Fishing is a significant industry in Alaska and understandably so, as the majority of the state is surrounded by major bodies of water, with the Arctic Ocean to its north and the Pacific Ocean to the south. Its coastline measures 10,700 kms and its many islands alone cover 17,500 square kilometers.

Alaska is also home to 21 species of sport fish that include five types of wild Pacific salmon, halibut, rainbow trout and arctic grayling. The fishing industry is thus the state’s largest employer with over 65,000 workers in seasonal and permanent fisheries jobs.

Fishing has also become a major tourist industry in Alaska, with anglers from all over the US and abroad flocking to the state’s rich fishing grounds. Fishing charters and guides to accommodate these fishermen-tourists have sprouted as a result. Alaska fishing charter operators reportedly create 12,000 jobs and have an economic impact of one billion dollars on the Alaskan economy.

The most popular types of fishing in Alaska are salmon and halibut fishing, although saltwater, fly and ice fishing are also prevalent. Anglers planning a fishing vacation to Alaska are advised to book their charters well in advance, although if you feel like taking a spur-of-the-moment fishing trip cancellations are always possible.

A few guidelines should be kept in mind when you’re planning your trip. For example, the experience of the captain of your charter boat or the fishing guide you’ve hired. An experienced guide or captain can help you land the fish of your dreams. You should not hesitate ask them about recent catches and the type of boat you are chartering. Although they may exaggerate a bit, the majority will be honest with you.

You should also know in advance if you want to go for salmon or halibut, so you can hire the right charter or guide for the job. Since each species also has its own season, you should adjust the timing of your trip.
Of course, you should also ask the charter captain about the kind of atmosphere he maintains on his ship. The majority of captains accommodate amateur fishermen and family groups, but a rare few cater only to hard-core, experienced anglers. Hence, you should be clear with the captain in advance about your level of experience and your expectations.

In selecting your charter or guide, you can obtain a list from the Chamber of Commerce of the locality you will be visiting, or you ask for member lists of charter boat associations. The Alaskan Department of Fish and Game also has a list of registered guides.

There are many useful resources on the web to help you plan your Alaska fishing charter. You can begin with the Alaska Travel Industry Association’s website. The site provides an overview of Alaskan geography, history and culture while also including information on package tours and special deals.

If only one or more members of the family are interested in availing of the fishing in Alaska, the site also provides a list of other things to do. You can explore Alaska’s nightlife, its historical sites or go on wildlife viewing tours.