Stuff To Bring Along During Your Fulfilling Fishing Adventure In Alaska
Posted in Fly Fishing Gear on the September 28, 2008
Your Alaska fishing trip is booked, the charter is reserved and your plane ticket is ready. You’ve been dreaming of trophy-sized fish, and your arms are just twitching to get out on the water. But, do you know what you’re going to pack? Are you prepared for hot days, cold nights, blazing sun and freezing waters?
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.
Equipment
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
Investing in high-quality rain gear is probably going to be your best decision after finally booking your Alaska fishing adventure. The Alaskan fishing season is a rainy one, so spend your money on a high-quality breathable nylon or Gore-Tex fishing jacket that’s going to keep you dry, but not hot and sweaty.
Layered Clothing
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
Dry bags are necessary to keep your paperwork, documents and accessories - like cameras and cell phones - dry and protected. For valuable papers and electronics, don’t trust Ziploc bags - invest in tested and graded waterproof sacs available at most outdoor enthusiast retailers.
For items such as wet clothes or dirty waders, pack a few plastic bags and garbage bags so everything else in your suitcase doesn’t get covered with dirt and water.
Bits and Pieces
For added comfort and even survival, you want to pack sunglasses, gloves, a hat, strong bug repellent, sunscreen and your personal items.
While your charter guide should have a complete first aid and survival kit on board or with you, you should always pack your own small, personal survival kit as well. This Alaska fishing trip survival kit should include a box of strike-anywhere matches, a compass, a crayon or piece of chalk, a few water purification tablets and something to eat like a granola bar.