Tips in fishing for salmons in Alaska
Alaska is known as one of the most bountiful areas with salmon, and is i
deal for fishing trips.
This is because of extreme tides along the West Coast and the gush of ocean currents that create an environment ideal for the breeding of thousands of baitfish.
It is also known as one of the best places to go if one wants to fish for giant King Salmon, the largest specie of salmon fish.
The best way to catch these giant salmon (in saltwater) is through trolling or by angling a baited line drawn into the water.
Fishing for giant King Salmon can be a year round activity (especially in Seward).
The most sought-after species of salmon are the following:
1. The King Salmon (Chinook) are the largest of all these species. Its weight averages between 20-40 pounds, the heaviest recorded of which is 112 pounds, and can be as long as 3-4". It has a blue-green back that is lightly spotted.
The average life span of a Chinook Salmon is about five to seven years.
Its flesh can range in color from ivory white to a deep red.
Common names for this specie of salmon include tyee, springs, mouth/kings quinnat and tule.
2. Silver Salmon (Coho) on the other hand is slightly smaller with an average weight of 8-12 pounds.
These specie prefer small streams in which to spawn between the months of July to November.
3. Sockeye salmon, on the other hand, are the most sought-after of its entire species because its flesh has a color of deep red and it has a firm rich flavor.
In fishing for salmon in Alaska, one has to be well equipped with the right equipment (and donned with the appropriate apparel).
Listed below are some of the needed equipment/materials and tips for hassle-free fishing:
1. You must be clad in layers of warm clothes (not necessarily bulky ones as it can hinder in the fishing activity).
2. Over these everyday clothes, a waterproof overall, boots and bibs are likewise necessary to ensure that one would stay dry since after a hook-up, some fish may resist with maximum struggles.
3. Fleet or cruisers that offer services for fishing are usually stocked with bait.
4. A guide on board a cruiser ensures that even amateur fishermen will enjoy the activity by providing crash-lessons onboard. They usually hook the bait for the guest and inform the party as to where specific species of fish may thrive for selective fishing.
Tips for Archery Fishing
Also known as Bow fishing, this is a sport wherein a fisherman uses archery equipment to fish.
A regular hunting bow can be used for fishing by simply attaching a reel to the front of the bow grip.
Archery fishing is especially favored by regular hunters when regular game like deer are off season. This way they can continuously hone their skills for whatever season it may be.
Before engaging in archery fishing, one must first take into consideration the following:
1. A fisherman must be duly licensed. Some states require that an individual have a state license to fish.
2. Equipment. Most states have a predetermined set of approved equipment for archery fishing.
3. Archery Safety Course. Still, some states require that an individual go through an approved safety course for archery fishing to ensure that the individual is well versed with the proper safety precautions and information regarding applicable laws in fishing.
4. Seasons. Bow fishing in some states can only be done in certain seasons. This is to allow the fish to spawn.
5. Species of fish. Some states have rules forbidding archery fishing for some species of fish.
The following skills are necessary for an individual to obtain and practice:
Knot tying. Though it may seem like a simple task, tying knots that will not slip (line for the arrow) are crucial in bow fishing.
Tuning. Tuning is making sure that the bow is at its best working condition. To ensure this, one has to continuously adjust the rest and calibrate the nock.
For a faster tuning process, one may shoot a regular bow-fishing arrow (without the tip) onto a target made of cardboard.
Marksmanship or targeting. Bow fishing and bow hunting, though similar on some aspects, really do differ on many things. Arrows for bow fishing are heavier, have larger arrow tips and, the most obvious one, has a string attached to the arrow.
And since fish are shot in the water, resistance differs as when compared to shooting in the air (for bow hunting of games)
There are various methods or ways of archery fishing. This includes the following:
1. Still hunting. A fisherman selects a place by the lake in which he would wait for passing fish to shoot its bow at.
2. Stalking. This can be done on foot or while on a boat. One is in constant motion in an attempt to locate fish.
3. Ambush. Fish that are best ambushed are the ones that are spawning since they tend to crowd thus increasing chances of target.
Alaska outdoors: What is it like around the state?
As you plan your Alaska outdoors trip, you will want to know what to expect when you get there -- what is the weather like, what is the terrain and waterways like, and more. Here you will find details on these, and more. We are regularly adding information on more areas.
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Rafting an Alaska stream in early summer with anAlaska Raft & Kayak craft. |
