March 2019

Description

March 2019
Annual Gear Guide

Departments

Traveler 6
Creel 8
Online 10
Fishing for a Compliment 12
Salmon Sense 14
Fly 16
Boats 18
Saltwater 22
Stillwater 26
Fish For the Future 28
Advertiser Index 105
Recipe 106

Features

A Dream Season at Yakutat Lodge
by Marcus Weiner 46

Yakutat has something fishy to offer all summer long. No one knows this better than Publisher Marcus Weiner and his sidekick, “the Mayor.” They’ve spent a lot of time there over the years, and especially last year. ‘Buts, rockfish, and saltwater kings were targeted in the salt, and steelhead, reds and silvers in the river on separate spring, summer, and fall trips to Yakutat Lodge.

Five Tips for New Anglers
by Andrew Cremata 52

Andrew Cremata’s been learning things the hard way for many years. It’s his preferred way to learn, but you don’t have to follow suit. In this piece he shares some insight in five areas to help new anglers achieve success more quickly. That said, there is no substitute for just getting out there and fishing.

Editors’ Choice Awards
by Fish Alaska Staff 58

All through the year, Fish Alaska’s editors put aside old favorites and test a wide variety of gear in Alaska—arguably one of the best places on the planet to test gear. ECAs are given to those that make the grade, and you can see them all here. This year’s categories are Rods, Reels, Tackle, Line, Field Accessories, Watercraft and Accessories, Polarized Sunglasses, Wading Gear, Apparel Jackets and Pants, Apparel Layering, Apparel Footwear, Apparel Accessories, Kids Gear, Luggage, Bags, Packs, and Cases, Camping, Cooking, and Fish Processing.

2019 New Gear
by Fish Alaska Staff 88

Every year, new gear is launched in a wide variety of categories. We’ve gathered information on some of the most promising new products to hit the market in the last several months. Some of these will likely garner ECAs in next year’s gear review issue. Be sure to check them out!

2019 Retailers’ Choice Awards
by Fish Alaska Staff 96

Select Alaska retailers know what Alaskan angling demands, and what Alaska anglers want. As such, their recommendations carry a lot of weight. See their best picks for the year here.

SPECIAL SECTION: SHOW PREVIEW
2019 Great Alaska Sportsman Show
by Melissa Norris 30

The one and only Great Alaska Sportsman Show is April 4 – 7 at the Sullivan and Ben Boeke arenas. The biggest sportsman’s show in Alaska has almost everything you might need related to fishing, hunting, or adventuring in the Greatland. Melissa Norris highlights some of the key brands that will be present, including information on some who are offering special show deals.