| Trying your hand on trout or steelhead fishing for | | | | rod that measures 12 to15 feet as your choice of |
| the first time can be a really great experience, | | | | equipment. You can use the floating lines if you |
| since this type of fish can really put up a | | | | want to fish on the surface (a process called |
| spectacular fight. However, if you are harboring | | | | nipping) or use a sinking line if you would rather |
| notions about getting your fishing gear wet in | | | | catch steelheads from the shallower areas of the |
| Alaskan waters as your baptism of fire, you | | | | river (a process called swinging or swinging in a |
| might want to backtrack a bit. Although a 7-pound | | | | streamer.) Your best lures would be bait made of |
| steelhead may not seem such a big thing to | | | | cured steelhead chunks, salmon eggs, or sand |
| handle, Alaskan trout or steelhead fishing | | | | shrimp. |
| regulations are very stringent; and you need to | | | | 3.You can also use artificial lures that mimic the |
| successfully return your catch to the open waters | | | | erratic movements of crustaceans or the colorful |
| with minimal damage to the fish. | | | | outer layers of fish and amphibian eggs. Using |
| Try catching first one or two steelheads from a | | | | nets on these delicate fishes is really never a |
| freshwater stream as a practice before moving | | | | great option. So in case you were able to snag |
| on to the Alaskan fishing grounds. This way, you | | | | one, try to keep the fish on the line for as long |
| have some working knowledge on how to catch, | | | | as possible. This tires the fish out, which makes it |
| unhook, and release a live one back in the water. | | | | easier for you to haul it to the surface. |
| Here are some trout or steelhead fishing tips for | | | | 4. There are two things you might want to do in |
| beginners. | | | | case the fishes are not biting. One: change |
| 1. Wear the clothes. Naturally, you can wear plain | | | | positions often. Keep moving to potentially great |
| tees and jeans when you fish. You can wear your | | | | location. Steelheads are quick to learn which parts |
| sneakers and have your iPod attached to your | | | | of the river usually attract the most predators, |
| arm as well. However, when the fish starts | | | | and will most likely avoid those areas. If you can |
| moving away from the shorelines, and into the | | | | wade out into the wade, wade carefully so as not |
| deeper waters, then you have nothing but your | | | | to spook your quarry away. You can also move |
| iPod to keep you company. You do have to | | | | upstream in case you find yourself in the opposite |
| remember that when it comes to fishing trout | | | | direction of the water's movements. During the |
| and steelheads, these animals like moving in the | | | | migratory runs, all the fishes will be heading |
| coldest parts of the rivers. If you are trying to | | | | upstream anyway. You might as well wait for |
| catch one during the fish's annual migratory runs, | | | | them there. |
| then you may need to wade into that water | | | | 5. Lastly, practice the catch and release fishing |
| yourself. Try to bring along a good pair of | | | | method here. You have to remember to keep |
| waders, preferably something made from | | | | the fish out of the water for only a short period |
| neoprene. A 5-millimeter material should provide | | | | of time, and handle your catch delicately. It is also |
| you both buoyancy and warmth. Keep the iPod at | | | | essential to keep your hands wet to minimize the |
| home. You need to be able to hear your | | | | friction on the steelhead flesh. Be extra gentle |
| surroundings clearly. | | | | when it comes to removing the hook from the |
| 2. Bring the proper equipment. If you are fly | | | | fish's mouthparts. And slide your catch gently |
| fishing for the first time, then bring a 2- handed | | | | back into the water. |