Alaska Fishing Charters and Guides

The late spring and summer months tend to be the best months to hire an Alaska fishing charter and guide to put you in front of large groups of fish in this world class fishery. Check out the table below for the best months to target specific species if you are heading to the Kenai Peninsula. It is always best to communicate with an outfitter well in advance to look for available dates and to discuss the likely fishing opportunities that will be available at that time.

There are a couple of different guide business models to be aware of. As long as you hire the right group for your desired fishing vacation everything will work out perfectly, but if you are looking for an entire week of guiding and hand holding and you go to a lodge that that just provides you the boat and advice and sends you on your way you will most likely not enjoy the trip. Each type of trip is perfect for the right kind of angler.

1. Fully Guided - The guide will be with you the entire time, they run the boat, they bait up the rods and all you have to do is stay warm, hang out and set the hook and reel the fish in when they bite. These are perfect for the less seasoned anglers and those that are making there first trip to Alaska.

2. Part Guide / On Your Own - The half and half trips are perfect for anglers that are confident in their own abilities to fish and run a boat, but just want a little help at the start of the trip to be guided in the right direction. The first day or two of these types of trips will be accompanied with a local professional that can show you the ropes and get you in the right direction and some fish in the boat. Then for the rest of the trip you are on your own in one of the charters provided vessels. By running your own boat you can stop and fish the waters that you want to and go at the pace that is comfortable for you and your party. This type of freedom is nice for individuals that are comfortable with all the details involved in a day of fishing and prefer to do it by themselves.

3. All On Your Own - Basically with these types of outfits, you are staying at the fishing lodge and have the basics provided for you, but it is up to you to get on the fish and make the trip a success or a failure. When you have been there and done it several times it can be a nice way to go and just have fun fishing with your friends and family without another person included in the adventure.

Finding the right charter in Alaska can be a little bit of a chore. First you should do several internet searches and review a few different guide focused websites that may provide a little additional detail about the types of trip you can expect with a specific group of guides. The next most critical step is to pick up the phone and give them a call, emails will get you the information if they have an availability for the week that you are interested in, but make the phone call and talk to them about the trip before sending your credit card information. These trips are not cheap and you do not want to be disappointed with poor service.

5 Questions to Ask Every Guide

1. How do they process fish for you take home?
2. Do they provide meals, which meals are you on your own for?
3. What do you need to bring, clothes, gear, fishing license, etc?
4. Is transportation to the lodge included in the package?
5. What species can you expect to catch during the time of your trip?