MEET TY DINGLER: YOUR GUIDE TO THE GREATEST KING SALMON FISHERY IN ALASKA

Hello. I am Ty Dingler. I am a Professional, Licensed Alaskan Fishing Guide. I fish the lower Kenai River exclusively.

I grew up in Georgia, and fishing has always been a huge part of my life. When I discovered the Kenai River, I just knew I had to become a fishing guide on this great river.

I started my guiding experience as a driftboat guide for the Great Alaska Fish Camp at the confluence of the Moose River and Kenai River, near Sterling, Alaska. I learned the Lower Kenai River, between Moose River and the the town of Soldotna, extremely well while working for them.

They had several guides, and we used to compete with each other for the best catches. It was great working with so many very experienced guides, and I learned much from them, and made lifelong friends.

But, besides making good friends, I discovered how highly competitive I am. I hated to come in with anything but the best catch. I still do. Putting my clients onto fish is tremendously satisfying to me.

I fish a power boat now, but am very glad for my experiences as a driftboater. In a driftboat you learn to read the river more carefully, and to pay more attention to its moods. I would not trade that experience for anything.

To be a top river guide, you must know your river and its fish in all their moods. You must keep your equipment in tip-top shape, and have the equipment that works best for the conditions. And, you must put in long hours of preparation, so your guiding trips are flawless. In addition, you must like people, and enjoy meeting new folks of all skill levels. But beyond all these essentials, there is a "fish sense" and commitment to doing what it takes to get your clients their fish that separates the top guides from the rest. It is the "fish sense" that has caused me to focus exclusively on the Lower Kenai River. I don't want anything to interfere with my knowledge and sense of this chosen water.

I have fished the Kasilof River, Anchor River, Deep Creek, Ninilchik River, and the Upper Kenai River. But I kept coming back to the Lower Kenai River as the premier fishing water. Because I am so convinced of its superiority, I have chosen to guide exclusively on the Lower Kenai River.

I understand the monetary reasons for guiding on multiple rivers, but my heart and mind are wed to the Lower Kenai, so I have chosen to become expert in the river of my choice, instead of diluting my focus by fishing multiple rivers. There is excellent fishing throughout the year on the Lower Kenai if you are willing to fish for the species that is active in the river at the time of your visit.

It did not take me long to know that I had to get a power riverboat so I could explore and fish the full 50-mile length of the lower Kenai River. I did, and I have never looked back.

Don't misunderstand me, I love the quiet of a driftboat, and fishing from one can be highly effective. I just felt the need for greater mobility--the ability to run further downstream, and then run back upstream again--if that is where the action was taking place. It can make the difference between a good day and a great day.

I cannot promise you that I am the best guide on the river, but I can promise you that I am a very good guide, that I get more than the average share of the fish throughout the season, and that I will work very hard to get you the fish of your dreams. I know you will be happy with your choice if you decide to fish with me.