RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT FOR FISHING IN SOUTHEAST ALASKA

The following list of recommended gear for fishing in Southeast Alaska was compiled for the purpose of allowing individuals not experienced in this area to be aware of the minimum equipment required to be safe and comfortable fishing in Southeast Alaska. This list has been compiled by fisherman experienced in this area and should not be considered as one hundred percent complete, but as a guideline for the equipment required. Individual requirements should be utilized to supplement this list. There is a huge range of gear available for what is quite a simple task, that is, the delivery of your hook to a position where a fish might eat it.

Rods and Reels – Fully guided trips -If you are going on a fully guided trip, we provide rods and reels (spin,fly, deep water) as well as tackle and flys. If you have your own favorite freshwater rods, bring them. Fish filleting also provided with this package.

Rods and Reels - Self guided trips – Most of our guests bring there own. We recommend a 6/7 weight for Salmon or Steelhead and 4/5 weight for Trout. We do have a small selection of spin / salt water gear available. (No fly gear) As well as on site tackle store with fresh and saltwater gear.

Fillet Knife – Fillet knifes are available at our fish packing station, however they are not to take in the field. A good fillet knife will help you with various fishing needs as well as filleting salmon on the bank so you only have to bring useable meat back to the cabins.

Pack - A pack that fits you well and can support any anticipated loads you need to carry. For most of our guests. A lightweight daypack is sufficient.

Saltwater Tackle – Flashers for downriggers, herring aids, mooching rigs, salmon flys, cod jigs, twin tail worms, banana lead sinkers, swivel chain and good snap swivels, hook file (LINK coming) remember we do have an onsite tackle store.

Freshwater tackle – # 4 - # 6 Blue Fox Vibrax spinners are a local favorite (silver spinner, pink,red or silver bell) as well as Jims lures. Jims lures are crafted locally and can only be purchased locally. Bolos, and Krocodiles are also effective as well as a multitude of flys. (LINK coming) remember we do have an onsite tackle store.

Boots - A good pair of "broken-in" waterproof hiking boots are good for the days you might not want to wear waders or the days in the boat. Remember to bring rain pants for the times you wont be wearing waders.

Waders – Lightweight breathable waders are recommended. With insulated layers underneath.

Clothes - All clothing should be synthetic, or wool-synthetic blends. Cotton is to be avoided, since it has little value when wet. Comfortable warm socks are a must. Three changes of clothing should be sufficient for anyone. (We have an onsite laundry) Bring what you need, but don't over pack. Please see weight restrictions on floatplane flights.

(LINK coming)

Rain gear - Good rain gear is essential. Helly Hansen or equivalent is best. Remember that Southeast Alaska is a rainforest and there is always a chance of rain. A gore tex Jacket over a pair of breathable waders is the combination that I recommend.

Take Some of Alaska with you - Camera and film if desired. Bring a waterproof roll down bag for these items. They can be purchased for less then $15.00 at Cabelas

Bug Spray – Mosquito nets are not necessary, however bug spray with Deet is handy if we have a streach of dry weather.

RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT FOR HUNTING IN SOUTHEAST ALASKA

The following list of recommended gear for hunting in Southeast Alaska was compiled for the purpose of allowing individuals not experienced in this area to be aware of the minimum equipment required to be safe and comfortable on a hunt in Southeast Alaska. This list has been compiled by hunters experienced in this area and should not be considered as one hundred percent complete, but as a guideline for the equipment required. Individual requirements should be utilized to supplement this list. Remember, this trip is self-guided, use your good judgment.

Rifle - .30 caliber or larger recommended, .338 cal. or larger magnum optimum. Due to some of the brushy terrain you will want to put your animal down in the shortest distance possible. The main requirement for a rifle is that you are comfortable with it and can hit where you aim at a reasonable distance (75-250 yards)!

Optics - A good pair of comfortable binoculars with good light-gathering capabilities are recommended. Good ranges are between 7x30 and 10x50. Your may want a spotting scope but it is not essential.

Pack - A pack that fits you well and can support any anticipated loads you need to carry. For most bear hunts, you only need a daypack. For high country hunts such as alpine deer hunts, we suggest an internal frame pack with at least 4,500 cubic inches of storage due to the heavy brush that is often encountered.

Boots - A good pair of "broken-in" waterproof hiking boots are required for alpine deer hunts. We use the Danner Elk Hunters. Chest waders are great for hiking the streams on fall hunts. We recommend the breathable style not the neoprene.

Clothes - All clothing should be synthetic, or wool-synthetic blends. Cotton is to be avoided, since it has little value when wet. Comfortable warm socks are a must. Three changes of clothing should be sufficient for anyone. (We have an onsite laundry) Bring what you need, but don't over pack. Please see weight restrictions on floatplane flights. (LINK coming)

Jackets - that shed the rain and are quiet in the woods are best. Pants should be quiet in the woods, warm and if not waterproof, dry out quickly when wet. Levi's and other cotton fabrics are not recommended. Uninsulated saddlecloth, fleece, MT050, or wool - parkas, jacket and pants that have been laminated with a waterproof liner such as Dry-Plus or Gore-Tex can make hunting a lot more enjoyable in Alaska.

Rain gear - Good rain gear is essential. Helly Hansen or equivalent is best. Remember that Southeast Alaska is a rainforest!

Knife/Compass/Light/Survival Gear/First Aid Kit - Each hunter should carry these items on each day's hunt. The Petzl Tikka Headlamp is an ideal light for most of our hunts. If you get an animal down in the evening this light will come in handy. It lasts a long time on 3 AAA batteries and can be purchased at Cabelas.

Meat & hide bags – If you bone your meat out on the mountain or a muskeg you will want some game bags to preserve and protect your meat and hide.

Take Some of Alaska with you - Camera and film if desired. Bring a waterproof roll down bag for these items. They can be purchased for less then $15.00 at Cabelas

Bug Spray – Mosquito nets are not necessary, however bug spray with Deet is handy if we have a streach of dry weather.

Alaska the beautiful! Thanks once again for the wonderful trip. Although this was not my first time to Alaska, this was my first trip to Prince of Wales Island. In my opinion, you and Trish provided Five-star Accommodations on all aspects of the trip. The lodges far exceeded any expectations I ever had. They were more hospitable than any hotel I have ever seen. The truck and boat was excellent. The hunting/fishing and site seeing was unbelievable. Every mountaintop, rapidly running stream and logging road produced some sort of unexpected grandeur. After two unsuccessful hunting trips to Maine and Canada I finally got my black bear and a record book one on top of it!!! I had seen my bear three days in a row on the same mountain ridge. I was not able to get the shot because of the distance, vegetation and wind. On the fourth day, while glassing, I spotted my bear feeding near a clear cut. It took me almost two hours to hike within shooting distance of the behemoth creature. The conditions were perfect this time. I stalked within 72 yards and harvested the bear with once shot. A picture perfect hunt. My boar weighed approximately 500lbs and scored just over 21 inches (green score). After close examination you could see that my boar had been fighting with another massive boar in the area by the large scars on his ears, nose, and eyes. The picture says it all! Overall, I saw 18 bear and over 200 deer in five days. I am definitely coming back up for a trophy Sitka Blacktail hunt. My only regret is not having enough time to do some serious fly fishing. Thank you for the friendship and the advice. I really felt like I was at home. Please feel free to use me as a reference.

God Bless, Joshua W. Bunte

I wanted to drop you a note thanking you, and your family for the wonderful hospitality on our recent trip to Prince of Whales Island. Our group had a fantastic time. As I told you prior to booking the trip, I have been to the Island several times in the past, your accommodations, services, and hospitality was by far the best! The services that you offer are very appealing to our style of vacation, and budget. The amount of hunting, fishing, available is unbelievable. Game is everywhere! What a beautiful piece of Alaska you have. Keep up the good work! We are planning a fall trip for next year. Please feel free to put me on your reference sheet.

We look forward to seeing you again.

Respectfully,
Bruce Warren


A few words would sum up our experience: 4 star accommodations, excellent food, equipment is top quality if not new and we looked at 14 different bear in the first two days; taking 3 in two days to fill our tags. We finished the week catching Halibut, salmon and crabs.
TRIP OF A LIFETIME!!!

Thanks again,
Jim, Jacob Clark and Randy Swaim

Just wanted to let you know again, how much fun my family and I had up there this summer. Your place is by far the best place for what we like to do. Well thanks for a great summer, Ill be back as long as you’ll have me.

Steve Stratton & Family


We enjoyed our stay at your facility this spring. Neal and I were pleased
with your services and accommodations. They were clean and comfortable. The vehicle and boat were reliable and in good working order.
We took two good bears, a 6.5’ & 6’. We would happily recommend (and have done so) your services to our friends. We are planning a return trip in 05. Once again, thank you for all your assistance.

Sincerely,
Tery & Neal Terry

Reservations / Cancelation Policy

A deposit of 40% is required within fourteen (14) days from the date of booking to secure a firm reservation. Final payment must reach our office 40 days prior to arrival. All cancelations will be assessed a $50.00 fee. Cancelations made less than 90 days before scheduled arrival are NOT subject to a refund.