Fishing gear essentials for Alaska: Our product recommendations include durable pliers, sharp fillet knives, and effective bait and hooks, and more, ensuring you’re equipped for the challenges of fishing in Alaska’s waters.
Donnmar CP880Ti Titanium Pliers
Donnmar’s flagship plier, the CP880Ti, is finally back in stock and available for purchase. These best-in-class pliers are made in the USA from solid military-grade titanium. The patented design features nonslip Santoprene rubber grips, super-sharp tungsten-carbide cutters, and nickel-plated-brass hardware. The best feature is its Limited Lifetime Warranty. Donnmar manufactures four models of pliers, available in both titanium and stainless steel. Rome Specialty Company, Inc. manufactures Donnmar Pliers, ROSCO Terminal Tackle, and Sampo Ball Bearing Swivels. For more information, to purchase, or to find a dealer, please visit their website.
LeeLock Anchor Systems Minn Kota Quest Motor Mount
This new Leelock motor mount is designed for the Minn Kota Quest series of bow-mounted electric trolling motors, which have a larger footprint than previous Minn Kota motors. The mount will fit in any of the LeeLock Anchor System Bases. The mount will be available angled to the port- or the starboard side (MK-12 Quest Port Side; MK-13 Quest Starboard Side). Simply slide your motor mount onto the base and lock it in with the pin. An optional locking pin is also available to prevent the motor from being stolen.
MARUTO 1920-2X Hook
The MARUTO 1920-2X Hook in stainless steel has become a favorite when used in the 8/0 size as an assist hook, deep-drop hook, or for blue-water trolling. When rigged for halibut it pairs up with just about any jig used: pipe jigs, squid/octopus type jigs, as a stinger on big lead-head jigs, and the various painted heavyweights to get you down to where dinner swims. This year they brought on a 10/0 size that will complement their growing series of 1920-2X hooks. The photo shows common ways to use these hooks—compare the 8/0 shown on the left with the 10/0s. This is a very versatile hook. Its utility is obvious, and it’s gaining popularity in Gulf Stream and SW fisheries as well.
PacBak Byway Backpack
Discover the Byway Backpack by PacBak, engineered for the versatile angler. At just 2.44 pounds, this lightweight, water-resistant backpack is designed to elevate your experience in the great outdoors. It features a spacious main compartment with a removable divider, providing a dedicated space for the ROAM 18-V Portable Vacuum Sealer alongside your tackle, gear, and other outdoor essentials, ensuring your catches or provisions stay fresh and your equipment organized.
The insulated top compartment is designed to keep your catch (and beverages) cool, while a side pouch provides secure storage for a water bottle or fishing rod. Equipped with rubber-hooded zippers to protect against splashes and a cutting board compartment for on-the-go prep, the Byway Backpack is the ultimate companion for every adventure, catering to all who embrace the outdoor lifestyle.
Yakima Bait Company Spin-N-Fish
Spin-N-Fish represents a new concept in combining lure and bait to produce more and bigger fish. This lure features the patented “Easy-Fill” bait chamber, pull-apart, scent-dispersing design. When trolled or still-fished in current, this lure will produce a vibrating, spinning, wounded-baitfish action that fish devour. Pull apart and fill with any bait, including canned tuna, chopped herring, anchovy, squid, shrimp, or scent alone. Rig 36- to 60 inches behind Fish Flash, Free-Sliding Spreader, diver, or conventional sinker; 18- to 45 inches behind dodgers or rotating flashers. To reduce/eliminate line/leader twist always use in combination with quality swivels. Clean lure thoroughly after use. Spin-N-Fish comes in four sizes: the 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, and 4.0 and is available in rigged-single packs or non-rigged 2-packs.
Scent Striker Fob
Fobs soak up lots of your favorite scent sauce and send a come-bite-me odor trail to nearby halibut. Fobs are three untrimmed fiber balls on 80-pound-test line with one looped end and one Duo-Lock snap end. Fobs are easy to fish—dip, clip, dunk, and wait for halibut to bite.
White River Pro Fillet
This hand-finished, full-tang knife is made from precision-ground, heat-treated and cryogenically tempered CPM S35VN steel. The razor-sharp edge is then leather honed to easily slice through fish with the utmost control and ease. The textured handle creates a strong, positive, nonslip hand purchase in wet and even slimy conditions. Available in blade lengths of 6-, 8-, or 10 inches. Covered by the White River Knives Lifetime Guarantee: If you are not 100% satisfied with this knife, send it back for free repair or replacement; no questions asked. All White River Knives are made in the U.S.A.
The Alaskan Pack
Taking a trip to Alaska or just fishing for salmon, trout, or steelhead? The team at Dardevle has put together some of their favorite field-tested lures proven effective for Alaskan salmon and trout in one convenient package. The Alaskan Pack contains ½-ounce Devle Dogs, Cop-E-Cats and Red Eye Wigglers, as well as ¾-ounce Devle Dogs in colors that catch fish. With 116 years of made-in-America quality, you can’t go wrong with a Dardevle. This pack is available at dardevle.com.
Pro-Cure Bait Scents Garlic Butt Juice
This is Pro-Cure’s best halibut scent with a kick! Pro-Cure Butt Juice has been a staple for saltwater anglers for many years, it has proven extremely effective for halibut, lingcod, and a multitude of other saltwater species. As many know, garlic can trigger the bite when nothing else will. With that in mind, Garlic Butt Juice was a no-brainer. Look for it at your local shop or it can be found at pro-cure.com.
Looking for more fishing gear essentials? Check out Fish Alaska’s gear archive.