How Does an Alaskan Fishing Expedition Work?
So, you finally signed up for that Alaskan fishing expedition you’ve always wanted to take. The date is set and a fishing charter has been reserved. Now what? First things first would be to find out, to understand, how a chartered fishing trip works. While your trip will be fun and exciting, there’s going to be a little more to it than your average family boat-out-on-the-lake on a Sunday afternoon kind of day. You will have to listen to your captain, adhere to fishing charter boat rules and be prepared to fish!
Unlike what you see on ocean fishing television shows where the crew is violently tossed around the deck as ocean waters try to swallow them up, a chartered fishing trip in Alaska will be more on the relaxing side—after all, you’ve invested in a fun time, not a smackdown! So, without further ado, let’s look at how a fishing charter in Alaska works.
Before you depart
Before you leave for your Alaskan fishing expedition, have your gear and any personal items packed in bags or other containers that are waterproof. And, unless the charter is providing the fishing gear, don’t forget to bring all necessary gear.
Prep for the expedition
Once on the boat, instead of setting your stuff on the deck, find a secure area out of the walking path and away from splashing water. Sign in, then check in with the crew. More than likely, the captain will be busy, but will come chat on the deck or over the loud speaker when he or she can.
When the captain first speaks it will be to give important instructions including how the day will go, where to locate safety equipment and how to contact themselves or the crew if needed. Typical one day fishing trips take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour to reach the designated fishing spot. This travel time allows the crew some time to set you up with rental gear, as well as to give you a crash course on how to use the fishing gear (if applicable). Also, listen carefully to house rules.
Casting a line
After the boat comes to a stop in the fishing area, secure a spot along the railing and wait for the captain to give the go ahead to drop your line. A line in the water before stopping can lead to tangling or you having to start over. You can now bait your hook! Live bait will need to be changed out often to attract fish with lively movement and if using dead bait, it can stay on until it’s gone. Regardless if you’re an experienced fisherman or a novice, think positive and have fun!
At the end of the day’s Alaskan fishing expedition, your captain will take you back to shore with fun and lasting memories of your time fishing in the waters of Alaska. If your experience was a good one, let the crew know and extend a tip for their hard work.
If an Alaskan fishing expedition is on your bucket list, book your trip now with Phantom Tri-River Charters!