On Wed, 18 Jul 2007 11:31:58 -0600, MattMika
wrote:

On Wed, 18 Jul 2007 11:22:27 -0600, MattMika
wrote:

Forgot to mention, the 7/8 wt. rod I have is not a two hander, but
does have about a 1.5 cork butt plate. Also the reel I'd use if
possible is a flueger medalist 1495, rated for 7,8, & 9 wts. I
believe.

Thanks,
Matt Mika

I've fished Alaska on several occasions for giant rainbows and 16
pound silvers. A *good* 7 weight should do the job. A fighting butt
is a plus, but not really needed.

However, your reel is NOT goot enough for big fish. Without a drag
and no way to palm it, you will have problems. I suggest you invest a
few bucks in a better reel, one that has a reliable drag and can hold
lots of backing. With a good reel you can keep the fish *on* the reel
and avoid stripping your line in (which is a sure way to break off a
big fish). Believe me, your knuckles will thank you for a better
reel.

You will be up there during the silver (coho) run, so you might want
to think about getting out of the Anchorage area and drive down the
penninsula and fish the Kenai River. Big (30+ inch) rainbows will
come out of the lakes to feed on the silver spawn.

Good luck. Couldn't make Alaska this year, but will be there again
next year. Have fun, and remember that grizzly scat smells like
pepper and has little bells in it. d;o)

Dave