Ketchikan revisited!

Hi all...

I am planning one of my trips to Alaska this year... I saw that awesome thread here at NKA on last years trip with Howard McKim.  I have contacted him, and he seems very helpful.  I just have a few questions that maybe the trip goers can answer. btw, I also read the helpful thread below, on where to stay, etc.

We plan on 2 days in town, 3 days in the bush, 2 days in town. 

I was on the East Cape trip with Sammons, the guiding service for us was mothershipping us to the spot, told us to yoyo megabaits, fish on..   In our group, there were some accomplished anglers, so that was all the help we needed. 

I am wondering about the people on the trip to ketchikan.  How much guiding did you need?  Did you pay for guide service everyday?  full day or half days?  Or where you able to pay for guide service for half day, then able to figure out the fishing for yourselves for a given area?  I am not trying to skimp, and have a decent budget for this trip, just want to find out what worked, and what is appropriate. 

Any pros ?  any cons?  things you wish you brought?  Things you wish you left at home?  any other insider info?

I am sure this is not the end of my questions, thanks in advance,

Chris 

I think if you are a decent fisherman, you can get by with a few pointers from Howard and do just fine on your own.  In fact, when we were there, that's mostly what we did.  Howard was busy ferrying us beer and cooking meals so there wasn't much "guide" time.  But ... many of us were already familiar with the type of fishing we were doing.  If you're not, then 1/2 day with Howard would be worth it.

I brought too much lead ... it was heavy.    We left a nice goody box with Howard after the trip so we didn't have to lug it home.

Stay at the Black Bear Inn ... oh so nice!!  http://www.stayinalaska.com/

-Allen

Thanks for the reply, it has got me to specifics...

Is there a tackle shop in town? 

I wouldnt see why not, if so, I'd just buy all my terminal tackle there, hooks, weights, etc...

Rod setups?  I like conventional stuff... What do you guys recommend? 

Of course there is a tackle shop in town, and yes, we bought even more stuff there to add to the way to much gear we already had.       They have everything you need.

-Allen

Thanks Allen, that is a big help, less to pack is better! 

Hey Chris.... good questions!
Allen, please PM me your phone number.  I wanna pic your brain about your experience too.

I hope to make my decision about the Alaska trip within the next two weeks.

Chris, do you know anything about these SoCal guys and their Alaska trip?
http://www.qualifier105.com/kayak.htm

Dude... it would be nice to go up there at the same time.  I know you know how to have a good time.

Chuck, shoot me an email when you get some ideas of when you might be heading out there...

[email protected]   

Chris 

This is good stuff.  Thanks.  I am waiting for my financial situation to sort it self out but pending a potentially imenent windfall I have informed the family that I will be going to Alaska for one of Howards trips.  I hope to know by the end of February, wish it was sooner.  Who else is considering this and how serious are you?  Randy had posted some information regarding Alaska Airlines and Companion fairs.  It would be cool to save some $ by using that tip.

I'm shooting for the first week, but I will be flying out of Santa Rosa, and probably staying for 10 days.

90% serious about this trip, pending scheduling, and fishing conditions... Luckily the little lady likes to kayak fish, and generally loves travel.  Alaska has been on our "hit" list for a while!  That would be great to hookup with NORCAL brothers at the same time!! 

Bump!

Just secured my dates...   

Ketchikan  8-18-8-19 8-20,   


Forest Service Cabin     8-21, 8-22, 8/23   

Back in Ketchikan  8-24, 8/25   

fly home 8-26 

fish la jolla 8-27 

back at work 8/28   

Anyone else going these dates?  ChuckE?

Chris

Oh my.........what a great vacation you will have.

Chuck,

    I was trying to schedule something along these lines in July, and the plans fell through due tolack of participation.  Luckily, Pole Pole pointed me this way, AND I can take vacation whenever I want.  So, August sounds GREAT. 

   I talked to Howard Sunday, and he mentioned some people from California heading up there in August.  Are you part of this group, or is that another group?

   In any case, this transplanted Palo Alto Native, currently residing in Coastal South Carolina (Thanks to being in the Army for 20 years   , I can no longer afford heaven...err Northern Cailifornia, and am forced to make due with this place.   ), is VERY interested in coming along and fishing with you up there.  Any possibility of this happening?   

  I would prefer to be kayak fishing with others, for no other reason than safety and bragging rights.   

YotF