I have to admit, I never dreamed of standing on the deck of a boat in Alaska with a rod in hand. My idea of “fishing” was watching Mark cast a line into the “lake” behind our home. But fishing in Alaska was on his bucket list and he has endured many beach vacations just for me.
Dreading the trip a bit, I was able to entice four of our friends to join us so we wouldn’t be alone on the adventure. None of us had done an adventure like this before and the idea of organizing a fishing trip to Alaska sounded daunting, even though I am a seasoned traveler. I knew someone who had gone to Kodiak Resort last year, so that was a start. The lodge is tucked into the shoreline of Kodiak Island’s Larsen Bay and came highly recommended. But how do we get to a remote island 240 miles southwest of Anchorage? What gear did we need? How do we get the fish home? Is there anything I can do if I don’t want to fish?
The resort is all-inclusive, making it even better. Everything—from flight and transportation recommendations, to lodging, meals, heated boats, guided fishing, bait, tackle, and all the equipment needed to catch some fish are included.
When I asked what there was to do if I didn’t fish, I was told, “There is kayaking, hiking and electric bikes but you have to watch out for bears so you may want to bring a good book and binoculars.”
Even the journey felt like part of the adventure. Accessing this slice of wilderness requires planning. But once we arrived, we soon learned all we had to do was show up with a sense of adventure, and our hosts, Erika, Brian, and Heath, provided the rest, leaving us wanting for nothing.
Rooms are designed for comfort and solitude. Upstairs, six spacious bedrooms each offer two queen beds, private baths, and panoramic vistas over the inlet. Downstairs, communal spaces let guests gather in a living room, game room, and dining room, Outside the huge veranda was heaven and the unique fire pit was inviting. Gourmet meals are served in the dining room every morning and evening. I don’t like Manhattan clam chowder, but Brian’s was to die for! The island is dry, but guests can bring in their own alcohol to have along with the evening appetizers.
Fishing is the heartbeat of this place. Whether saltwater or freshwater, you’ll be guided to target species such as halibut, king salmon, silver salmon, lingcod, rockfish, cod, and more. The resort is located close enough that you don’t lose half the day in transit to fishing grounds. Our captain, Rich, and Deckhand, Dawson (he was even from Phoenix!), managed all tackle, bait, and gear. They both were equal parts teacher, coach, and cheerleader having patience and a great sense of humor. As soon as we returned to the lodge every day, the staff professionally cleans, vacuum-seals, and flash-freezes the daily catch, then boxes it for the airline.
In addition to bears (we were disappointed to not see a single one!), the wilderness teems with sea lions, otters, bald eagles, deer, foxes, and a wealth of seabirds. Whale watching (we did see one!) and marine life encounters are also a possibility, depending on season and conditions.
As a novice, you’re not expected to know the difference between trolling and jigging or how to set a hook. That’s where Rich and Dawson came in. There are daily limits by type of fish, and it was fun to tally our catch by writing on the boat’s window as each one was hauled in.
But the best part? Every catch, no matter how small, felt like a victory. And we couldn’t catch them fast enough! As a beginner, just feeling that tug on the line and pulling a fish over the rail was a moment of pure exhilaration!
Fishing at Kodiak Resort didn’t turn me into a master angler overnight. But it did something better—it taught me that fishing isn’t about perfect technique or record-breaking catches. It’s about the thrill of that first tug, the stories shared with strangers-turned-friends, and the way Alaska makes even a novice feel like they belong on the water. And now we get to enjoy the 75 pounds of fish we brought back along with the fabulous memories shared with friends!
If You Go: Kodiak Resort, Larsen Bay
Getting There
- Fly into Anchorage, then connect to Kodiak by commercial flight.
- From Kodiak, take a floatplane or small charter (about 45 minutes) to Larsen Bay.
Best Times to Visit
- Peak fishing runs are June through September.
- Salmon species rotate by season, while halibut are caught all summer.
What’s Included
- All fishing gear, tackle, bait, and rain gear, including waterproof boots.
- Professional guides, fish cleaning, vacuum-sealing, and flash-freezing.
- Lodging in spacious waterfront rooms with private baths.
- Hearty meals featuring fresh Alaska seafood.
Tips for Novices
- Purchase your fishing license ahead of time online for at least the first day.
- Bring a warm hat and gloves, it can be chilly, even in summer.
- Layer up: it usually warms up by the afternoon.
- Plan to pay for extra luggage for the boxes of fish you will be bringing back.
- Leave the make-up, curling irons, and dress-up clothes at home!