Your Fishing Escape

Before you can set out on your next fishing trip, you are going to have to take a few things into consideration. First, you must think about what exactly your priorities are, when it comes to your trip. First, what are your priorities, and what do you expect to do while you are on your trip? If you are wanting go take an Alaska fishing trip, and catch Halibut, or Salmon, then you are going to have to plan accordingly. Whereas, if you are looking to take a shark fishing trip, or deep sea trip, then you need to make those necessary changes. You can’t get the best of both worlds, so you have to make up your mind, ahead of time.

Next, what mode of transportation are you going to have to use for the type of fishing that you want to do? Some fish are able to be caught from large party boats, without being spooked, or messing with the numbers that each angler pulls out, while other fish are incredibly spooky, and there will only be a few people allowed on the boat, to reduce the overall noise, and allow each angler to catch a fair number of fish.

Next, what do you intend to do with the fish that you catch on your trip? Are you going to keep them, to eat them when you get back home? If so, you are going to have to plan for storage, and travel in advance. However, if you intend to have the fish stuffed, a local taxidermist can usually take care of you, provided there is enough time left on the trip. If your fishing trip is nearing it’s end when you catch your trophy, the taxidermist can actually send the final product to you by way of airplane.

Fishing trips are a timeless activity, for those looking to relax with friends, deepen family bonds, or just take a break from the daily grind by escaping into nature for a while. The options for fishing trips are endless- from a quick jaunt at a nearby creek to a luxury vacation aboard a private yacht; as the challenges and pleasures of fishing draw people of all backgrounds and income levels, year after year. Because of the versatility of fishing trips, they have been a part of many classic works of literature and film; who could imagine The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn without Huck and Tom, fishing together and plotting their exploits?

Some may wonder whether, in this digital age defined by consumerism, the old-fashioned fishing trip is losing its popularity. Perhaps people now prefer to fish by video game rather than in person? In fact, the sport of fishing is not being left in the dust by new technology, but instead adapting to it.

Certain aspects of a fishing trip cannot be replaced by a screen: the feel of the sun on your face, the smell of the water, the satisfaction after a struggle to reel in a big catch. While some traditionalists may favor the equipment of yesteryear, others are taking advantage of evolving technology to improve their experiences on fishing trips.

Take for example the staples of an extended hiking trip, far from hotels and other trappings of civilization. However, an ancient tent, fishing pole and rickety canoe may suffice for some, other fishing enthusiasts latch onto equipment with sophisticated features that allow them to push their personal records. The demand for quality outdoor sporting goods has not gone unnoticed; companies like Cabela, Bass Pro Shops, and Gander Mountain have capitalized on the dedication of anglers and other outdoor sportsmen to build superstore empires. A quick look through their merchandise reveals a plethora of bait options, various types of fishing lines (monofilament or fluorocarbon, anyone?) and rods, to mention just a few products.

Fishing trips are not just a great way to release stress and keep up a sporting life; they also present opportunities to maintain relationships in a busy world. A regular fishing trip between a child and their parent can be a buffer against peer pressure and certain dangers involved in growing up in a world where drugs are not just easily available, but glamorized by increasingly young teens. A few hours spent together in a peaceful, constructive environment every so often go a long way towards sustaining an open, trusting relationship.

Teaching a friend or family member to fish can increase their confidence and reduce the pressures of work. The relaxing effect of a fishing trip is also good for your health, as a cost-effective method of decreasing overall stress in one’s life. The respect for nature that is cultivated by a tradition of fishing gives both young and old angler perspective on the world that cannot be imitated by merely reading or hearing about others’ experiences. For these reasons and more, fishing trips will not be disappearing from our lives anytime soon.

The greatest thrill of a lifetime is to experience Alaskan Fishing. The pristine surroundings, the untouched rivers and lakes, turns a fishing trip into an adventure. Whatever your skill level is, fishing in Alaska is sure to meet your greatest expectations. Alaska provides the fisherman with more than 627 species of fish. The state has three million lakes, 3,000 rivers, two oceans, (Arctic and Pacific), Seas, (Bering, Chukchi, Alaska) and the Gulf of Alaska. With the many different areas and waters to fish, the question is not will you be able to catch anything, but how many fish will I catch!

Alaska has five fishing regions. South-central Alaska is known for its halibut from Kachemak Bay, the King Salmon from the Kenai River and beautiful Rainbow Trout. The Southeast region is a rustic area with majestic glaciers, fjords, and untouched forests and lakes. The rivers and lakes are filled with many species of fish both marine and freshwater. The Southwest region has excellent sport fisheries, and is known for its Pacific Salmon and Rainbow Trout. The Interior Region with its remote waters and wilderness has many areas to find Northern Pike, Rainbow Trout, Lake Trout, and Arctic Char. Lastly, in the Far North Region you will find Sheefish, Northern Pike, and Salmon, just to name a few.

If you have an interest in crabbing, try it in the calm waters of Thorne Bay, away from the turbulent ocean waters. Take a guided charter or a “crab” cruise to experience crab fishing from the professionals. Learn about setting pots, using bait and the best part, harvesting and eating the crab.

Whether you are a fly fisherman, or interested in deep-sea fishing, Alaska has all of these areas of interest available. For your adventure to be more enjoyable, look into obtaining a guide, someone who really knows the area and can take you to the best areas based on the type of fish you wish to catch. Fishing in Alaska also gives you the opportunity to be a part of the landscape. It is common to see Moose, Caribou and other wildlife as you are fishing! Take an Ocean Charter and see whales, sea lions, and sea otters.

To make your trip enjoyable, Alaska has several lodging options available. You can book rooms at plush resorts, or make a reservation at a rustic camp along a secluded river with nominal amenities. Many fishing camps offer very comfortable accommodations for its guests, complete with restaurants, cellular phone services, and satellite hook ups. It is your choice, totally escape your world, or indulge in comfort. Many of the lodging options offer fly-in services via small plane or helicopter, to reach those remote areas.

With this information, either the novice or expert fisherman can begin to plan their vacation to the wilds of Alaska. Picture the majestic Glaciers, the untouched lakes, the clean air and the exhilaration of catching that record-breaking salmon. This would entice anyone to begin his or her Alaskan Fishing journey.