Get Excited for Your Fishing Charter in Alaska: Can You Top These Large Catches?
Whether this is your first fishing charter in Alaska or you’ve experienced several, there is always a chance that you can catch that trophy salmon. We can never guarantee this occurring, but we put you in the best circumstances to secure that great catch. To help you get ready for the anticipation of your adventure, here are seven of Alaska’s premier catches:
- 1970 Steelhead/Rainbow Trout: Caught by David White on Bell Island, this giant trout weighed 42 pounds. This record still remains for this particular species, and who knows—maybe you can beat David Bell on this one!
- 1970 Lake Trout: While there is still no record for brook trout, Daniel Thorsness caught a 47-pound lake trout in this 45-year-old trophy record. He caught the fish, ironically enough, at Lake Daniel.
- 1985 King Salmon: Lester Anderson caught a 97-pound, four-ounce salmon in the Kenai River. This would not be the first time this intrepid fisherman would create a record from this particular river.
- 1995 King Salmon: Sure enough, Lester Anderson was at it again 10 years later. That visit to the Kenai River produced a 75-pound salmon—and another entry in the state records.
- 1996 Halibut: With a length of over eight feet and weight frequently in the hundreds, halibut are a prime trophy fish sought by many ambitious anglers. Jack Tragis learned this by catching a 500-pound monster and a state record in Unalaska Bay.
- 2001 Rockfish: A smaller game fish, rockfish normally weigh 11 pounds and achieve a length just over two feet. The fish Rosemary Roberts caught this year definitely went beyond the standards. Her catch was a 38-pound rockfish discovered in Prince William Sound.
- 2002 Dolly Varden: While they are very similar looking to trout, the Dolly Varden is actually a char. They grow to over 30 inches and weigh up to 27 pounds. When Mike Curtiss caught his trophy, he found it right up to these standards. This record-holding catch weight 27 pounds, six ounces.
As you’ve likely noticed, record holders are determined by species. Many people who fish believe the length, which is determined by measuring nose to tail end, is the determinant for state records. However, since some fish do not grow long, weight is also a crucial element. Halibut are not considered trophies until they reach 250 pounds, and a steelhead or rainbow trout must be at least 15 pounds before being considered. The Kenai River has special consideration, as King Salmon harvested from there must weigh 75 pounds before they can enter the record books, while everywhere else, that threshold starts at 50 pounds.
If you find that large fish, you need to have a witness and a Trophy Fish official, and use a scale approved by the Division of Weights and Measures to receive your certificate. Fill out the affidavit and attach your coveted picture, and you will be in the record books!
Phantom Tri-River Charters offers the best for your fishing charter in Alaska. Contact us today to experience catching salmon, rainbow trout, Dolly Varden, arctic grayling and more.
Categorised in: Alaskan Fishing Charter