Why a fishing guide service should be used on the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska

A Little Sport Fishing History

Fishing is the activity of catching fish. An ancient practice dating back at least 40,000 years. Recreational fishing for sport or leisure took off during the 16th and 17th centuries, and coincides with the publication of Walton's "The Compleat Angler" in 1653. This book is considered a defining work that highlights the angler who loves fishing for the sake of fishing. 

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Fishing "the good land"

During the Russian settlement in late 1700s, the region's first inhabitants took advantage of Kenai Peninsula's rich fish and wildlife resources. For hundreds of years, Dena'ina, Alutiiqs, and Chugache Native Americans made the Kenai Peninsula their home. The Dena'ina knew the Kenai as Yaghanen - the "good land" - and their lives and livelihoods revolved around an abundance of salmon, wildlife, and berries.

One hundred years later, much of the rest of the world began to learn about the natural wonders of the Kenai. Dall DeWeese journeyed from Colorado in 1897 to hunt big game and fish, acquiring the guiding services of Andrew Berg, the Kenai Peninsula's first known guide. 

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Why should you use a qualified experienced guide service and outfitter on your Alaska Kenai Vacation?

1. Catch More Fish…one study shows that overall people catch twice as many fish with a professional guide and the statistics on the Kenai indicate four times as many
2. Licensing: guide licenses and insurance are required to guide in Alaska waters.  A special limited Kenai River license is required for Kenai River Guiding and a CoastGuard license is required to operate a power boat carrying guests on any waterway
3. Safety: guides are trained in First Aid, waterway safety, and  how to deal with wildlife.  This is a wilderness area and they should be equipped with proper safety equipment as well.  The rivers are unique with hidden obstacles that can be dangerous
4. Fishing Equipment and Tackle: it is typical that your guide provide you with what you need to fish
5. Technique: experienced guides understand and can teach the proper techniques for the various species being fished for
6. Local knowledge: there are many species and many places for them to live depending on water conditions, weather, seasonality, food sources and instinct.  Experienced guides have this knowledge and save you the time of a learning curve.
7. Fish Cleaning Services: Most guides include this but it would be safe to ask
8. Drug screening: in Alaska guides participate in a drug screening program for the safety assurance of their clients?

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What questions should you ask your guide or outfitter before booking?

1. Are you licensed? Guide, Kenai River, Coast Guard?
2. Are you insured?
3. Do you own your own boats and equipment? Are they modern?
4. Do you provide tackle, gear, raingear, boots etc? What type/brands?
5. How long have you been guiding overall?
6. How long have you been guiding on the Kenai Peninsula?
7. Is guiding your full time profession?
8. Are you an employee or independent contractor?
9. Do you provide fish cleaning and/or processing? And at what cost?
10. Do you include a lunch?
11. How many hours is my charter?
12. Do I quit when I get a limit of the primary species

There are certainly other questions you could ask, but this is a great start!