Wednesday, January 16, 2008

More Questions on Alaskan Halibut Cut

"It's discouraging to learn that several fishing organizations will not oppose the proposed reductions for Area 2C halibut allocations that cite low catch rates and the need to rebuild halibut stocks. Are we following good science?..."

http://www.juneauempire.com/stories/010808/opi_20080108006.shtml

The lack of research in the decision to cut halibut catches is ruffling the feathers of some of Alaska's halibut fishermen. This article raises questions about what is exactly hurting Alaskan halibut numbers.

Fishing Goes All Year in Alaska

"Because salmon is at the heart of Alaska's fisheries, many people regard summer as "the fishing season. But it is at this time of year - the dead of winter - when Alaska's largest fisheries get underway. On January 1, boats using hook and line, pot and jig gear begin plying the icy waters of the Gulf of Alaska and Bering Sea for cod, rockfish and other groundfish. Then on January 20th trawlers take to the seas to target Alaska pollock, the world's largest food fishery..."

http://www.sportfishingmag.com/news/news/noaa-and-partners-install-artificial-reefs-in-southeast-alaska---21288585.html

Alaska's fishing literally goes on all year round. During these winter months, recreational fishermen can catch some king salmon, and halibut among other saltwater going species. Ice fishing is also very popular in Alaska's lakes.

Learn more about Alaska fishing seasons

Alaskan Reef Creation is Good News

"NOAA, the State of Alaska and the University of Alaska Fairbanks have cooperated to build two artificial reefs made of stone in the waters of Lynn Canal, in Southeast Alaska just north of Juneau. The reefs are in 18 to 25 feet of water and are designed to enhance near-shore marine habitat for fish and invertebrates..."

http://www.sportfishingmag.com/news/news/noaa-and-partners-install-artificial-reefs-in-southeast-alaska---21288585.html

This is a great initiative and will give a habitat for smolt and other fish in the Lynn Canal area. Artificial reefs are usually placed in areas with a lack of such natural structures. What usually happens is that invertebrates take hold (like kelp, barnacles and algae) and then fish follow because the invertebrates create a food source for the fish. The creation of these reefs should boost the fish populations providing better opportunities in Alaska for fishing.

Monday, January 14, 2008

Location Spotlight: Ketchikan

Widely accepted as the Salmon Fishing Capital of the State of Alaska, Ketchikan is a "must see" for Alaskan fishing trips. Get a guide from the many service operators that base in the city or rent equipment from an outfitter and fish from Creek Street or any other well known fishing haunt.
If you have an interest in fishing history, check out the George Inlet Cannery - this is where pink salmon was canned and Ketchikan became synonymous with salmon.
Ketchikan's fishing bravado is not only for salmon, you can also fish for steelhead trout, halibut, and rainbow trout there. Check out other fishing spots in Ketchikan

Saturday, January 12, 2008

Top Tips for Fishing Alaska

Don't Get Stuck on One Type of Fish
Sometimes, you'll get ready to fish with your eye on one particular species like rainbow trout, but no matter what you do you the rainbows just aren't biting. You aren't having luck with rainbows, but maybe silver salmon are more easily had. Be flexible enough to change your strategy and catch a few silvers. That way, you can still enjoy a day of fishing and come back from rainbow trout some other time.

Know the Fishing Seasons
If you come to Alaska for king salmon fishing in April, you will be disappointed because the king season just hasn't started. Research the major fishing seasons for Alaska and fashion your trip during the most appealing time of year for the fish that you're most interested in.

Don't Break the Law
When you come to Alaska for fishing, you'll need to be aware of the applicable fishing laws. There are limits to how many of each species you can catch and the size of the fish that you can keep. You'll also need a fishing license for any recreational fishing and an additional license if you're angling for king salmon.

These few tips will help get your Alaska fishing trip off to a great start.

Get more Alaska fishing advice

The Best Places for Halibut Fishing

If you're interested in catching big halibut, Alaska is the place to go. Regularly during the fishing season, fishermen pull in halibut upwards of 100 pounds or more. But where are the best spots for fishing halibut? Read on to find our most recommended halibut fishing locations.

SC Alaska:

Prince William Sound

Cook Inlet

SW Alaska:

Dutch Harbor

SE Alaska:

Bucareli Bay

Gulf of Esquibel

Upper Clarence Strait

Behm Canal

Lower Stephen's Passage

More halibut fishing locations

Location Spotlight: Bucareli Bay Alaska

Between small off shore islands and Prince of Wales Island lies Bucareli Bay. This tiny bay is chock full of fish and is easily accessible. Fishermen can stay in Prince of Wales of if they prefer, Ketchikan also makes a good base to travel from. The fish species that abound in Bucareli Bay include king salmon, silver salmon, halibut and others.

Lots of accommodations can be found in Prince of Wales. There are also plenty of fishing guides and charters that operate out of that area of Alaska.

See extra info on Bucareli Bay Fishing

Location Spotlight: Kah Sheets River and Lake

The Kah Sheets River goes from Kah Sheets Lake to Kah Sheets Bay. It is a somewhat remote fishing area because you can only reach it via plane or boat. There are several fishing areas along the lake and river where you can find salmon or trout.

Popular fish species found in this area include red salmon, silver salmon, steelhead trout, dolly varden,

If you wish to stay for a weekend or longer, you can rent a cabin along the lake or bay. The cabins are reasonably priced and some come with a small boat. At current pricing, the cabins rent around $25 to $35 depending on the time of year. Cabins can be reserved by contacting the US Forest Service. Book in advance, these cabins fill up pretty quickly during heavy fishing seasons.

More on the Kah Sheets River and the fish in that area

Monday, January 7, 2008

Salmon Panel Gets OK

Funding for the state's participation in the Pacific Salmon Commission, a key panel in Alaska's commercial fishing relationship with Canada, was included in the passage last month by Congress of the omnibus spending bill.

http://thearcticsounder.com/news/story/1083

More cooperation between Canada and Alaska to protect native fisheries is a wonderful thing. The state of Alaska will also be providing additional funding for the panel.

Learn more about Alaska salmon fishing

Wednesday, January 2, 2008

Don't Lie on Your Fishing License

"Soldiers helping themselves to a military discount when getting an Alaska hunting or fishing license might take note of what happened in Fairbanks last week."
http://www.adn.com/outdoors/story/248531.html

It only seems fair that residents should be the only ones benefiting from Alaska resident fishing license rates. Anyone altering their resident status to save a few bucks on a fishing license deserves to pay the price whatever it may be. It's good to know that officers are checking the facts on fishing licenses for enforcement.

Want to know how to get a fishing license for Alaska? Read more on Alaska fishing licenses

Passing on Wisdom to Young Fishermen

"Alaska commercial fishing veterans Robin Samuelsen and Arne Fuglvog told young harvesters Dec. 11 they are the industry's future, and encouraged their full participation in both the fisheries and the regulatory process that governs the harvest."
http://www.alaskajournal.com/stories/123007/hom_20071230009.shtml

It's a great thing when wisdom is shared across generations. Promoting Alaska fishery and respect for the environment will only help continue Alaska's commercial industry.

Are you a novice fisherman? Learn more about Alaskan fish species

A Good Year for Alaska Fishing

"Commercial fishing in Alaska remains a vibrant industry that each year provides more than half of our nation's seafood. Alaska's fish stocks are the envy of other countries around the world, and its management programs are regarded as a model for sustainability."
What more needs to be said? "

http://www.adn.com/money/story/249369.html

Alaska's fishing popularity is growing larger and larger. With the rise of awareness regarding farm raised versus wild caught salmon, Alaskan salmon is some of the most coveted. - These are some of the positive results of an overview of Alaska's fishing in 2007. It appears that things can only get better in 2008.

Read more about Fishing in Alaska