(B) Personal items to bring.

The following list is complete. If you follow it you will have all you need to take full advantage of your stay. It is very important not to over pack. You will be traveling in small float planes so it is necessary to limit each person to 75 Lbs. of gear. Loads will be weighed at the seaplane base in Kodiak. To comply with FAA regulations and for your own safety, charter services will not overload their airplanes. If you are having trouble coming in under 75 Lbs. with your baggage, consider leaving a bag in Kodiak. The charter service will be happy to store it for you. You can leave your formal travel clothes, street shoes and other items that will not be of use to you at the lodge or camp. Soft luggage or duffel bags are preferred as they are more easily stored in small or awkward baggage spaces.
If your necessary baggage simply will not allow you to make the above mentioned weight limit, we can arrange special charter flights to accommodate you, at your own expense.
(1) Boots/Waders.
Wading is a major part of our program so it is important to bring some good gear. For saltwater/boat excursions, knee high rubber boots are best. They will allow you to step in and out of boats at the beach without getting your feet wet and provide great foot protection for a day of boating.
For freshwater excursions, chest waders are the best choice. They allow the maximum protection from the elements and the maximum freedom in wading.
Gore-Tex is one of the best choices of wader material, it's durable, breathable and allows freedom of movement. Gore-Tex waders are easily adjusted for the season by changing the garments you wear under them.
The wading on Kodiak is generally quite nice so cleats or studded soles are not recommended.
Under your waders you will need socks and long underwear. Perspiration can build up under your waders so undergarments should be built of materials that tend to wick moisture away from your skin. In the colder temperatures of late September and October you will want to add an extra layer of undergarments. Add a second pair of socks and perhaps some fleece over-layer pants. Cotton is a poor material for these purposes, try to stick to synthetic materials like polypropylene or wool and synthetic blends.
(2) Rain gear.
All excursions require that you be completely protected from both rain and wind. While wearing knee high boots, you will need overlapping rain pants and rain coat. With chest waders, a waist length rain coat is all you need.
(3) Polarized sunglasses.
Polarized sunglasses help to cut through the glare on the water. This lets you see past the surface and down into the water where the fish are. The key word here is "polarized". Glasses also protect your eyes. Sport fishing, and fly fishing in particular, provide a lot of flying hook hazards.
(4) Shoes.
A comfortable pair of shoes will feel great after spending the day in boots or waders. Trails around the camp can be muddy in wet weather so camp shoes should be waterproof to about ankle high.
(5) Clothes.
It's best to dress in layers beginning with wick dry synthetic, wool, or silk underwear. Add a warm long sleeve shirt or sweater, then perhaps a sweatshirt. Top this off with your rain gear and boots or waders and you'll be set.
Nylon and/or fleece pants go equally well under waders during the day and in the evenings after excursions. Cotton is a poor fabric in wet coastal climates. Here again, do not over pack. A couple changes of clothes should be adequate. If you bring extra of anything make it socks, your feet get used a lot. Temperatures average in the 60s from June to August, 50s in September and sometimes there is frost in the mornings. October temperatures average in the 40s, nights below freezing are common and whole days below freezing are not rare. Dressing in layers allows you to compensate for changes in temperature and level of activity.
(6) Gloves.
Even in summer, some people get uncomfortably cold hands. The best way to battle this is with wool or neoprene fingerless gloves. Both stay warm when wet and being fingerless they allow you to operate your fishing and camera gear.
(7) Hat.
A baseball cap is nice. They fit well under a hood. The bill will help to move your hood when you turn your head so you can see better. The bill will also protect your eyes from bright sun or light rain. In late September and October, it's nice to have a hat with a bill and flaps that can cover your ears for protection in cold and windy weather.
(8) Camera.
Photo opportunities abound for both wildlife and personal memories. Think about weather/water protection.
(9) Personal items.
Tooth brush, shampoo, prescription drugs, and so on.
(10) Fishing license.
Fishing licenses can be purchased at many locations in the City of Kodiak, at the lodge or at the camp.