Customer Reviews

Alaska Fishing on a Budget: A First-Timer's Guide to Organizing and Planning an Economy Salmon Fishing Trip to the Last Frontier

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I am so glad to have found this book before taking my first fishing trip to Alaska. The author cuts right to the chase and tells you everything you need to know about salmon fishing: identifying, lures and bait, rods & reels, fishing etiquette, best salmon to eat, biting behavior, best locations, and how to process and take your catch back home. Not only this, but he also details how to pack and what to pack, transportation, and the things that are worth the extra dollar. I highlighted countless things while reading the book and will use it as my checklist for the entire trip and its preparation. It's a "must" for anyone planning a fishing trip to Alaska!

This book is a must for anyone planning their first self-guided trip or to anyone who dreams about fishing Alaska. This book will definitely get you from just dreaming to making solid plans.


When I read this book I was amazed at how closely the authors first trips resembled mine. We both made the same mistakes, but luckily, I didn't come home with a freezer full of chum salmon. Amazingly, we also came to almost all the same solutions to the problems we encountered. Truly, if you are planning your first trip to Alaska and if you are going to do it yourself, get this book and learn from our mistakes. I'm sure that each year, there are hundreds of people who repeat the same mistakes we made. Twelve dollars here can teach you as much as several thousand-dollar trips taught me.

This is an adventure story ... a personal journal ...about how one man has lived his dream to go fishing in the Great Wilderness of Alaska at a moderate cost. He shows how it is possible to make this "once in a lifetime" dream come true for anyone who is organized and an experienced fisherman. The author has made this trip every couple of years ... for about the past 20 years. This is a practical book, with lots of `dos and don'ts'. It is based on the author's "lived experience". It is a guide for the experienced fisherman who wants to have the ultimate fishing trip ... the one he has always dreamed about ... but believed it was out of reach due to cost.. The author describes everything you need to know about getting to Alaska, even flying there almost for free. He advises doing some internet research. He discusses fishing itineraries, camping, where to find the salmon, what equipment and fishing gear you need, and *most* importantly, how to get your "catch" home. This book has some of the best photos of Alaska fishing I have ever seen. He shares his `secrets' of fishing on a budget, detailing many specifics. It will help the reluctant fisherman overcome many possible hurdles they may face. The author even tells us about a few of his own `misadventures' to spare the reader from experiencing the same problems. This is one very handy and organized book for the person who wants to experience the last great frontier. It shows how with a strong committment and intelligent planning can make one's dreams can come true. A most highly recommended book.
Erika Borsos (erikab93)

I purchased this book to aid in planning our first fishing trip to Alaska. The book was very helpful in providing insite in all parts of the trip. I would strongly recommend it for any first timers going fishing to Alaska.

A ton of useful information at a small price. A valuable planning tool for one's first Alaskan fishing trip. The autor identifies his mistakes which will save the first timer from making them. Good illustrations too.

Bernie's book will help first-timers to Alaska cope with Alaska's vastness.
He focuses on fish and economy.
Travel books boil down to: Why make your own mistakes, when the author has already made them for us, and shares his knowledge with us?
This book will save you a lot of trouble and make your trip more enjoyable.
Wayne Heinz, author of, How to Catch Salmon, Sturgeon, Lingcod, Rockfish, and Halibut Along the Pacific Coast: Fish On!

This book has really grown on me. When I first received it I was a little disappointed thinking it was a little light on content. As I've thought more about planning my own Alaska fishing vacation, I now value the author's pragmatic style. He tells you with detail and precision how to get the most out of a car-based excursion fishing for salmon. From what and how to pack, to specific milepost markers for the best fishing at specific times, to how to get your catch home, it's all there. Be aware that this book is ONLY about car-based fishing and ONLY about fishing for salmon; also many of the areas identified as hotspots are very popular and will be crowded (the author uses the local phrase "combat fishing" to describe such situations).

A bit limited in scope, but overall a good source of information on getting around. full of good resources to help you plan your trip

this is a great book if you're getting ready for alaska. well written

This book is well organized and provides a great deal of useful information for the first time alaska visitor. The charts are particularly helpful as you travel along the highways. They quickly identify and rate all the major rivers and their salmon runs.

However, there is very little information here that every traveler I met on the highways didn't seem to already know. All the rivers rated as excellent are known by every highway angler in the state and they are all vying for some room at these locations. The best way to discover 'good' fishing locations is from the alaskan neighbors you meet at the campgrounds. So, I feel it's a good get acquainted book. A one trip book. A useful handbook. Keep it on your dashboard.