Those who love fun vacations have no shortage of options for great family trips, both throughout the US and abroad. You will easily find recreational activities that everyone will love. However, for the fishing enthusiast, nothing beats an expedition on the spell-binding Alaskan waters.

If you want to go rainbow trout fishing, Alaska is the place to be. With its pristine wilderness and seemingly untouched waters, the fish are available in abundance.

But, before you plan your next or first fishing trip to the beauty of the Alaskan wilderness, keep reading for some tips and tricks that will help your fishing expedition go a little smoother.

Be Aware of Your Fishing Seasons

Rainbow trout season in Alaska runs from June 15 to Oct 31 - however where the trout are running depends on the year and the river you select. For more information, you can ask your guide to help you find the best trout fishing spots, or you can consult the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.

Have a Guide

Having a guide is not only safe, but it’s also smart. This is a person who can help you find the best spots for fishing, assist in navigating the waters and river systems of Alaska and give you helpful tips and tricks on rainbow trout fishing. Alaska fishing guides and lodges are everywhere, but choosing the right one can be critical for your overall experience.

Ideally, you want a guide who provides you with equipment, safety gear, accommodations, supplies and experience. Some recommended and locally respected companies include Puffin Alaska Fishing Charters, Alaska NW Charters, and Alaska Outdoor Adventures.

While researching prospective guides online is a great idea, you should always call the person or lodge and speak to them directly before you book. You’ll likely be committing several days in a boat with this individual, so you want to make sure you get a positive vibe and a sense that the person meshes with your fishing personality.

Get Your License

Typically, most guides will either arrange your license for you or possess a blanket license that covers you as a passenger of their boats. If you’re not heading out with a guide who does this, you’ll need to purchase your own license from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. You can buy it online and should expect to pay $55 for a weeklong license or $145 for yearly access to the Alaskan waters.

In addition to obtaining a license, you must follow several other state rules and regulations regarding sport fishing. For example, you can’t sell fish that were caught by sport fishing, nor can you export them unless they’re properly prepared for transport. You’re also limited in the type of equipment you can use. To review these regulations, contact the Fish and Game office directly or check out their website.

Pack Smart

Typically, your guide or lodge will supply you with your gear and equipment for fishing. However, you may have to bring your own waders or certain small supplies. Before you depart, you should ask your lodge or guide to supply you with a packing list that’s season specific. Regardless, when packing for Alaska, you need to be prepared for any weather system.

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If a fishing venture or fishing trip in the beauty of Alaska isn’t your gig but you love your time as an angler on the water, then how about a fishing expedition at the other end of the U.S. in Florida?.

Fort Lauderdale sport fishing is one of the area’s biggest tourism generators. Because Fort Lauderdale and its nearby suburbs provides both saltwater and freshwater fishing, anglers can enjoy a deep sea experience, leisurely fly fishing or even bottom fishing.

The area is teeming with fishing charter companies and crews that can change every year. For the best experience, check out the resources below to find up-to-date referrals and fishing information.

The IGFA (International Game Fish Association) - World Fishing Center

The World Fishing Center, run by the IGFA (International Game Fish Association) is an incredible 3-acre park, museum and library that’s also home to a virtual reality sport fishing simulator. Anglers can practice reeling in a computer-generated catch, browse the library resources or even find a list of recommended local guides and charter companies.

You can visit the World Fishing Center daily between 10am and 6pm, or you can call them at 1-954-927-2628 and ask to speak with a librarian. The IGFA has a website at igfa.org. The site even lets you search for IGFA-certified captains in the Fort Lauderdale area.

Fort Lauderdale’s Hall of Fame Marina

Located on Seabreeze Boulevard, the Hall of Fame Marina is packed with charter fishing boat companies, offering a range of choice and packages for your Fort Lauderdale sport fishing experience. It’s possible to book ahead with your hotel or ask at the IGFA for a recommended company.

Fort Lauderdale’s Pier 66

Like the Hall of Fame Marina, the Pier 66 Marina is another hot spot for some of Fort Lauderdale’s biggest and best fishing charter companies. The marina can be found on SE 17th Street or by phone at 954-525-6666. Again, ask your hotel concierge or the IGFA for a recommended boat and captain.

Hillsboro Inlet Charters

Trusted by Fodor’s, Frommer’s and Forbes Traveler, the Hillsboro Inlet Charter Fleet has built a strong reputation for high-quality fishing charters that get results. The company has over 12 vessels, each specifically designed for pompano, sailfish, marlins and even shark. To make a reservation or an inquiry, contact them at (954) 943-8222.

Average Prices and Charter Rates

Your average bottom fishing boat trip will cost around $40 to $60 for a half-day trip, but that usually includes your basic fishing equipment and bait. Expect to pay more for a private charter, which usually ranges from $350 for a half day to about $600 for a full-day.

Nearby cities and municipalities like Dania Beach, Pompano Beach, Lauderdale by the Sea and Deerfield Beach also offer free or very reasonably priced fishing piers for anglers who prefer a more relaxed, Fort Lauderdale sport fishing experience. Most also offer visitors rod-and-reel rentals for less than $10 a day.

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Barbour clothing range has everything to from socks to complete jump suits. You could purchase these suits in many camouflage compositions, which is also handy to the committed deer hunter. Any fisherman will be tickled to own any of the waterproof Barbour clothing.

When you are searching for something in the Barbour range of clothing range, the web is a great destination to begin. There are online sites that Barbour clothing range as well as wholesale stores and even home made stores. Bass Pro Shops are known to Barbour clothing range as well When you are not happy about searching for things over the web. There are plenty other fishing shops that the Barbour range of clothing range.

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For an exciting overview of some of Alaska’s most popular lodges and fishing tours, read on.

Ultima Thule Lodge (ultimathulelodge.com)

Remote and pristine, the Ultima Thule Lodge is situated in the middle of the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, the country’s largest, and has been listed by National Geographic as the area’s premiere luxury Alaska fly fishing trips company.

The lodge can arrange almost any type of day trip, but a lot of their focus is on fly fishing in Moose Valley. However, if your interest is fishing experiences, make sure you book in advance to get there during the peak salmon migration period.

By offering alternative day trips and other activities, Ultima Thule Lodge has set itself apart from the competition. Whether it’s a corporate retreat or family fishing trip, guests can choose between hiking remote glaciers, rafting the rapids or spending the day fishing.

That said, if you’re looking for a more rustic experience, you may want to look elsewhere as Ultima Thule provides a more pampered or luxury Alaskan experience.

Sadie Cove Wilderness Lodge (sadiecove.com)

Featured on ESPN, the Discovery Channel, the Environmental Magazine, “E”, The Travel Channel, National Geographic and Forbes’ magazine, Sadie Cove is widely known as one of the continent’s best eco-lodges. The lodge is run completely off the grid on a non-polluting wind, solar and hydro energy system.

They arrange everything from photo safaris to fully customized Alaska fly fishing trips, while pampering guests with an in-house chef, on-site sauna and incredible scenery. Despite the amenities and commitment to sustainability, the rates at Sadie Cove are fairly reasonable. They start at about $400 per night per adult for an all-inclusive stay - meaning three meals a day, use of lodge facilities, a private cabin, and fishing equipment. However, private fishing charters or fly-ins do cost extra.

Drifter’s Lodge (907-595-5555)

If you want a more rooted, natural and rustic experience, Drifter’s Lodge can offer it. The lodge is well-known and still comfortable, but much closer to the true Alaskan experience. They’ve been featured in The Lonely Planet, Time magazine and on the Discovery Channel. The bulk of their fly fishing is during the fall trout season.

The lodge has on-staff guides who know the Kenai River, know the fish patterns and are able to assist you to find great fishing locations and choose the best flies and casting techniques to catch your fish. They focus on techniques for rainbow trout, Dolly Varden trout and Alaska salmon, and are able to plan some of the best Alaska fly fishing trips available.

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