Gearing up for open water fishing

Spring ducks have already made several appearances near our house, and with longer daylight hours as well, I’ve become restless to be fishing in open water. It must be the perfect time for fishing tackle shops to have spring sales — in an attempt to get anglers dollars before they spend it somewhere else. I’ve been getting so many fishing sale related emails, that I recently unsubscribed to several lists — perhaps too late, however, as I had already purchased several additional fishing rods (that have to be built after the parts arrive).

An online tackle retailer tempted me with some lures at close out pricing, and also had some singles hooks — but I was not sure of the correct size hook for the particular style hook on sale that I would need to fish the Susitna River drainage between the dates of May 1 and July 13. I solved that problem by looking at Fred Meyer in Palmer, 3 Rivers Fly and Tackle in Wasilla, and Sportsman’s Warehouse in Wasilla. None of the stores had a particularly good supply of single hooks with a gap of slightly less than 1/2 inch. I needed those specifications to put onto lures for trout, northern pike, or salmon other than king salmon. Sportsman’s Warehouse had the most options, and I purchased a couple different brands of single hooks from them. A salesman, named Joe, even measured the hooks for me — so we could make sure they would be legal.

I read a write up in Fish Alaska magazine about another brand / model of single hook made specifically as a replacement hook for lures, that sounded interesting. I could not find any of those in my search through local stores, but will continue to look. When an angler may use only one single hook on a lure, and a small-sized hook at that, finding and using the right style / model of hook might dramatically increase hook-up and catch rates. I’d researched and experimented to find the hooks I had previously been using, so I’m hopeful a bit of research and experimentation will get me to a good spot with new hook options, once again.

Dip Nets

I bought some replacement netting last fall, as the netting we use for personal use fishing wears out, gets damaged, and needs to be replaced over time. In addition I am hoping to get some specific-length handle extensions made before I start dip netting. I’m thinking a 2 - 3 foot handle extension could be the length I want — long enough to reach where I want to fish — without being as heavy and unwieldy as a standard 6 -foot handle extension. Who knows, it may not catch any more fish, but it is always fun to consider and try new ways of doing things. Sometimes new things work better, and other times I may learn why no one else does it that way! With the way sport fishing opportunities have been going in the Mat-Su Valley recently, my wife and I have been depending more on personal use dip netting opportunities to put up our salmon for the winter. I’ve purchased dip netting supplies at 3 Rivers Fly & Tackle, Wal-Mart, and 3 Bears. 3 Bears often has the biggest selection of options and frequently is the first valley retailer to have dip netting gear on display. I expect to see some dip net related items at the upcoming outdoor show(s).

Outdoor Shows

The Great Alaska Sportsmans Show runs April 5, 6, and 7 at the Dena-ina Center in Anchorage. Since moving from Sullivan Arena this show has downsized, however it still provides an opportunity for people to get out and see new outdoor gear or book a fishing charter for the coming summer. Show hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $11 for adults or $3 for kids 12 years and younger.

The next weekend, the Mat-Su Outdoorsman will be at the Menard Center in Wasilla on April 12, 13, and 14. Show hours are noon to 8 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. on Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. The last couple years this show has been considerably larger compared to the Anchorage show — and booth space for this show sold out in January this year. Admission: $10 adults, $5 military with I.D., Free kids under 12 years, Free admission for anyone on Sunday between 10 a.m. and noon. Parking is also Free at the Menard Center.

Gear up and Fish On!