Description
Departments
4 Fish Alaska Online
6 Alaska Traveler
8 Creel
10 Fishing for a Compliment
12 Salmon Sense
14 Fly
16 Saltwater
18 Flyfishing
20 Conservation
86 Recipe
88 Ad Index
90 Final Drift
Special Section: 70
Keeping It Fresh: Vacuum Sealers
by Melissa Norris
Vacuum sealers are an integral piece of equipment for anglers who harvest their own fish and game and want to freeze it. Publisher Melissa Norris shares her preliminary findings about several new vacuum sealers she is testing.
On The Cover
Quality gear is critical to success when fishing in Alaska. Cover design by Bailey Anderson.
26
2025 Editors’ Choice Awards by Fish Alaska Staff
Fish Alaska editors test gear throughout the year in a variety of fisheries to identify the cream of the crop in a wide range of categories including: Rods; Reels; Tackle; Line; Field Accessories; Knives and Cutting Tools; Watercraft and Accessories; Wading Gear; Apparel: Jackets and Pants; Apparel: Layering; Apparel: Accessories; Apparel: Footwear; Polarized Sunglasses; Kid’s Gear; Luggage, Packs, and Cases; Camping; and Cooking. If you’re in the market for items in these categories, be sure to review this year’s Editors’ Choice Awards before you buy.
60
2025 New Gear by Fish Alaska Staff
Every year, a wide variety of new products are launched. We’ve gathered information on some of the most promising new products to hit the market in the last several months and some that will be available soon. Some of these will likely garner Editors’ Choice Awards in next year’s gear review issue. Be sure to check them out!
72
Guide to Northern Pike Rod Selection by Mike Lunde
Rods for northern pike have become more specialized over the years, with technique-specific lengths, actions, and powers all available to rabid pike fanatics. Many of these rods evolved in the Midwest and are made there, often for targeting muskies. But they work well for big pike, too. This article will help you decide what you need in a pike rod.
78
Essential Gear for Fishing Alaska by Robert Campbell
Fishing in Alaska is the stuff of dreams and bucket lists. It’s a huge, wild place subject to extremes. It can be extremely pleasant, or downright dangerous. Depending on your trip, some gear items are essential and can range in importance from convenient to life-saving. Robert Campbell shares his experience based on numerous trips to the Great Land.
