Commercial Fishing
* Gillnets: These are large, vertical nets that are set in the water and catch fish by their gills. Gillnets are used to catch a wide variety of fish, including salmon, halibut, and cod.
* Trawl Nets: These are large, conical nets that are dragged along the ocean floor to catch fish. Trawl nets are used to catch bottom-dwelling fish like cod, halibut, and pollock.
* Purse seines: These are large nets that are used to encircle schools of fish and then "purse" them up from the bottom. Purse seines are used to catch pelagic fish like herring and salmon.
* Longlines: These are long lines with hundreds of baited hooks that are set on the ocean floor. Longlines are used to catch a variety of fish, including halibut, cod, and sablefish.
* Pot and Trap: These are cages or baskets that are baited and lowered to the ocean floor to catch fish. Pots and traps are used to catch crab, shrimp, and other shellfish.
* Fishing Vessels: Alaska has a wide range of fishing vessels, from small skiffs to large factory ships. The type of vessel used depends on the type of fishing being done.
Recreational Fishing
* Rod and Reel: This is the most common method of recreational fishing. Anglers use rods and reels to cast lines with hooks baited with lures or bait.
* Trolling: This involves dragging a lure or bait behind a moving boat.
* Jigging: This involves raising and lowering a lure or bait to attract fish.
* Fly fishing: This involves using artificial flies to catch fish.
Other Techniques
* Dive Fishing: This involves diving into the water to spear or net fish.
* Net Fishing: This involves using smaller nets to catch fish from shore or small boats.
Regulations and Sustainability
Fishing in Alaska is heavily regulated to ensure the sustainability of fish stocks. Regulations include limits on catch size, season, and gear type. These regulations are enforced by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.
Note: The specific methods used to catch fish in Alaska vary depending on the species, location, and time of year.