If Your dream has always been to take a fishing trip to Alaska and the day dawns when it's finally been realized you can rightfully allow the excitement to surge. Taking a fishing trip to Alaska is like a dream come true for most anglers.

You've hired the services of a guide and he leads you deep into the wilderness to a gurgling mountain stream that runs off of a glacier. The water is crystal clear and freezing cold. You set down your gear, bait your hook, cast and quietly converse with the guide. Suddenly, something hits your bait hard. You set the hook and the fight is on. You're glad that the guide is along. He coached you in the type of line and weights to use. You finally land your catch and the guide weighs it on the portable scales that he carries in his backpack. You've landed the biggest fish of your life, a 35 pound King salmon.

There are hundreds of places to fish in Alaska. The southeast region of Alaska, also known as the panhandle, has a wide range of places in which to fish, depending on the species you are targeting. There are hundreds of mountain streams that run off of glaciers. There are deep fjords in abundance. Winters are not as cold here as in other parts of Alaska, because this area is warmed by the ocean. Summers are cool and very moist and this is the time when halibut move into the waters near the shore. Salmon migrate to this region by the hundreds to spawn and there are a variety of trout species to be fished.

The fishing is great in the western and Arctic regions of Alaska, as well as in the interior. These are the areas where the Yukon and Kuskokwim Rivers drain. Here you will catch burbot, char, graylings, pike, trout, sheefish and more, for fish are in great abundance.

A popular Alaskan fishing destination is the area known as the Lower Cook Inlet. Here you will catch Dolly Varden, salmon species, and trout in the rivers and streams. Halibut and salmon can be fished off the coast. If you enjoy digging for clams, dig the area's beaches for a good feed.

King salmon, also known as Chinook, are common in Alaska, and they often weigh up to 50 pounds. Giant halibut are also found in Alaska's waters, as are northern pike, graylings, Pollock, shiner perch, sole, rockfish, sturgeon, steelhead, shad, herring, lake chub, Alaskan blackfish, smelt, trout, Arctic char, Arctic cod, walleye, Arctic flounder, crabs and shrimp.

South Central Alaska is the area of Alaska that has the highest population and there are great fishing opportunities available. From Bristol Bay to the Copper River, there are watersheds and coastal waters that have an abundance of fish. Anglers can fish the coastal waters for halibut and ocean fish species. Watersheds are abundant in species as burbot, Dolly Varden, grayling, pike, trout and whitefish. It is essential to pack the right fishing gear fro your fishing trip to Alaska. You will need a variety of fishing gear and you need to make sure you include (at least) the following:

- freshwater fishing rods
- saltwater fishing rods
- bait casting rod
- twice as much tackle as you believe you'll need
- flies, weights, lures, a variety of fishing line
- a net and nylon cord
- one water bottle or canteen
- a fillet knife
- nail clippers
- needle nose pliers
- waders and wading boots
- a flashlight (and extra batteries)
- maps and a compass (and UPS if venturing out to more remote places)
- a couple of tire patch kits
- first aid kit, flares and survival rations if you plan to camp in wilderness areas

Don't forget the appropriate clothing and don't compromise with cheap stuff- it can make the difference between an enjoyable fishing trip and a nightmare. You will need to bring along a fishing vest, warm clothes, including socks, a jacket, a winter coat, fleece clothes, rain gear, sunglasses, a fishing hat and gloves, hiking boots, bug repellent, a couple of lighters and matches, sunscreen, a floatation device, a backpack, Tylenol, any personal medications you will need, a cell or satellite phone,pepper spray for bear protection, a fishing license (don't forget your fishing lisence), a small amount of cash, traveler's checks, a credit card, anti bacterial hand cleaner, a camera and lots of film, or a digital camera. Most of the bigger towns offer facilities for you to download your digital images onto CD or even to print from your memory cards.

The question is often asked by more inexperienced fisherman to Alaska as to what bait to use. Live bait for Alaskan fishing includes nightcrawlers, crustaceans, prawns, live bait systems, cut bait, shrimp, oysters, live fish species, crayfish, lugworms, razor fish and herring. Frozen baits consist of mackerel, herring, squid, sardines and octopus. Artificial bait includes lures, wet and dry flies, spinners, streamers, spoons and Mepps. Egg sacs work great for attracting fish species. The best rule of thumb is to use the natural bait that the targeted fish species prey upon. Also keep in mind that you need to match bait to the hook size and equipment that you are using.

The best advice you can get for Alaskan fishing, is from one of the many experienced local anglers. If you don't know, or can't find such an angler, seek out an experienced Alaskan fishing guide. These can be found easily online and the resources on this site will serve as a handy guide. Beware of hiring a guide that you have never met. Make sure you get reliable references especially if you have to pay in advance and especially if you are planning on using your guide for an extensive period of time. Email the guide service and ask how long they've been in business, if they are licensed, if they carry insurance and if they are members of the Better Business Bureau, or something equivalent. Ask them for the names and phone numbers of references.

The value of a good guide is priceless. If you hire a good guide, the price you pay for these services will be well rewarded. You will land a beauty and have the memories forever.