Kyle Kolodziejski, owner/operator of Keen Eye Anglers, has built the perfect compliment package for those who have already booked a recommended fly out lodge or float trip. The serious angler can get the most out of their Alaska fishing vacation by planning a trip with Keen Eye Anglers prior to, or after your main fishing destination. The way we see it, you can either spend your layover day in Anchorage roaming the Dimond Center Mall, or book with Kyle and fish the beautiful Upper Kenai. Transport is included from Anchorage, and the accommodations are fantastic at the Kenai Riverside Lodge. Check out Keen Eye Anglers and email Kyle for the add-on package.  

This is the first of many interviews to come from Alaskaguidelist.com that will focus the spotlight on the movers and shakers on the Alaska Guide scene. This month, we discover Cory Luoma, the driving force behind Alaska Fly Out.

I first heard about Alaska Fly Out last June when Cory gave me a heads up on his project. It was an interesting and ambitious concept, I wished Cory the best of luck getting it going, not giving much thought to the idea of it actually coming to fruition.

Now here we are gearing up for the 2012 season and Alaska Fly Out has definitely arrived to the party. Whether you have found the site via social media or word of mouth, it isn't hard to miss. Read on to learn more about the project and it's creator Cory Luoma.

Joel Nelson has worked all over Bristol Bay, Alaska and is currently the head mechanic at Tikchik Narrows Lodge. Not only is he a talented and well-respected mechanic, but he is an amazing artist. His business, Nelson Metallics, specializes in handcrafted metal fish with the stained glass inlays. Beautiful and contemporary, many of these pieces are undoubtedly inspired by Joel's summers spent in Alaska. You can contact Joel about his work at [email protected].

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When I first saw Bob White's paintings, I was a rookie guide at Tikchik Narrows Lodge and NOT well acquainted with Alaska. After a number of years of guiding in Bristol Bay, I now realize how Bob captures real moments, real experiences. Some of his art can evoke a nostalgia for Alaska that is quite surreal. One look at a few of his painting below, and you'll be digging out your dusty photo albums from your last trip to AK. See more of Bob White's works at www.bobwhitestudio.com.

"Along Beneath Lake Kulik Spires"

"First casts"

"A warming fire"

1. Book Early – The best lodges in Alaska have incredibly high return rates. Usually, guests have the first right of refusal for returning the same time next year, which means there can be few openings for new anglers. Your best chance to get a high-demand date is to book 6-12 months in advance. Send an Email to Fly Out for available dates and booking information. You can also contact lodges directly through the Fly Out Directory. 

2. Choosing a Type of Operation to Fit Your Goals – There are many types of adventure offerings in Alaska that can fit almost any budget. Below is a general summary of your options.

Fly Out Lodge ($$$) – The most exclusive way to see and fish Alaska. These operations fly to different remote rivers, lakes and streams everyday. A fly-out option allows you to experience the wonderful variety of Alaska. The views from the air and the flight experience alone are worth the price of admission. Extraordinary accommodations and dining will make you forget that you are amidst the remote wilderness of Alaska.

River Lodge ($$) – Located on the rivers and streams, these lodges are only accessible by the air. They provide world-class fishing, comfortable accommodations, and delicious meals at a great value. These lodges operate jet boats, and the anglers get the opportunity to experience everything that a single fishery has to offer.

Float Trips ($) – A classic Alaska adventure focusing on a genuine wilderness experience, self-reliance, and incredible fishing. Despite the roughing-it nature of a float trip, most outfitters provide accommodations that are surprisingly comfortable, and the food always tastes good after a long day on the river.{gallery}BlogContent/January2011/Lodge_Gallery{/gallery}

More amazing photos from Todd Moen and Brian O'Keefe's Catch Magazine! Check out Alaska - Part 3 - Fish and Wildlife. These are shots from member lodges Riversong Lodge, Kulik Lodge, and Royal Wolf Lodge. Check them out.  

Also, our friends at Trout Underground published an interesting article about the future of Catch Magazine and other e-Magazines here. Tell us what you think. Feel free to write a comment below.

By: Fly Out Ambassador Bob White

Painting By: Bob White www.bobwhitestudio.com

"Gawd, I hate kids!" ~ Rusty

It was late June, still spring in Alaska, and the soft twilight had lingered long past midnight when I found Rusty sitting alone in the dusk, next to an unlit fire. There was a mostly empty bottle of Jack Daniel's and two tin cups on the big spruce round to one side, and he was softly mumbling to himself. "I was wondering when you'd get here." He said over his shoulder as I approached.

"How did you know it was me and not some grumpy old brown bear looking for an easy meal?"

"No bear would dare mess with me tonight." He grumbled. "I'm in too foul a mood... Whiskey?"

"Why not." I said. "Mind if I light a fire?" There's nothing as sad as two fishing guides drinking whiskey in the dark. I knew that the glow of a fire would change the mood and poured a little diesel over the cord wood that had been laid in anticipation of the next get together. Rusty tossed a wooden match to light it.

He grunted as he poured a generous measure of the amber liquid into each of the tin cups, and we sat there, sipping our whiskey without speaking for a good long time. The dry spruce crackled and popped as it caught. Rusty hates complainers, has no time for whiners, and generally avoids expressing displeasure with any of The Boss' decisions... but he was at the end of his rope. "What the hell are we going to do with that pack of rug rats tomorrow." He finally moaned. "Gawd... I hate kids."

Anyone who knows Rusty will tell you that he harbors no ill will towards children in general... or anyone else for that matter. Simply put, Rusty loves to catch fish and judges an individual solely on his or her ability to do so. It chafes him to spend time with people who can't fish, and conversely, he enjoys being with anyone who's good at it. I've often thought that he'd have a wonderful day sharing a boat with vhxeyeph Stalin and Mao Tse-Tung if the fish were biting.

"Aw... it'll be all right." I said, trying to cheer him up. "We'll take them over to Spider Bay and fish for pike in the morning. Then we'll go for a boat ride and find a nice beach somewhere across the lake for a big fire and shore lunch. Afterwards they'll skip stones and go swimming... and before you know it... the day'll be over."

"That's just dandy." He wailed. "The best run of Kings in three years... and I'm going on a pikenic!"

"Honey, it's time to get up... honey?" Lisa asked, gently shaking my shoulder. "Ooooh... you look bad. Let me get you a cup of coffee."

"Ahhhhg..." I moaned into my pillow. "How much time do I have?"

"Not nearly enough from what I can see... now drink this. I'll see you up at the 'Big House' in fifteen minutes." She said. "And... honey?"

"Yeah?"

"I hope the other guy looks worse."

I smiled... I was quite sure that he did.