Tackle Trade World - May 2024

R E G I O N A L V A R I A T I O N S
DBW...
ALASKA
The Alaska Department of
Fishing and Game splits the
state into several distinct
regions, including southwest,
south central, southeast and
northern, with differing
opportunities and fishing styles
in each.
It’s also worth noting that
the state regularly issues
Emergency Orders, changing
the rules in any given season,
often because of more or
fewer fish than expected or
where there is a biological
conservation concern.
The northern region is
characterised by a mix of
forests, tundra, lakes, glacial
and clear water streams, with
mountain ranges, national
parks and rivers like the Upper
Susitna and Upper Copper.
The region is home to
Alaska’s second largest city,
Fairbanks, and the USA’s most
northerly city, Barrow. It’s also
the place to head for great ice
fishing in winter.
South central is where
you will find more than half
of Alaska’s residents, with
mountains, lakes, rivers and
abundant fishing opportunities,
thanks to places like the Ship
Creek in Anchorage, ports
such as Whittier and Seward
and, of course, the famous
Kenai River.
Head to Prince William
Sound for some of the best
saltwater fishing for halibut,
ling cod, rockfish and all five
native salmon species.
Nicknamed “the panhandle”,
the southeast boasts fjords,
mountains, forests and a
maritime climate and is home
to Alaska’s capital, Juneau.
There’s year-round fishing
for wild trout, all salmon
species, plus exceptional
saltwater fishing from both
boat and shore.
The Situk River also has
the state’s largest run of wild
steelhead.
From trophy rainbows to
world-class salmon fishing, the
southwest really is an angling
paradise, including the deep
lakes and pristine rivers of
Bristol Bay, while the towns
of Kodiak, King Salmon,
Dutch Harbor and more offer
accommodation and flights and
boat services to further-flung
destinations.
R U L E S A N D R E G U L A T I O N S
All residents age 18 or older and nonresidents
age 16 or older must purchase and
possess a sport fishing licence in Alaska,
both for port and personal use fisheries. In
addition, a king salmon stamp is required to
fish for king salmon (except in stocked lakes).
These laws apply in both fresh and marine
waters. Alaska residents age 60 or older
and Alaska disabled veterans who maintain
their residency may participate in sport
fisheries without a sport fishing licence, but
must apply for and possess an ADF&G
Identification Card.
These card holders, resident anglers under
18 years of age and non-residents under 16
years of age do not need to purchase a king
salmon stamp.
All anglers must carry their harvest record
card while fishing and record their catch
immediately in the field, but do not need to
turn it in at the end of the season.
I N D U S T R Y V I E W
GEORGE KRUMM, editor-in-chief, Fish Alaska magazine.
“In terms of
retailers in
Alaska, there are
five Sportsman’s
Warehouses
in the state,
plus one Bass Pro and one Cabela’s shop in
Anchorage, the rest made up of ‘mom and pop’
independent stores across the territory.
“Having a rep is extremely important if
you are keen on supplying the Alaskan tackle
market; it’s also vital that they are anglers
with a good knowledge of the state as some of
the fishing styles can be very specific to certain
species or areas.
“Good quality gear and apparel is a must
in Alaska; the weather conditions can often
be challenging and, in many cases, you will
find yourself fishing away from civilisation, so
being self-sufficient is key.
“Everything has to work well. You want
tackle that won‘t let you down and clothing
that is insulated and keeps out the rain –
reliable equipment is crucial.”
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