perfect planning makes for a perfect trip, right?
On to Affordable Alaska Fishing Trips Article #15...Fishing Tackle.
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