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In late April of last year, Fish Alaska publisher
Marcus Weiner jetted to Prince of Wales, where he spent four days
chasing spring-returning steelhead in the rivers and creeks cascading
throughout the boreal forests of Alaska’s second-largest island. It
hardly stopped raining during his trip, even for a moment. He got wet
some days, and he stayed dry others. Naturally, he came back with some
strong opinions on the year’s best rain gear.
Likewise, publisher Melissa Norris visited the
Alagnak River in July, and in a few days of frenzied activity, saw
firsthand the salmon-enticing effectiveness of a variety of spinners and
spoons. Over the rest of the season, staff, guides, and field testers
all reported in with similar findings—an all-around salmon rod for the
powerful Kenai, a flawless big-game reel that tamed the Sitka halibut,
the best cold-weather gear from a particularly chilly trout trip to the
upper Nushagak.
The results follow, arranged in three simple
categories. First are our gold-medal favorites, items at the top of the
angling-equipment food chain, chosen without regard to retail price.
Secondly, we’ve added a silver-medal category, for those items that
performed exceptionally under Alaska’s notoriously extreme conditions,
but that come with an affordable price tag. Last but not least, you’ll
find sprinkled throughout our “Field Favorites,” those ancillary items
that we found indispensable on our best excursions of the year.
GOLD
Layering for Anglers
One thing Alaska’s angling fraternity knows good and
well is that the weather is always a concern when preparing for an
outing. That’s why “dressing in layers” is urged so often. No matter
where you are in the state, even in the summer months, it can turn cold
in a hurry. Likewise, a morning might start chilly with sideways rain
and then two hours later, blue skies and a high sun can bring on
seventy-degree temperatures. It’s important to be prepared for both.
For that reason, we prefer to never skimp when it
comes to keeping our bodies warm and dry. Not surprisingly two of the
very best layering systems come from a pair of reputable manufacturers,
Simms and Patagonia, each already well known and respected in the Last
Frontier.
Patagonia
Capilene
www.patagonia.com
Capilene Silkweight is the lightest and fastest
drying of all Patagonia base layers. The fabric has the ultralight,
smooth feel of silk, and the fit is contoured for evaporative cooling
and airflow. Capilene Lightweight nestles right between Silkweight and
Midweight in warmth and weight. The fabric’s open knit allows plenty
of unhindered airflow, yet provides some insulation for active use in
cooler climes. These products also feature the Patagonia contoured fit
for efficient moisture transfer and low-bulk layering. Capilene
Midweight is the perfect midlayer for athletes who do a little of
everything. A bit more substantial than Lightweight, classic Midweight
manages moisture over a wide range of temperatures. The fabric’s
brushed interior retains heat, while its smooth jersey exterior makes
for hitch-free layering. The fit is contoured without feeling
restrictive.
Silkweight Men’s & Women’s styles $30-$37
Lightweight Men’s & Women’s styles $30-$38
Midwieght Men’s & Women’s styles $38-$42
Simms
www.simmsfishing.com
Made of warm, comfortable 100-series Polartec
fleece, the Simms WaderWick fleece pant and top can keep your core
temperature up on the coldest mornings, and turn around and wick
moisture quickly from your body when the mercury rises or your
activity level increases. Top features include zippers for additional
ventilation, side-seam front pockets on the pant, an adjustable
elastic waistband, and a rear wallet pocket. $79.95 (pants or top)
For additional warmth under your waders, try Simms
Polartec Power Stretch Fleece Pants. Made with 300 series Polartec
Power Stretch fleece, they take layering to another level, while still
offering excellent wicking properties. $139.95
Top it all off with a Simms Windstopper DL, a super
warm, windproof, double-layer-velour fleece jacket. A water repellent
finish minimizes water absorption, while the jacket also offers deep
warmer pockets, an adjustable waist with elastic across back, and a
stand-up collar for additional protection. The jacket features
waterproof single-layer Windstopper fleece in the arms, nylon stretch
woven elbow patches, and lightweight rib-knit cuffs with DWR
treatment. $199.95
Simms
Gore-Tex Paclite Pullover and Rain Pants
www.simmsfishing.com
There are a lot of benefits to this recent offering
from Simms—it’s super light, packs easily, and is extremely
breathable. The Paclite Pullover and Pants also feature 100% nylon
rip-stop outer fabric, an adjustable waist, cuffs, and hood, and a
water-resistant zippered chest pocket. The most important
qualification? It will keep you dry. In fact, short of jumping off the
boat for a little swim, we doubt you’ll be able to find a situation
where moisture will penetrate this outer shell. Pullover; $169.95;
Rain Pants: $159.95
Scientific Anglers
Mastery Series Steelhead Taper
www.scientificanglers.com
Have you ever looked longingly at a gorgeous
steelhead run that’s just a step beyond your wading and casting range?
Well, now we can reach those far banks and mid-stream riffles, while
still maintaining our accuracy. The answer is one of the newest
Scientific Anglers Mastery Series tapers—the Steelhead.
Specially designed for the big-water requirements
of salmon and steelhead fly anglers, the Mastery Series Steelhead
Taper features a longer head for increased distance, a longer front
taper that delays turnover, and an extended rear taper that
facilitates long-distance mending and line pickups (this new rear
taper design also increases your ability to carry and control more
line in the air). This line will also remain supple, even in the
sometimes frigid water temperatures Alaska’s anglers can find. $59.95
Cloudveil
Drizzle Jacket and Pant
www.cloudveil.com
As all of you probably know, fishing in Alaska
isn’t like fishing anywhere else. Quite often, then, we find the gear
and apparel mass-marketed to anglers lacking in one aspect or another.
It might work fine for the Bighorn or the South Platte, but after a
week of steady rain on the Aleutians or a fifty-fish day on the
Kanektok, the flaws become apparent. For this reason, we often find
ourselves looking for gear that’s designed for other applications, say
trekking through Chilean Patagonia or scaling a granite face in
Yosemite, and then we see if the items will hold their appeal on the
streams and rivers of the Great Land.
A product that clearly does is the Drizzle Jacket
and Pant available from Cloudveil.
Incorporating a dry-touch internal texture, an
ultra breathable waterproof coating, and extra-long pit zips, the
Drizzle is tailored toward weight-conscious climbs and tours. The
fully seam-sealed shell fabric is treated with a 100-wash rated Super
DWR for enduring storm resistance and vents uptrack heat with 14-inch
pit zips. A great companion for tours, treks, or climbs—or for
floating the Aniak in September—it adds packable reassurance to any
soft shell system. Drizzle Jacket: $200; Drizzle Pant: $165
Outcast
PAC 1100 HD
www.outcastboats.com
On Alaska’s freestone rivers, whether accessed via
the road system or bush flight from a remote village, the last thing
you want to worry about is the quality of your boat. For fishing
float-trips, it would be hard to top the Outcast PAC 1100 HD.
Its new design features a heavy-duty frame to go
with durable HD pontoons and four air cells (all seams are thermal
welded). This tough, high-performance craft is both white-water tested
and angler-approved. The PAC 1100 HD comes with green pontoons, a
four-piece aluminum frame, a large cargo deck, an anchor system, and a
pair of eight-foot, two-piece oars. Load capacity is an even 500
pounds. $1,899
Avet
Pro EXW 50/2
www.avetreels.com
If you’re looking for a reel that has plenty of
mustard for dealing with Alaska’s largest and feistiest saltwater
gamefish, look no further than one of the latest Avet offerings.
The Pro EXW 50/2 is a wide, two-speed big-game reel
from Avet that comes with the company’s new cast control system, which
helps to prevent backlash and also can be used as a line-out
adjustment for live-bait fishing. The reels feature 100% precision
machined aluminum frames, stainless steel ball bearings, and the
AveDrag dual caliper drag washers with a titanium brake disc. $549
Shimano
Tekota
www.shimano.com
When Alaska sport-fishing guides talk about gear,
we tend to listen, as no one puts equipment to a stiffer test than the
full-time professionals out there every day. So, when we repeatedly
heard raves about the performance and durability of the Shimano Tekota,
we knew we were talking about a special product.
Offered in seven different models, the Tekota
series reels feature die-cast aluminum frames for tight tolerances and
increased durability, an oversized clicker button, and a crossbar
forward design to allow both more access to the spool and palming
comfort.
When it’s wet or cold—which is often in Alaska—the
reels are even more impressive, as each Tekota model has an ergonomic
Septon power handle that offers a non-slip grip and allows for three
different handle positions. Versatility is another highlight of the
series, for across all seven models, the Tekota series will handle
just about any angling application imaginable, from using downriggers
or Dipsey Divers to planer boards or leadcore lines. $159.99 - $189.99
Thomas and Thomas
Horizon II 910S-4
www.thomasandthomas.com
The new Horizon II series uses their proven Horizon
tapers with the added benefit of the Thomas & Thomas BAFT (Bi-Angular
Fiber Technology) graphite system. Previously utilized in the design
of the Helix rod series, this technology overwhelmingly proved to be a
formula for improvement in the Horizon taper as well.
These are fast-action fly rods designed for maximum
line control. Although lightweight, they are certainly responsive,
loading quickly and easily on the casting stroke. The power of the
Horizon II rod enables you to lift long sections of line off the
water, produce clean, crisp loops into stiff breezes, and do complex
line mending. For Alaska, we especially like the 9-foot 10-weight as
a Chinook salmon rod. $660
Loop
Evotech LW, 8eleven
www.loopusa.com
Need a drag system stout enough to put the brakes
to a chrome-bright Nushagak king? How about one light enough that you
can balance it with your new GLX 8-weight and take on the silvers of
the Tsiu? Here’s one that takes care of both needs.
The Loop Evotech LW series utilizes an extremely
lightweight design, ranging from 4.8 to 6.7 ounces, for exceptionally
nice handling and balance. The large arbor spool allows for quick line
pick-up and eliminates spool over-run. Other features include a
totally sealed brake and bearing package; a composite drag system with
over 300 degrees of detented drag adjustment, with the minimum setting
personally adjustable; an easy spool-change system; total resistance
to saltwater; and an optional click-on or -off. Bearings and drag are
totally sealed, too, making the LW series completely impervious to
dirt, sand, and the other grit found floating in Alaska’s rivers. $499
Scott
S3 1007/4
www.scottflyrods.com
They’ve only been out for a few years, but already
we expect much from a Scott S3 fly rod. In 2003, the 5-weight S3 905/4
was our lightweight fly rod of the year, setting the standard for how
we’ve judged rods since. Unbelievably, the 10-foot 7-weight model we
tested this year exceeded any expectations we might have held.
Developed for every freshwater application, the S3
series rods are fast-action, extremely lightweight, and maintain that
delicate balance between sensitivity and fish-fighting strength. The
S3 1007 can cast with anything on the market, and at 10 feet in
length, it’s perfect for steelheaders needing to roll cast in the
tight confines of a brushy coastal creek or trout anglers looking for
a little added ability to mend their line when nymphing. $625
Lamiglas
G 1318-T “Kenai King”
www.lamiglas.com
An 8-foot, 6-inch extra-heavy salmon rod, the
Lamiglas “Kenai King” certainly lives up to its billing as a tool for
taking on the world’s largest Chinook salmon. Long favorites in
Alaska, these rods were slightly re-tooled over the past year—among
other adjustments, Lamiglas added a hand-polished natural graphite
finish, which makes the rods noticeably lighter and even a bit
quicker. Quality reel seats and Fuji guides complete the package. $256
G. Loomis
ETR99 HS-17
www.gloomis.com
The G. Loomis ETR99 HS-17 is a long, medium-heavy
spinning rod designed to be used for fish as varied as king salmon,
stripers, and cobia. Needless to say, we’re interested primarily in
its ability to handle an Alaska-sized king. For all but the biggest
kings (read: Kenai), this is the rod. It's a three-piece rod, too,
which means it’s more suited to the travel almost mandatory for an
Alaska salmon-fishing outing. At 8 feet, three inches in length, with
a line rating of 12- to 20-pound-test and lure rating of 3/8 to 1
ounce, the ETR99 HS-17 allows anglers to both make long casts and then
effectively handle large, powerful fish. $305
SILVER
ODC 1018
Personal Pontoon Boat
www.creekcompany.com
Whether floating the Mulchatna or the Kisaralik,
with its 10-foot pontoons, the ODC 1018 is a heavy-duty fishing craft
that can take you safely through rough, big-water conditions in total
comfort. Its large 22- by 42-inch diamond-plate aluminum cargo deck
with motor mount and lift-and-lock anchor system has ample space to
haul all the gear you’ll need for an overnight trip. And the sturdy
aluminum frame can be set up and taken down quickly and effortlessly
without the need for tools. The padded rowing seat is equipped with
three oarlock positions and adjustable footbars to fit most anglers. A
30-ounce thermal-welded PVC outer cover, coupled with a 420-denier
nylon liner, protect the 30-gauge PVC bladders from snags and
abrasion. Two large side cargo pockets hold plenty of tackle and the
extra-large stripping apron has raised edges for fly-line control.
Weight capacity is 400 pounds, while the ODC 1018
weighs just 80 pounds itself. $659.99
Ross Reels
Rhythm
www.rossreels.com
Many anglers might lament the loss of the esteemed
Gunnison series reels from Ross, but we’re not, especially not now
that we’ve gotten our hands on a new Rhythm. The Rhythm series is the
perfect reel for 1- through 8-weight rods and is sure to become a
favorite of Alaska anglers looking for a large arbor reel that is
modestly priced, sturdy, and reliable. The drag system on this model
has been modeled on that of the highly-successful Evolution series,
which employs a friction-based Delrin material that is impervious to
heat, compression, glazing, aging, and crumbling. Even though the drag
design is probably more than one will need for light tackle pursuits,
it is guaranteed to handle any species a rod can match. Ross Reels
also invested much time into developing a drag system for the Rhythm
series that is precise and sensitive; capable of protecting the
lightest tippets even when battling world-class fish. $180 - $230
Temple Fork Outfitters
TiCr 05 90 4X
www.templeforkflyrods.com
If there is a single name responsible for making
the most waves in the rod-selling business right now, it has to be
Temple Fork Outfitters. And now comes the TiCr X rods, evolved from
the original TiCr Lefty Kreh signature series that started all this
business a few years back. What business is that, you ask? How about a
fly rod that can take its place beside any of the $500-plus sticks at
the casting pond, while costing less than half that? Price isn’t the
only thing that’s on the low end: The TiCr X that we most enjoy, a
9-foot 5-weight, weighs only 3.7 ounces. $224.95
Lamiglas
Esprit ECT 906
www.lamiglas.com
Developed with Lamiglas’ proprietary XMG50 graphite
blanks, the Esprit series rods are actually considered top-of-the-line
by most; however, their price tag isn’t necessarily commensurate with
their standing. Their extra-fast actions load quickly and generate
good line speed, and the 9-foot 6-weight we’ve listed is a great
all-around trout rod for Alaska’s heftier rainbows. The rods also
feature rich burgundy-colored blanks and wraps, RECoil single-foot
snake guides, and wood-barreled nickel-silver reel seats. $450
Shakespeare
Ugly-Stik Bigwater Rods
www.shakespeare-fishing.com
Already a legend in Alaska, the Ugly Stik Bigwater
rods continue to set the standard for durability in a salmon rod. The
new models feature durable EVA foam handles and graphite-reinforced
reel seats with stainless steel hoods. Bigwater Rods also have
aluminum oxide guide inserts to prevent line abrasion, an epoxy
coating to protect from UV rays, and extremely tough Carboloy tiptops.
$43.99-$73.00
Shimano
Corvalus Series
www.shimano.com
Want Shimano performance and durability and a great
deal at the same time? Enter the Corvalus baitcasting reels, extremely
affordable but also durable reel, thanks to features like a one-piece
aluminum frame and high-grade stainless steel ball bearings. These
reels feature a sturdy drag that will stop everything from steelhead
to kings. The 200 and 300 series are about right for freshwater
fishing for the smaller salmon species, steelhead, and sheefish. The
400 size is good for saltwater salmon fishing and light-duty
bottom-fishing. $69.99-$79.99
Berkley IM-7 Series
#A92-8-6XH
www.berkley-fishing.com
Developed with the help of noted salmon and
steelhead guide Buzz Ramsey, these rods feature a matched blank and
handle design to deliver optimum performance for every specialized
technique, and they’re ideal for all the best long-rod techniques,
including drift fishing, plugging, and back-bouncing. Perhaps best of
all, their balanced, lightweight design allows anglers to cast all day
long without ever tiring. The 8-foot, six-inch extra-heavy model we’ve
chosen is a good choice for an all-around salmon rod for Alaska.
$89.95
Trout Unlimited
Togiak
www.cabelas.com
The Trout Unlimited Togiak float tube showcases a
stable design with a hydrodynamic hull shape for improved tracking and
steering and a raised seat for drier and warmer fishing with improved
visibility. The extra-comfortable stadium seat has a high, adjustable
backrest for added support and comfort during long days of fishing. It
includes a back mesh storage platform, numerous armrest pockets, a rod
holder, a stripping apron, and a fly patch. $139.99
Okuma Titus
Gold TG-15-II
www.okumafishing.com
The Okuma Titus Gold TG-15-II is one of the few
out-of-the-box 15-pound line class two-speeds in the world. The
one-piece frame and side plates are machined from solid stock
aircraft-grade aluminum; all external parts have been cold-forged, and
the stainless steel gearing has been oversized. The Titus Gold also
features a new, extra strong, double “dog” anti-reverse system and is
ideally suited for tackling Alaska’s larger gamefish, most notably
ocean-fresh Chinook salmon. $259.99-$419.99
Ex-Officio Micro
www.exofficio.com
Stretch Skivvy’s
Take on next season’s chill with Ex-Officio’s Micro
Stretch styles, which will keep you cozy and comfortable, even when
wading a glacially-fed stream. In fact, thermal transmittance tests
have proven that a men’s or women’s Micro Stretch top has the
insulating performance of 1H wool sweaters. The Micro Stretch fabric
is made of 97% polyester and 3% spandex, wicks perspiration for
comfort when active, and fights the build-up of bacteria and odor. The
versatile, multi-purpose styling transcends into everyday sportswear
enabling you to wear the Micro Stretch styles as long underwear,
layering pieces, or by themselves. The Micro Stretch styles for men
and women include a Crew $48, Zip Pullover $56, and Pant $46.
Ex-Officio Women’s
Duplex Fleece Zip Jacky Versatile enough for Alaska
summers and winters, the Zip Jacky is fashionable, while practical.
The hardy duplex microfleece is quick drying and offers a flattering
look for women. $58
FIELD FAVORITES
Maxima Clear
www.maxima-lines.com
Maxima’s Clear is perhaps the most versatile of all
Maxima fishing lines. This line is extra soft yet retains Maxima’s
trademark high durability finish. Ideal for fishing clear waters of
all types, this line blends into any underwater environment. Maxima
Clear works well in a wide range of fresh and saltwater fishing
situations, from casting and jigging to trolling and bottom fishing.
It spools well on all types of reels, including spinning, baitcasting
and conventional. In Alaska, this is also one of the most frequently
utilized leader materials for fly anglers, for many of the same
reasons but also because Maxima Clear is one of the few mono leader
materials that’s stiff enough to turn over the bulky, weighted flies
used most frequently in the state. 27-yard Spool $3.75, 55-yard Big
Game Leader Spools $6.99-$10.9, Leader Kit $35.99.
Cloudveil
Kid’s Wister Jacket
www.cloudveil.com
The first offering from Cloudveil in their new
kids’ line, the Wister Jacket provides the same warmth and wind and
moisture protection as it does for adults. Perfect as a three-season
outer layer, or as a snug mid-layer when those strong cold fronts move
through. Made with a new generation of “super fleece,” the Wister is
four times more wind resistant than traditional fleece, and the
proprietary coating process dramatically improves water repellency.
$85
Bite VStream
Sandals
www.biteshoes.com
Besides, their obvious applications for boat-bound
anglers, the Bite VStream sandal offers anglers another option for
wading, especially in the middle of the summer when Alaska’s
tannic-colored streams may be warm enough to make you ponder leaving
the waders behind. The VStream sandals feature a siped Aquatrac
outsole that provides exceptional traction on both boats and
underwater rocks, and a wide base for added stability. The protective,
quick-drying Durahide uppers can be pulled snug utilizing Bite’s
elastic lacing system. And if you’re planning to take the sandals off
the boat and try them out in the river as well, this model features a
patented Toe Guard for superior protection. $79.99
Mustad
Signature Series Fly Hooks
www.mustad.no
As a result of Mustad’s new three-stage,
computer-controlled Nor-Tempering process, Signature Series hooks are
up to 30% stronger than conventional hooks, and feature Mustad's
chemically sharpened Signature Point. The quick-piercing Micro barb
provides dramatically faster penetration during hook setting, and we
also found the barb easier to pinch down for catch-and-release
fishing. $4.99-$12.49
Gibbs/Nortac
Mudraker 24
www.gibbsfishing.com
Like the Gibbs Cod Jig, the Mudraker is an
excellent choice when plumbing the depths for Alaska’s tastiest bottom
fish. $10.99-$14.99
Loon Outdoors
BioStrike Indicators
www.loonoutdoors.com
Nymphing with indicators is an extremely popular
technique in Alaska, especially in areas where egg-imitation fishing
for rainbows and Dollies is the standard. But how much fun is it to
constantly adjust, remove, and reset those yarn or cork indicators on
the leader? Not much, which is where Loon outdoors’ new biodegradable
high-float strike indicator putty comes in. It comes in orange,
yellow, hot pink, or a 50/50 yellow/pink mix, and is simply pressed on
the leader at the desired spot. $5.95
Trout Beads
www.troutbeads.com
Need to accurately match the colors of salmon eggs?
Well, in Alaska you do, and troutbeads.com has the answer for those of
us unwilling to sit around painting beads in our free time. Literally
hundreds of colors are currently available, in all the required sizes.
$2.29
P-Line
Spectrex IV Braided Line
www.p-line.com
Spectrex IV is a four-carrier braid, with each
carrier having up to 60 strands of the highest quality Spectra braided
into a single line. The Spectra IV has increased sensitivity because
of the near-zero stretch factor, increased line capacity because of
the high strength in comparison to the diameter, and it is UV
resistant. This line should be very popular wherever halibut and other
bottomfish are pursued because it’s extremely strong and allows
anglers to fish a small diameter line that is very abrasion resistant.
The coating system of this line gives it more body, thus it doesn’t
dig into the reel when the line is tight, or tangle as easily when it
comes into contact with other lines. $9.99-$249.99
Luhr Jensen
Kwikfish K-16X Extreme
www.luhr-jensen.com
The newest item from Luhr Jensen, and one Alaska
anglers should want to quickly get acquainted with, is the all-new
Kwikfish K-16X Extreme. This new size represents the second member of
a new generation of Kwikfish, which features fixed eyelets and
side-to-side body construction. The K-16X dives deep (up to 18 feet),
does not require tuning, and has extreme action and vibration. It is
not a replacement for the standard K-16, but rather an all-new lure
that should be added to tackle arsenals for deepwater applications or
for where a more extreme action is needed to trigger strikes. The
K-16X is available in the same finishes as the other salmon-sized
Kwikfish, and in both rattle and non-rattle versions. The Kwikfish
K-16X Extreme is also available in a water-activated lighted model.
$10.99
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