What to Wear on Your Fishing Trip

There’s really no place like Alaska. It truly embodies the phrase, “the great outdoors.” As beautiful and uncorrupted as the Alaskan wilderness is, it can also be unforgiving. If you’ve never been to Alaska, you might not know what to wear when you get there.

If you’re thinking about booking a fishing tour, that could complicate matters as well. What you wear when you fish near your home may be radically different than what you should be donning when fishing in Alaska.

This article will cover the components of some appropriate Alaskan fishing outfits.

Temperatures vary

The best time of year to go salmon fishing in Alaska is the summer months of June, July and August. The average high temperature in those months sits around 65°F. The problem is that the average low temperatures for those months are around 45°F. Add in the fact that any wind will likely be cool, and you may find yourself needing layers during the summer. Keep that in mind when constructing your Alaskan fishing outfits.

Here’s what to think about bringing with you:

• Boots: When you’re scheduling fishing tours, it would be helpful to ask the guides what you should wear, as they have considerable experience out on the water in Alaska. They’ll probably tell you to pack some insulated rubber boots even if you’re visiting during the summer, as temperatures can dip below 50°F
• Socks: You can opt for wool socks with thinner liner socks underneath. Leave a little wiggle room in your socks, and toss in a few disposable foot warmers to ensure that your feet are going to be warm enough.
• Gloves: You should bring multiple pairs of waterproof gloves for your fishing trip. If you took a charter, your guide should be able to help you with hooks, bait and fish, so just make sure you can deftly operate your rod and reel with the gloves you bring.
• Exterior layers: Rain is common during the summer months in Alaska, so your outer layers should be waterproof not water resistant. You can purchase rain pants and a rain jacket that are specifically designed to withstand wind, rain and cold. The higher quality gear you can afford, the better when it comes to your rain layers.
• Middle layers: For your middle layers, it’s best to use a medium-weight fleece that offers some relief against the wind. You can try different thicknesses to find what works for you.
• Base layer: Don’t use cotton for your base layer. Use silk, wool, or synthetic material instead.
• Neck: This layer is optional, but it wouldn’t hurt to throw in a neck gaiter if you often find that your neck gets cold. They’re available in several different thicknesses and materials.
• Sunglasses: Polarized sunglasses are a must when you’re out on the water, as they can reduce glare and let you see fish under the water better.
• Hat: This comes down to personal preference and weather conditions. Ideally, you want something with a brim and/or some ear flaps. A waterproof material would be beneficial as well.

Call for your fishing expedition today

If you’ve been looking at fishing tours, it helps to know the pieces of some Alaskan fishing outfits too. If you’d like to schedule a fishing charter, call us at Phantom Tri-River Charters, where we’ve been skillfully helping our clients experience the Alaskan wilderness for years.