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4 Features Every Alaskan Fishing Charter Should Include

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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.

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REVIEWS

65% OF OUR GUESTS ARE RETURN CUSTOMERS

Discover why people like you can’t stop talking about Pybus Point Lodge. More than 30 years ago, the lodge opened as a simple fishing camp, drawing a devoted following in spite of basic accommodations. With new owners and experienced captains and crew, our corner of Alaska has become an unbeatable fishing and eco-tourism resort.

Andrea Tate

Incredible Experience!

Pybus Point Lodge has some of the most stunning scenery I’ve ever seen. I mean absolutely breathtaking! In addition to the amazing fishing, I hiked to a beautiful secluded lake, soaked in some hot pots, saw several waterfalls, went whale watching, saw bears and all kinds of wildlife and marine life. As a photographer, photographing a wedding under a waterfall will remain a highlight of my life.

Shirley Johnson

Pybus Point Lodge - WOW!

We had the best time! This was our first visit to Pybus, but it definitely will not be our last. The stunning scenery, amazing fishing experience, and the joy of meeting new friends – all outstanding! We did not want to leave!!! If you are thinking about this trip – don’t think any more, just book it. You will not regret it!!!

Sharon Hedding

Trip of a Lifetime!

We had such an amazing time the staff was so wonderful and the lodge was fantastic! capt Joe was so helpful and always doing what ever he could do to make each day special. a special thank you to both Scott and Jody for taking the time to make us feel like family. can't wait to go back next year

Jason Nielsen

Wonderful and Magical Place

We had an amazing business retreat to Pybus Point Lodge.  Everything was top notch... the fishing, the staff, the boat captains, the food, the accommodations, and especially the scenery. I really liked that Pybus took care of everything from start to finish. Chef John is an amazing cook. We had delicious hot meals the entire trip.  The cabins were amazing and very comfortable.  The fishing was awesome and that’s coming from a guy that doesn’t fish that much.

Brandon Foote

We brought home 100lbs of fish!

My wife and I spent a week at Pybus Point this Summer. We had a beautiful, private room overlooking the bay and our own new, ensuite, private bathroom. What an amazing place for couples to get away together. We set our own breakfast time, met our boat captain after, fished the day along, and returned to clean up and enjoy a nice dinner at the restaurant. Next time Alaska is on the trip list, Sherrie and I will go together, and it will be to Pybus Point!

Kent Danjanovich

Fun in Alaska

This was my first trip to Pybus Point. I stayed in one of their new cabins. The accommodations were incredible, the view onto the bay in the mornings was stunning. I loved the staff and the food was really very good. All of this and they have new boats to take you out onto fairly calm waters to fish. The fishing guides were great. Overall a great experience. Definitely going back.

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