By Benny LaRussa

Traditions are a part of life and in my family, fishing trips mean tradition. From a very early age, my grandfather would take his grandsons and my father on an annual fishing trip. This annual trip, typically around Thanksgiving, would take us to Apalachicola, Florida or Empire, Louisiana in hopes of catching ice chests full of specs and redfish. Just prior to the trip we would examine our gear then head to Mark’s for any last minute tackle needs. Over the years, these annual trips have become a welcomed escape from work, soccer, basketball, dance and all of those other things, we as parents support during those child-rearing years.

As our family has grown, brothers-in-law and nephews have been added, and the tradition has been passed on. My brother John LaRussa, owner of Alternate Path Adventures (an outdoor adventure outfitter) has throughout the years planned our annual trips, insuring everything is perfect except guaranteeing the weather. He assures me he is working on that element of his services.

In August of this year, a new tradition was started in my family. One I am personally excited about. I am blessed to have three younger brothers; we all get along, we enjoy being with each other, and we all like to fish (not a bad combination for harmony in the family). John recommended the four brothers take a trip and experience the ultimate in fishing and outdoor adventure - Alaska. John has sent many groups to Alaska, all returning with spectacular stories of fish caught and lost, beautiful scenery and the thrill of the "fly in fly out" fishing experience. Thus, the Great Alaskan experience began.

No matter how you slice it or dice it, getting to Alaska from Birmingham is an all day affair. Our trip to Anchorage was a direct flight from Atlanta and then a 20-seater commuter flight to our final destination. If you hear the expression "Alaska is the last great frontier", believe it for it is truly a throw back in time. From the chert landing strip to the Alaskan Indian village which surrounded us, we quickly realized that the life of the Alaskan Indian people and their culture and traditions were unlike anything we had experienced before. The villagers and staff of our lodge were hospitable, proud and willing to bear the brutal winter hardships like they were a walk in the park.

Each afternoon, after a full day of guiding anglers, our guides would set out to check their nets used to catch fish. This exercise was a late summer ritual as the fish would be canned in preparation for a long winter. One of our guides, Martin, a strapping Norwegian transplanted from Colorado, had made Alaska his home. He and his wife and their two children live the life of most Alaskans who live in the back country. They rely on nature for everything from food to medicine. Common necessities we consider critical to day in day out life are oblivious to Martin and his family. Running down to the local grocery to buy a chicken for dinner, a box of cereal for breakfast or a half gallon of milk just does not exist.

I mention Martin because he and the other guides in our lodge took genuine interest in their anglers. We allowed this group right on in, and before our three days of fishing had ended, we had made friends and commitments to come back. As for the fishing, have you ever heard of the expression "over the top". Well, the salmon of all species were running into the rivers and everywhere you turned the water was a constant pink. Salmon are a unique fish with their abbreviated life cycles all built around spawning. Each species of salmon have two names, an Alaskan Indian name and an American name; such as Chinook Salmon (Alaskan Indian) and King Salmon (American).

The fishing for salmon on seven weight fly tackle was exciting, but the Arctic Char and Rainbow Trout on five weight may have stolen the prize. In all my years of fly fishing, I do not think I have ever had a better fishing experience than the sensation of rushing chilled water passing over my waders while seeing a brown bear watch me (while I watch him) land a 28" rainbow trout. Our guides flew us in and out of tight waters in de Havilland float planes far removed from the slightest signs of civilization. These skilled pilots demonstrated great technique reminiscent of a preceding generation fighter pilot. Our guides took great pleasure watching the four of us take in a fishing experience pictures and words can not adequately describe.

Thus we concluded a five day trip that was quick in time, but lasting in memories and evidence the tradition continues. I am sure John will have future trips for the four brothers to take. This one will be tough to top.

For more information on this trip or other outdoor adventures contact:
John LaRussa
Alternate Path Adventures
(205) 313-4828
www.alternatepath.com