Fishing Gear Tips

FISHING TACKLE RECOMMENDATIONS AND TIPS

RODS AND REELS

First of all, saltwater charters will provide all your gear and bait. As far as the river fishing is concerned, there is so much variation in the sizes of the different salmon/trout species and so many options for gearing up (spinning, bait casting, or fly fishing) that the best thing you can do for yourself is go to a quality tackle shop where you can get someone to help you that actually knows what they're talking about. Tell them what species you'll be fishing for and where you are going. (Kings weigh from 20-40lbs. Silvers and Steelheads from 10-15 lbs.)

My personal recommendations are as follows: for fly fishing in general, I suggest a #10wt rod for Kings, a #9wt for silvers and steelheads, and a #5wt for dollies. You can easily get by with one size above or below these suggestions. For spinning/bait casting, I'd recommend a 7ft - 9ft medium to heavy weight fast action rod. I prefer 17lb test for salmon and steelheads; and of course, much lighter gear and line for dolly fishing.

The best general advice I can give you is that you don't have to spend a fortune on gear. Another mistake I see most people make is they buy over-sized gear. Whatever choices are recommended to you, I would always select the lighter tackle. It will fish easier and you'll enjoy catching the fish so much more, and that's the objective of the whole trip right?

There are several other excellent internet sites that can also be very useful in helping you select your gear. (Google search) You can also wait and buy it here if you don't already have what you need. There are a few great stores here with excellent selections and very reasonable prices. There are two good options on the way to the lodge from Anchorage: Trustworthy Hardware or Fred Meyer in Soldotna (both right on the main hwy). Ulmer's Hardware and the Gear Shed in Homer are other good options that are only 15 minutes away from the lodge. Any of these places should have close to everything you'll need. I'd also recommend these places for lures and flies, etc. If you're bringing your gear with you, buy a large rod holder tube for your rods and consolidate as much as possible because you may get charged for extra pieces depending on your airline's baggage policies.

We have a nice selection of good quality spinning and baitcasting outfits and waders available for rent at a nominal price (as little as $40/week) if you don't want to hassle with packing your own, extra baggage fees, etc. Many airlines are charging up to $100 for "oversize" luggage (most pole holders are too long). You can bring just your reels if you wish and rent just a rod if you prefer. You can reserve equipment at the time of booking or wait until you arrive.

Finally, another tip is to always carry some plain white paper towels, gallon size ziplock bags, and large cinch style trash bags in each vehicle and in at least one pack. You'll need these for many uses and also to package egg roe to save for bait.

Licenses are required, but are easy to get almost anywhere. You can opt to buy your licenses in advance online at the Alaska Fish and Game website to save you the time of doing it here. Don't forget to get a king stamp too if necessary.

Here is a checklist of accessory items you should consider for your trip.

ACCESSORIES CHECKLIST

MUST HAVES:

• 50-70 QT. COOLER FOR EACH VEHICLE
• NEEDLENOSE PLIERS IN A BELT
• SHEATH
• LARGE FOLDING KNIFE IN A BELT
• SHEATH (CAN ALSO BE USED AS A FISH CLUB)
• FISH STRINGER
• CHEST OR HIP WADERS
• RAIN JACKET (MAKE SURE IT EXTENDS BELOW THE TOP OF YOUR WADERS)
• ZIPLOCK BAGS (GALLON SIZE)
• PAPER TOWELS
• LARGE CINCH STYLE TRASH BAGS

NICE TO HAVE:

• FISHING VEST WITH LOTS OF POCKETS
• WIDE BRIMMED FISHING HAT
• MEDIUM SIZE PACK
• SMALL BINOCULARS
• POLARIZED SUNGLASSES
• SMALL DIGITAL CAMERA
• SMALL COLLAPSIBLE TYPE COOLER FOR EACH VEHICLE FOR
• DRINKS/SANDWICHES

We hope this information will be useful in planning your trip to the FISHING PARADISE OF THE WORLD