THE "BEAR" FACTS

RECOMMENDED CLOTHING:     One should focus on packing "light" but bringing durable, well-fitted clothing.   It's best to dress in layers to accommodate  daily temperature variations.   The undergarments should be performance-oriented and designed to wick moisture away from the body.   Intermediate garments of insulated flannel or chamois effectively maintain warmth. Fleece pullovers with waterproof windbreakers serve well as outer garments.  Plan on bringing 3-4 pairs of comfortable jeans or sportsmen's kakis.  Concerning foul-weather gear,  a  waterproof jacket is a must. Hip boots can be substituted for  rain pants.

Footwear:      Waterproof hiking shoes or boots are recommended due to mud and slippery walking conditions.  High-quality hiking socks should be layered to prevent blistering and maintain warmth when wading in streams. 

EQUIPMENT:   

1).  Waders:  Lightweight nylon hip boots, with felt soles, are not only a must for stream fishing and floatplane access but come in handy during saltwater charter fishing  trips in place of rain pants.  Neoprene waders are far more cumbersome, hot  and  difficult to transport.

2). Freshwater fishing gear:   Rods and reels should be matched to the targeted species of fish and spun with recommended line.  Three-five section rods are recommended for ease of transport.  Lures, flies and miscellaneous accessories should be purchased locally to take advantage of  the  "hottest" offerings.  Fishing pliers, multi-tools and folding belt knives come in handy - don't forget to pack them  in checked baggage only to minimize the risk of confiscation by the airlines.

3).  Luggage:      We strongly suggest that you travel with a  single checked bag weighing in the range of  35-45 pounds.  A sporting duffle and equivalent piece of  soft luggage is preferred to hard-sided suitcases.  Weight translates into an expensive,  inconvenient hindrance.  We recommend packing your windbreaker,   lightweight hip boots, camera and sunglasses into a medium-sized carry-on bag.  Also,  you might consider bringing your cased fishing rod on board with you.  Once again,  traveling light is key to your convenience and pleasure - there's little enjoyment in being held hostage by your possessions.

TRAVEL ADVISORIES:    

 I).  Insurance:      We recommend that you purchase cancellation insurance to protect your investment in the event that  unforeseen circumstances prevent you from joining us.   Refunds are limited, at best, since the majority of activities are scheduled on a "prepaid" basis to secure the best opportunities at the lowest cost.

2).  Excursion risk:   As with most aspects of life, wilderness travel adventures are not totally risk-free.  Offshore fishing, chartered bush flying as with most outbound adventures are subject to a minimal degree of inherent risk.  Fortunately,  we've never experienced an injury any more severe than a blister or bee sting during the past twenty-three years.  Outback Kodiak  assists with scheduling bush flights and charter fishing trips with  experienced professionals who maintain the required licensing and insurance coverage.  Outback Kodiak assumes no liability for  injuries sustained while under the service of those licensed providers.

3).   Flight scheduling:    Your inbound flight to Anchorage should arrive prior to 5:00PM.  Thus,  accommodating  baggage transfer on a timely flight into Kodiak. 

4).  Fish shipments:        Based upon our luggage recomendations, each guest should  plan on bringing one 50 lb. box of frozen fish home  free of shipping charges.  We will gladly assist you in arranging for the future forwarding of additional boxes of frozen product via overnight delivery service.  Accordingly, the delivery date can be chosen to maximize your convenience.

WEATHER ADVISORY:     Maintaining flexibility is key given the unpredictability and severity of Alaskan weather.  Outback Kodiak assumes no responsibility for flight or charter cancellations but will strive to  schedule alternative activities until the weather clears.

WILDLIFE ADVISORY:    Many of you will be traveling in "bear" country for the very first time and experience the feeling of no longer being at the top of the food chain.  If you desire to participate in a guided bear-viewing program, you will be educated to the  proper etiquette for coexisting in close proximity to brown bears.  We will also prepare you for that chance encounter that you may experience during your stream fishing or quad trip.  The key to safe passage in bear country is to make sufficient noise to prevent catching an animal off guard, in close proximity,  without a means of retreat.   Obviously, it's imperative to maintain a safe distance and not present yourself as a threat to them, their offspring or  their food supply.  Remember,  no fishing pool or trophy  is worth fighting a bear over.   We've certainly experienced some hair-raising encounters with bears, over the years, but  never had to fire a shot.

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