Supplies to Pack During Your Fishing Outing in Alaska

So, you’ve finally booked that Alaska fishing trip. After years of dreaming of King Salmon, massive Halibut and incredible Rainbow Trout, you’re finally getting there. But, what are you going to pack? How will you stay warm on the water and cool in the hot sun? What kind of equipment and gear should you bring?

For a handy list of what to pack for your Alaska fishing tour, read on. However, be advised that this packing list is for people going on a chartered or guided trip and is not intended as a complete guide for others planning an independent or self-catering camping expedition.

Your Fishing Gear

Exactly what fishing gear you wind up bringing will likely depend on what’s provided by your tour or charter company. Some guides provide a full outfit, right down to a cooler to store your fish, bait and tackle. Others only supply the boat and the safety gear. So, before you begin packing every spinner and spoon you have, check with your charter company to see what they are able to supply.

Comfortable Rain Gear

”You get what you pay for,” is very true when it comes to truly useful rain gear. The fishing season is rainy, so invest in high-quality and breathable rainwear like Gore-Tex. It will keep you dry and warm on your Alaska fishing trip, but shouldn’t inhibit your movement or trap in perspiration.

Clothes You Can Layer

Fishing season can be dangerous as it runs from a hot noon sun to frosty cold nights. So, pack clothes that can be layered, will dry fast and give your body room to breathe. Look for brands like Smartwool, a wool product that doesn’t trap sweat, keeps you cool and dry and will dry fast if needed.

Dry Bags

If you’re bringing your passport, fishing licenses, wallet and electronics like your Blackberry or digital camera, you’re going to want high-quality waterproof bags because Ziploc bags simply won’t cut it. Seal Line is a great brand that makes dry bags in a range of sizes.

For non-essential items like your wet boots or grimy waders, pack some extra garbage bags and plastic shopping bags. You can use these to keep the dry and wet items separated in your suitcase.

Accessories

Your accessories kit should include personal items like your hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, powerful and non-aerosol bug spray or cream, gloves and toiletries.

Though your charter guide should provide a first-aid kit for the tour, you should always pack a small, personal survival kit of your own for your Alaska fishing trip, in case you’re separated from the group. Your survival kit should fit in your pocket and include waterproof matches, a piece of chalk or crayon, compass, an energy bar and a few water purification tablets.

On the surface, these items may seem unimportant and simply more weight to lug around. No one, after all, thinks they will encounter serious danger on a vacation. However, when in the great outdoors, these are a small inconvenience for which you will be grateful if you need any after all.