What to Bring
RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT FOR FISHING IN SOUTHEAST ALASKA
A cool, moist climate prevails in southeast Alaska. During the summers, average temperatures may vary from 46 to 70 degrees! Precipitation is always likely during your stay on the island regardless of the time of year. Rainfall averages nearly 160 inches per year. More detail about weather can be found here on our Weather Page.
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 vast 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 strike it~
PAPERWORK – If your planning on fishing or hunting while you stay with us you will need to secure your licenses and or tags from the ADF&G website. New for 2018 if you are planning on harvesting shrimp you will also need a free shellfish permit available on the same ADF&G website. (This will save you valuable fishing time once you arrive).
RODS AND REELS – Fully guided trips -If you are going on a fully guided trip, we provide rods and reels (spin, deep water) as well as tackle and flies. If you have your own favorite freshwater rods, bring them. Fish filleting is provided with this package.
RODS AND REELS – Self guided trips – Most of our guests bring their own. We recommend a 6/7 weight for Salmon or Steelhead and 4/5 weight for Trout. We do have a selection of spin / salt water rods available at no extra charge. (No fly gear) We also have an on-site tackle store with fresh and saltwater tackle and bait available.
FILLET KNIFE – Fillet knives 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 usable 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 down-riggers, herring aids, mooching rigs, salmon flys, cod jigs, twin tail worms, banana lead sinkers, swivel chain, hook file and good snap swivels. Remember, we do have an on-site tackle store and we carry everything we recommend!
FRESHWATER TACKLE – Blue Fox Vibrax spinners (size #3-#6) are a local favorite (silver spinner, pink, red or silver bell) as well as Old Salt Silver Slayer lures. Old Salt lures are hand crafted and can only be purchased locally. Bolos, and Krocodiles are also effective as well as a multitude of flies. We stock all of our recommended tackle in our on-site tackle store.
BOOTS – An absolute must for Prince of Wales Island!! 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. You will encounter muddy trails and riverbanks while streamfishing. XtraTuf boots are the boot of choice for locals and can be purchased locally. Remember to bring rain pants for the times you won’t 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 on-site laundry) Bring what you need, but don’t over pack. Please see weight restrictions on float plane flights.
RAIN GEAR – Good rain gear is essential. Helly Hansen or equivalent is best. Remember that Southeast Alaska is a rain forest and there is always a chance of rain. A Gore-Tex jacket over a pair of breathable waders is the combination that we recommend. Having good gear to keep you warm and dry can make all the difference in the comfort and enjoyment of your trip!
WATERPROOF DRYBAGS- These bags are lightweight and great for keeping your devices safe and dry while out in the boat or along the riverbank. A dry bag that fits into your pack works great to transport fillets out of the field. While some fishing holes are close to the truck others are farther away and you will want to fillet and pack your fish out. Any other items that you want to guarantee to stay dry should be in a dry bag as well. To see the drybags we recommend click this link. https://seatosummitusa.com/collections/waterproof-dry-bags
BUG SPRAY – Mosquito nets are not necessary, however bug spray with Deet is handy if the bugs are bad.
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 who 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.
OPTICS – A good pair of comfortable binoculars with good light-gathering capabilities are recommended. Good ranges are between 7×30 and 10×50. 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.
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.
JACKETS – 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/HANDHELD GPS – 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. Common batteries can be purchased locally. Please remember this gear is for safety, if you have a GPS but dont know how to use it it wont help. Dont assume you will figure it out in the field.
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!) Due the the nature of our rough and brushy terrain it is not only necessary to make a clean and humane shot. It is also necessary to put the animal down immediately. A few yards could mean the difference of salvaging your game or loosing it.
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. A dry bag will also come in handy to pack out meat and keep your pack clean. To see the drybags we recommend click this link. https://seatosummitusa.com/collections/waterproof-dry-bags
BUG SPRAY – Mosquito nets are not necessary, however bug spray with Deet is handy if the bugs are bad.