So, you’re investigating Alaska fishing vacations? Maybe wondering what to bring, where to book and how to prepare for what could be the adventure of a lifetime?

The good news is practically all of Alaska is beautiful and majestic, offering an open landscape of stunning views, plentiful fishing and untouched wilderness. To make your Alaska fishing adventure a success, keep reading for four essential tips.

Prepare for Bug Battle

To avoid a mosquito nightmare, plan ahead by packing a high-quality mosquito net hat, long-sleeved shirts and pants free from holes. Look for clothing that offers ventilation, but has holes that are small enough to keep out the pesky bugs. You should also bring a strong, cream-based mosquito and bug repellent, and avoid depending on mosquito coils.

Be Sun Safe

Despite the sometimes cold temperatures and rain, there are still high risks for sun damage and possible sunstroke. Keep yourself protected with long clothing and a high-quality, non-greasy and waterproof sun block. Choose an SPF higher than 30 and avoid combo bug-repellent products as these tend to wear off faster.

Reserve Early

Alaska hosts over one million tourists every season, and many are enjoying their own Alaska fishing vacations. That means the hotels get booked, camp sites are reserved, lodges run out of vacancies and charters become filled – especially in popular areas. You can avoid disappointment by planning ahead and making reservations for your gear rentals, charters and any lodgings or campsites.

Always Pack a Personal Survival Kit

Even if you’re on a fully guided adventure tour or charter, you should always be prepared with a pocket-sized survival kit that’s carried on your person at all times – in case you’re separated from your group or gear.

The kit should include purification pills, waterproof matches, chalk to make markings, a whistle, a granola bar, fishing line and hooks and a Ziploc bag for carrying water. You can pack it all in a metal tin or can, which can also be used to boil water.

Alaska fishing vacations are the adventure of a lifetime, offering abundant fishing, beautiful wilderness and truly wild nature. You can make that trip even better and safer by following these four critical tips – book ahead, plan for bugs, safeguard against the sun and be prepared with a wilderness survival kit.