The colors you find in the trees you also find in char. / photo by Ken Baldwin If you are planning a trip to Alaska to fish for Arctic char, a 6 or 7-weight rod would be your best choice.

A week of fishing with conventional tackle anglers taught me some things that led to more success with a fly rod.

Always properly dispose of fishing line, hooks and tackle, and, as long as it’s safe for you to do so, pick up improperly disposed-of line and throw it away safely in a chute or bin.