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By James Zeller
Just the thought of Alaska and salmon fishing in the same
mental picture conjures images of grandeur, pristine forest,
snowy peaks, and a pole bent double while the line rips
through
the water. Alaska salmon fishing has been discovered closer
than
you could expect and more beautiful than all the pictures
you've
seen. This secret location is...
Alaska salmon fishing is closer than you think. A few hundreds
miles north of Seattle is the southern most tip of Alaska.
Prince of Wales Island is the largest island in North America
and the closest Alaska salmon fishing grounds that has extreme
fishing success.
If you choose not to drive up the Alaska Highway you will
arrive in Ketchikan Alaska via commercial airlines, and take
the ferry over to Prince of Wales Island or a commercial
float-plane will fly you over to the island. There are
resorts,
lodges and guides that will accommodate you based on your
vacation budget.
Craig and Klawok are two villages that welcome salmon fishers
from all over the world. Coho or King Salmon arrive off the
Island of Noyes bringing in the first salmon harvest for the
year. There are thousands of miles of inland shores to fish
without ever reaching the Pacific Ocean. Most of the king
salmon fishing is within a cast of shore. To reach the early
arriving king salmon you will need to meet them on the edge of
the Pacific as they feed up to the inlets that flow in and
around the Prince of Wales.
Expect the grandest of fishing trips with the widest array of
visual candy. Gray whales, sea lions, sea otters, puffins,
geese, bald eagles, loons, seals, majestic mountains, peaceful
lagoons, bear, deer, cranes, killer whales, sea ducks and more
waterfowl. A week on Prince of Wales will usually show you
afternoon showers and then sunshine. The weather in April will
be cool but not freezing. Bring a raincoat and pants. Oh, and
you are going to see some fish! 30 pound king salmon is not
uncommon. 60 pound kings come every year. And don’t forget
Prince of Wales is one of the best locations to catch barn
door
size halibut.
Silver salmon are 8 to 12 pounds, fight very hard and will
show
up in huge numbers. You are allowed a 70 pound “fish box” by
the
airlines on your return trip. You will fill two of these boxes
in 5 days of cleaned frozen filets. Silver salmon are later to
show up to the party. Plan on a June trip for silver salmon.
You have an option, have some of your salmon smoked. Never
have
you experienced salmon till you have tried fresh smoked.
Sockeye salmon, the most red meat of all salmon is next to
last
to arrive in late June or July in large schools. Sockeye
salmon
are usually 4 years old and weigh 5-12 pounds. A local guide
and boat is a must for sockeye salmon fishing. Try driving
your
RV up or staying in a log cabin resort for the ultimate
experience. You will dine on Dungeness crab, Alaska shrimp,
sockeye salmon and halibut. If you have never fished Alaska
you
are in for the fishing trip that will make memories for a
lifetime!
Salmon fishing has been a way of life for Alaskans. For the
sports fisherman, salmon fishing in Alaska is a dream come
true. I’ve been there, you won’t be disappointed!
About The Author: Jim Zeller has written for
www.bettercatch.com and many other sporting blogs and
websites. Jim has become the Euell Gibbons for recommendations
for proven outdoor fishing and hunting vacations.
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