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Alaska - Fishing and Seldovia
by Rena Harris on July 30, 2010 |
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Alaska – Anyone for Fishing? No? There’s plenty more to do…
The reasons people go to Alaska include sightseeing, glaciers, Denali National Park, Mt. McKinley, moose, bear, dall sheep, caribou and fishing – lots and lots of fishing…
Fishing is one of the most popular pastimes for everyone. From Homer, world-famous fishing is accessible by road. There are several other remote places to fish that can only be reached by float plane or by some kind of charter boat. From Homer, go deep sea fishing for halibut, salmon and cod. Fish the rivers for salmon and did clams on the beaches. Even in winter you can go ice fishing on the lakes or troll the icy bay for winter king and other salmon species.
Fishing Licenses is required for anyone 16 and older. Fees range from $10 - $85 depending on the resident status and length of validity. I usually get the three day tag for $85 and add the $10 King Salmon stamp to it. Don’t know why, I haven’t fished for the King in a long long time – but I always get one – just in case. Fishing licenses can be purchased at local charter offices, sporting good stores and some large retail stores.
Homer is best known as the Fishing Capital of the World. And one of the reasons is the record Halibut that is taken out of the bay. If you go, be sure to purchase a $10 ticket for the Homer Halibut Derby – you never know when you’re going to bring up that big barn door. Most of the winners are in the 300 – 400 pound bracket – but – you could win with a 100 pounder in the daily derby…good money, good publicity. The 2009 winner with a 354 pounder went home not only with the fish but the jackpot of $40,440! Two winners from Tigard recently! Even kids can get in on the derby prices from $100 - $500.
Fishing Charters will run as low as $99 for adults, $79 for kids for a half day Halibut charter. The boats with the best catch records get higher charter prices – maybe because they know where the big holes are where the big fish hang out?
River fishing for the Salmon – there are five varieties – they match the fingers on your hand –
King – (Chinooks) Silver- (Coho) Red – (Sockeye) Pink- (Humpy) Steelhead – (North Pacific Salmon – aka Rainbow Trout that go into the sea) There are several guide services that will take you down the lower Kenai Peninsula Rivers and the Homer Spit.
Besides the fishing - what else is there to do in Homer? Well – you can take a ferry across Kachemek Bay to the little village of Seldovia.
Seldovia – much of what makes it so appealing is what is NOT here. No lines, no traffic, no rushing, no noise. It’s a fabulous place to visit if you are searching for these intangibles and want to slow down, sit in the sun, paddle a kayak, hike in the woods or just sit and veg.
You can spend the night in any number of cabins, bed and breakfast, or bring your tent and camp. There are several small restaurants and most of them serve the local seafood catch of the day. Here you can also charter fishing as well.
Seldovia is renewing – come as you are, but leave as you want to be. Seldovia is Mesmerizing – the ambiance and images will last with you forever, enchanting – the scenery is magical, Charming – you will be charmed by the locals and the wildlife, breathtaking views and more.
Seldovia’s motto – Stay with us for a few days, and we will stay with you forever!
One of the fun things to do from Homer is to take a trip to visit the BEARS! Black bears live throughout Homer- so if you’re out on a walkabout – be very aware as you can stumble across a bear anywhere. There are several “bear” brochures that give you all the hints of what to do if you encounter one in the wild. If you are really into Bear viewing, however, you will want to sign up for an Alaska Bear Adventure – in the next installment of this adventure – I’ll share with you one of these tours that a client took.
Wildlife abounds here – Moose, bear, bald eagles and more – it’s a wonderful place to see these animals in their natural habitat – just be sure to bring the camera!
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