If you've been involved in sport fishing for any amount of time, you've undoubtedly heard about the legendary fishing experiences of Alaska. Stories abound of fisherman latching into monstrous salmon, halibut, and a whole slew of other species in this northern wilderness wonderland. With a seemingly infinite number of outstanding fishing spots, Alaska is without doubt the sport fisherman's dream come true.

After hearing the stories, any true fishermen will want to experience the wonders of Alaska fishing first hand. Having said that, though, there are several things you will want to consider before you start planning your Alaska fishing trip. The first thing you will want to think through is the species of fish for which you plan to target.

The reason for this is that different fish species are abundant in different areas of Alaska, and so the target fish will dictate which part of Alaska you will want to visit. Remember, Alaska is almost 10 times the size of Texas which means that just saying you want to go fishing in Alaska is like saying you want to grow corn in the Midwest. Not very helpful for planning purposes, is it?

Southeast Alaska is the primary destination for fishing trips, as it provides the most bang for your buck at almost any time of the year (excepting Winter, of course). In this region you will find the legendary Kenai River, where some of the worlds largest King Salmon have been caught. It's also known as a great place for Rainbow and Steelhead trout in the summer season. Other places of interest include south-central Alaska, including Anchorage, Seward, and Homer. If fly-fishing is your thing, Lake Hood near Anchorage is world famous for it.

Another aspect of your Alaska fishing trip that should be considered is lodging. While a regular hotel is, of course, perfectly acceptable, if you want to fully experience fishing in Alaska you should really consider one of the world class lodges. Many lodges offer complete vacation packages that include guides, boats, supplies, and everything that a fisherman could want to make it the perfect fishing vacation.

Finally, you should seriously consider hiring some sort of guide unless you are a grizzled veteran of the Alaska fishing scene. A guide will know exactly where to take you to ensure you latch into one of those dream-fulfilling monster fish. Without the help of a guide you could spend your entire vacation "floundering" around trying to find those beautiful salmon! As mentioned above, many of the lodges offer guides as part of the package, but there are also many, many guides that can be hired outside of the fishing lodges.

No matter where or when you choose to fish in Alaska, you're sure to have the time of your life as long as you plan properly. By following the tips outlined above, you will be well on your way to planning a successful Alaska fishing trip. See you when you get back, and make sure you share your story with us!