Wednesday, December 28, 2011

FREE Optimized Directory Listing!

FREE Google Listing for Your Business! Getting a Google listing is easy. Having a listing that is fully optimized and done correctly, tied in to your website is not. As an incentive to business people to book an Alaska Vacation with Russell Fishing Company www.russellfishingcompany.com, Russell is offering a unique special. "Book any package by 1/07/12 and get a FREE fully optimized Google Places listing with improved ranking for any business you choose. We will also add that business to 50 other local directories. This is a $399 Value!"

Sunday, December 18, 2011

New Joint Event for Football Playoffs

With a New Joint Event, TheKenaiPeninsula.com, Alaska Hooksetters and Russell Fishing Are Responding to Reports of a Record 2012 Kenai Salmon Run The Alaska Department of Fish and Game is predicting a record Salmon Run for 2012 on the Kenai River. Alaska Hooksetters and Russell Fishing are responding to that news and the annual hype surrounding the NFL Playoffs and Superbowl, and have created a new event and are offering a discount if a Guests Home team wins. Los Angeles, CA, December 18, 2011 --(PR.com)-- The returning run of red (sockeye) salmon will be over 6 million for 2012 according to the Alaska Deoartment of Fish and Game. That means another record year of sport fishing in the Kenai River. When a strong run of returning fish are announced, the battle for tourist space in lodges and with outfitters on the Kenai becomes significant. In response to that, Alaska Hooksetters and Russell Fishing are running a joint event called the Super Playoffs Special. In summary, "If your home team wins the Superbowl, you will be eligible for up to a 10% savings" per Cap'n Gilz at 541-254-0679. Call him or check out the Russell Fishing and Alaska Hooksetters websites for more details. Proper management of the various species by Fish and Game is also important and with new measurement tools in place, that facet should be well managed. Also, appropriate management of the commercial fishery is relevant so that the returning Kings get into the Kenai and meet important escapement goals. ###

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Alaska Trip Special

Playoff Special!! Alaska Trip! Book with us by 1/07/12 and if your “Home Team” wins the Superbowl, you get 10% off the balance of your trip! Call Cap’N Gilz for Details 907-283-4671 www.alaskahooksetters.com

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Homer News Headline 12/14/11

Headline in the Homer News Today "Good salmon runs forecast for 2012 in Cook Inlet " Upper Cook Inlet is expecting another better-than-average salmon season in 2012, according to the forecast released by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game last week.

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

King (Chinook) Salmon Fishing On the Famous Kenai River

King (Chinook) Salmon Fishing On the Famous Kenai River From Kenai Lake, the Kenai River flows 82 miles to the mouth in the city of Kenai where it meets the saltwater of Cook Inlet. With the first run in June and the second run in July, these unique seven year old fish return to their birth place as the largest King salmon in the world. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game carefully monitors both runs allowing fishing during certain time periods in only certain areas of the river with specific regulations on bait, tackle, boats and motors. High tech counting cameras are located in the lower river to estimate the size of the run and creel surveys estimate the “escapement” to the spawning grounds. Using a professional guide is a key to success. Not only does a licensed guide know where the Kings swim, but they are familiar with the most successful techniques, baits and regulations. Licensed Kenai Guides must attend a week long guide school held only in Kenai, and pay up to $2000 per year for certification. In addition to the Kenai Guide license, the pros have to have First Aid Training, CPR certification and an inland waters Coast Guard six pack license. There is no other river in the world with such strict requirements. Even with all the licensing and certification, the most important tool in a Kenai Guide’s toolbox is experience. With ever changing water color, temperature and depth, an experienced, hard working guide is needed to “put you on fish” Once the fish are in the river, they do not feed actively. These monsters ranging in size from 30-90 lbs bite for only a few reasons. First, they get aggravated or act aggressively toward an artificial lure, representing a smaller fish, theoretically attacking their offspring eggs. Or, they pick up a clump of real or artificial egg bait and swim it back to their nest. There are several proven techniques that have been refined over the years. Regulations allow power boats of up to 21 ft in length (max) with 50 HP motors, carrying only 4 passengers during the King season. Drift boats are also used but are effective only in certain sections of the river and limited to only a few “passes” in some holes. The most popular technique is called back trolling where the guide engages the motor in a forward gear against the current so that the boat “slips” slightly downstream as an artificial lure, sometimes wrapped with sardine, bounces off the bottom in front of the migrating Kings. With the rod in a rod holder for a steady troll, this is a more passive approach, but very effective. The strike is normally very aggressive. Another more active approach is back bouncing. A similar, but slower, management of the backward drift is undertaken by the guide, while anglers use 2-12 oz. of weight to bounce their bait off the bottom. The strike is a simple pickup and the fisherman has the excitement of a powerful hook set. A third popular technique is dragging, or boondoggling. The boat is turned sideways and maneuvered perpendicular to the bank while the current drags your weighted bait (salmon eggs during bait season) along the bottom. The fisherman again is holding the rod and a very distinct strike takes place as your bait is heading quickly in one direction while the salmon is swimming the other way. A fourth technique of actual trolling near the mouth can be affective at slack high tide. Knowledgeable, experienced guides should know which techniques are producing bites during the season and trying different techniques until successful. Reels are normally level-wind conventional with 300 yds of 30-50 lbs test braid or mono. Heavy duty mono or fluorocarbon leaders up to 50 lb are used to eliminate the chance of abrasion break offs from the salmon’s teeth. An 8-10 ft med-heavy or heavy rod is needed for these giants as they can run up or downstream at any time peeling off a lot of line against drags set at 6-10 lbs. June and July on the Kenai can be an incredible experience or it can be hours without a bite. When the bite is on, there is nothing more exciting. And even when fishing is slow, there are huge Chinooks swimming somewhere in the river. Every year fish over 80 lbs are taken and trophy fish are 40 lbs+. The world record 97 lbs was caught in May 1985 and 8 of the top ten Kings ever caught were caught from the Kenai. With proper management, the Kenai will be a great river to fish for generations to come. And maybe you will be the next lucky one to hook that trophy or even a new world record. There are hundreds of guides on the river, and may lodges and outfitters. Check out www.russellfishingcompany.com for details, photos and videos. There is even a special section on selecting a guide.

Monday, December 5, 2011

Alaska Hooksetters Lodge Plans New Covered Fire Pit with Outdoor Appetizer and Refreshment Bar

A covered fire pit at an Alaskan Vacation Lodge not only practical, it adds extra outdoor space during wetter weather. Kenai, AK, November 28, 2011 --(PR.com)-- According to TheKenaiPeninsula.com and Phil Snider, a principal in Alaska Hooksetters Lodge, announced today that the company has hired an architect and contractor to build a new covered Gazebo and Fire Pit to be ready for the 2012 season. Alaska Hooksetters Lodge will live up to it's reputation as "An Uncommon Alaska Lodge with a Unique Philosophy,"...Dave Harris. Catering to fisherman and non-fisherman alike, Alaska Hooksetters Lodge in Kenai, Alaska is creating a venue and environment for; friends and family for a home away from home; couples looking to enjoy the entire Kenai Peninsula; families who may not want a full week of only fishing; and companies looking for a great retreat or incentive trip. Alaska Hoosketters Lodge wants to "Build Memories" according to John Barnes, one of the lodge owners. As an all inclusive lodge, Alaska Hooksetters Lodge has packages with prices for many budgets. Call Cap'n Gilz at 907-283-4671 for more information about the exciting 2012 season plans.

Saturday, December 3, 2011

Press Release

Russell Fishing Company Hires Cap'n Gilz of TheKenaiPeninsula.com for Sales and Marketing for the upcoming 2012 Kenai Alaska Season Kenai, AK, December 03, 2011 --(PR.com)-- Cap'n Gilz, a well-known, guide, marketing guru, blogger and web consultant is working with Russell Fishing Company and their affiliates Crooked Creek Retreat and Alaska Hooksetters Lodge. Cap'n Gilz, a veteran of 25 years of fishing on Alaska's Kenai Peninsula will be working during the off-season promoting Russell Fishing Company and their business as a full service outfitter offering all inclusive Alaska Vacation Packages at Crooked Creek Retreat and Alaska Hooksetters Lodge. Visitors planning an Alaska Vacation can call 541-254-0697 and get details about the Kenai Peninsula and the many activities (obviously including fishing) available on what the Chamber of Commerce has called "Alaska's Playground." Thekenaipeninsula.com is at your service, they supply visitors with information on Kenai Alaska fishing, hiking, rafting, cruises, sightseeing, fly-ins, clamming, birding or other activities for a complete Alaska Vacation.

Friday, December 2, 2011

Two Lodges Add Christmas Specials

Hand in hand with reasons to book early comes looking for special Alaska Vacation Deals. Russell Fishing Company and Alaska Hooksetters realize that and have developed special packages for Alaska tourists and fishermen. My research has shown that these all inclusive Alaska Vacation Packages are some of the best values on the Kenai Peninsula.

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Why book an Alaskan Vacation early? 10 reasons!

1. High quality, good value Alaska lodges book fast 2. Price increase usually happen after 12/31 3. Airlines have the best deals early for trips to Alaska 4 Specials are usually limited 5 Cancellation policies protect you 6 Use a credit card and get points toward your travel to your Alaska destination 7 An Alaska trip is a great gift 8 Auto rentals in Alaska are cheaper in advance 9 Get your choice of best dates for visiting Alaska 10 Employ the most sought after Alaska Guides