4 Features Every Alaskan Fishing Charter Should Include

When you start planning your dream Alaskan fishing vacation, there are many different things that you need to consider. You need to make travel plans to get to Alaska, and find a place to stay. You also need to figure out how to plan all of your desired activities—from fishing to hiking, watersports, and wildlife tours.

One option is to book a fishing charter, where you can get an experienced boat captain and some or all of the equipment that you will use to reel in salmon, halibut, rockfish, and other incredible species from the waters off the Alaskan coast. The good news is there are plenty of charter fishing companies to choose from. The bad news is that they are definitely not all created equal, so here’s a guide to help you figure out what things you should be looking for before you book.

Top-of-the-Line Equipment

The equipment that you use to fish out in the ocean or streams of Alaska is one of the most important things to consider. The right fishing equipment can help you reel in some amazing catches, from small fish like cod to larger fish like halibut and some salmon species. These fish can sometimes grow to five feet or longer, and weight almost 100 pounds. Without proper fishing equipment, you could find yourself on the wrong end of a broken rod, which definitely puts a damper on the rest of your trip.

In addition to your fishing rod and nets to bring in your catch, there are some other pieces of equipment that your charter fishing company should provide. They include:

• Protective gear to help you fish the waters off the Alaskan coast, where temperatures even in the summer can stay pretty cold. You get fishing and rain gear, including waders and boots, to protect against the cold and potentially unpredictable weather out on the water.
• Fishing bait that is ideal for attracting the types of fish you want to catch on your Alaskan fishing trip, and someone to help you prepare your rod if you need some assistance getting it all set up.
• Coolers and other equipment on the boat to keep your catch safely inside. This is a small detail that you might not think of on your own, but an essential one for any Alaskan fishing excursion.
• Other things that you definitely need on your trip, like bug spray and proper fishing licenses to avoid running afoul of the local fishing laws.

It’s also a good idea to bring your own warm coat, gloves, sunglasses, and hat to stay warm and protect your eyes while you’re on the boat.

Well-Maintained Fishing Boats

The next thing to look for when you’re planning a fishing trip is the quality of the boat that you are chartering to take you out on the water. When you plan to spend an entire day out on the water, you need watercraft that is up to the task. A small boat, or one in a significant state of disrepair, will make for a miserable (and possibly even dangerous) day out on the ocean.

By contrast, well-maintained boats that are designed for fishing can transform your fishing experience from fun to incredible. Boats should be designed so you and your crew can easily move around inside, and should not be overcrowded or restrictive. That’s especially important when you manage to hook a big catch and you need plenty of space to move around while you reel it in.

Check with your fishing guide and boat captain to find out when the boat was last serviced, and whether it is up to date on all its maintenance. The wrong time to find out that you booked with a discount charter that doesn’t maintain its boats well enough to withstand the open ocean is when you’re out in the middle of a fishing trip and something unexpected happens. Choose a trustworthy charter to ensure a safe and fun day.

Expertise on Finding Fish

After researching the equipment and the boats that your charter will provide, the next step is to make sure you are planning a trip with a company that has experienced captains who know where to find fish. Nobody wants to spend eight hours out on the water without ever getting a nibble on your fishing rod. While no fishing charter can completely guarantee that you will catch a fish on your trip, it helps to go out with someone who knows the best spots to increase your chance of catching something.

Good fishing guides who have been out in the waters off the Alaskan coast often figure out where you can find potential fish to catch. Working with a company that has a track record of great fishing helps too, because experienced captains can show the new guys the ropes and ensure that everyone who goes out on the water to fish has a great experience. While many companies say they have this experience, it’s best to look at the reviews of past customers to see what they have to say about their ability to find fish.

Fish Packing for Travel

A final consideration before booking is something that happens after your day of fishing is over. Does your fishing charter prepare your catch in a way that you can easily transport it home? Many people who go up to Alaska want to be able to enjoy the fruits of their fishing labor for months to come. A great charter company will clean and vacuum seal your fish, then put them in a box and freeze it so you can take it on the plane. This saves you a lot of time and hassle (and money) because you won’t need to find someone to do that for you.

Book with Pybus Point Lodge

When it comes to Alaskan fishing guides, nobody beats Pybus Point Lodge. In addition to all the features listed above, our fishing charters come with other bonuses like made-to-order meals that you can take out on the fishing trip, and comfortable accommodations that you can come back to relax in when the day of fishing is over. When you book a trip with us you also get unlimited fishing, whether you want to do it just one day of your trip or every day. Find out just how amazing an all-inclusive Alaskan fishing vacation can be (and take all the stress out of planning a fishing charter) by booking with Pybus Point Lodge.