Fishing in Washington and Alaska

Alaska and Washington share some similarities and have some differences, but my preference is Alaska when it comes to salmon fishing. Many people have the misconception that Alaska is always cold and dark. The truth is the Alaskan climate along the coastline can be quite mild. Winters bring on the snow with high temperatures dipping into the twenty's creating a climate very much like ski resorts in the Rocky Mountains, Canada or Europe. The weather is perfect for casual wear for people taking advantage of the area's many outdoor activities. The key to comfort in Alaska is wearing layers of clothing, then peel on or off as needed. During summer solstice, there are twenty-four hours of functional daylight; during winter solstice, there are five hours and twenty-eight minutes of functional daylight. The farther north you go, the fewer the daylight hours. For me this is part of the appeal of fishing in Alaska. In comparison, the weather in Washington is warmer and the wind chill factor doesn't come in to play as much. Washington receives enormous amounts of rain and some snow. The sky is usually gray because of all the rain fall. The state is very green almost year round because of the rain. The higher elevation and mountain tops are usually covered with snow. Both states have similar climates, but Alaska is usually colder.

Fishing techniques also differ little from state to state. In Alaska, fishing for salmon is usually done with large poles, heavy line and live bait. There are many varieties of specialized

line for salmon fishing as well as poles and lures. You can also fish from boats or from the bank of the river or stream or you can use your boots to wade right into the middle of a stream. The type of bait, pole, and line you use for you salmon fishing will depend on the time of year it is. Developing your own technique is half the fun of fishing for salmon. Fishing techniques do differ in Washington a little from the techniques in Alaska in the fact that you use shorter, stiffer poles, lighter line and you use artificial lures or jigs. Many people debate about how to fish for salmon. A lot of native Washington folks like to use artificial lures but many also use a variety of live bates. The majority of people use what is called a spin cast reel and others use a bait cast reel and even others use the old fashion cane poles without the reels. Quite a few people fish only from their boats while a few special