(WALT)  My first trip to Alaska was a hunting trip in 1978, it didn’t take me long to fall in LOVE with the “Great Land”.  The next year I went back on my first fishing trip and that was it. I caught the Alaska Fever. I landed a 65-pound King Salmon, a 108-pound Halibut, and spent an overnight on a wilderness fly-out catching wild, playful Silver Salmon till my arms gave out.

After returning home to our Idaho ranch, my friends and family were in awe of all the pictures and home movies I’d taken. They’d  just show up to get a taste of all that fresh Salmon and Halibut I’d brought home and listen to the hard to explain fish and hunting experiences I'd enjoyed. There’s just nothing better than fresh Alaskan fish products topped off with the stories of the big ones that got away. Each year I started spending more and more time hosting family members and friends on trips I had organized. I was accused of telling tall fish stories, but they soon found out words can't describe the exciting experiences that abound while in Alaska.

 I soon started exhibiting at sports shows around my area and found it to be a great challenge and was excited in sharing my Alaskan experiences with interested people.   In 1990, I got my next dream chance, as I was interviewed and accepted a position with the “Alaska Outdoors Magazine” located in Anchorage, to be the Travel Service Manager. After moving to Anchorage I became obsessed with reading and studying every book and article I could get my hands on about Alaska. The mighty Caribou migrations, the unique life cycles of the prolific salmon runs, the ancient history of native Eskimo and Indian tribes, the gold rush days, the history of the Ice Age and the retreating glaciers, the location of the numerous lakes, rivers and streams (3 million lakes-5,000 rivers).

I was soon caught up in the grandeur of this “Great Land” (as the natives call it) and its abundant renewable resources.  My job, as it unfolded required I have a working knowledge of the state and be able to put together all kinds of trips to be sold through our travel service. Over the years I became acquainted with a multitude of guides, outfitters, lodge owners, air taxi operators, and a whole host of different service providers. I found a real challenge in organizing and marketing a variety of tour packages to all kinds of groups with different desires.

I soon was asked to serve on the Alaska Tourism Council and attended several Alaska Tourism Conventions. I also helped with panel discussions assisting the Kenai Peninsula, Mat-Sue Valley, and Copper Basin Tourism Councils on the development of various tour packages and create a list of approved service providers.  The most difficult challenge was assisting in educating service providers on how to fit together.  I gained a real witness of what Alaska tourism can really become when service providers work together. I was asked to take a position with the State of Alaska Department of Tourism, but then I found out they would not accept me because of not having a bachelors degree. I felt very disappointed and that they were really missing out on one whom has a great working knowledge of Alaska.  In 1996 after the magazine quit its publications, my wife and I then went to work for Princess Cruises and Tours.  I handled cruise reservations in the winter and we both drove motorcoachs in the summer taking groups on tours throughout Alaska. This gave us the opportunity to learn more about hands on operations from a truly great company. Second only to oil Alaska Tourism is the largest and fastest growing industry in the state.  After a while I found it was just too much, trying to organize trips on the side and work for Princess. We have gained the additional knowledge and experience necessary to now  return to our first love and have taken the steps to work for you and ourselves. I have always loved the outdoors, fishing and hunting and with the “Great Land” of Alaska who could ever get bored with the sightseeing and photography opportunities. Our goal now is to spend the rest of our days organizing and coordinating vacation trips, sharing all that we have learned with as many people as we can. I have nine wonderful children, 41 grandchildren and soon hope to be a great grandpa. I’m counting the days and looking forward to teaching more of the grandkids how to fish the abundant waters and enjoy the great renewable resources in Alaska. In March of 2003, I attained another of my goals by receiving my U. S. Coast Guard Charter Captains License as a 25-Ton Master Mariner and my State of Alaska Assistant Guide License for Big Game.

(KATHY)  I love and enjoy Alaska more than Walt does if that’s possible.  I have been in the education process of Alaska now for over 10 years and take great pride in seeing to the comfort of our guests. I love to coordinate guest activities and create some great outside barbeques. 

I spent 13 years working for Marriott Hotels and worked in the restaurant, gift shop, reservations and hosting banquets and conventions. I spent a lot of memorable years at Marriott Resort located on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. While there I met a large variety of dignitaries including several movie stars, singers, golf pro’s, congressmen and a couple of presidents.

I love people in general and make friends with every one easily wherever I go. I am the guide on several of our day tours, taking place from Anchorage and Soldotna. I gained a good working knowledge of Alaska while working with Walt and Princess Tours. While at Princess Tours I received rave reviews from the guests I attended.  Princess taught us both the importance of the quality most people expect.

When our guests express the desire, I will organize and conduct evening barbeques. The menu can be the choosing of our guests. We have hosted barbeques for 70 at a single setting with a Corporate Incentive Group that had some high rollers in attendance, they were well pleased. This group has been returning with us for many years and keep coming back year after year. I’m very confident you’ll always remember our trips and the dedicated service we provide.  We have traveled throughout the state and our greatest days have been spent organizing and coordinating trips to Alaska for our guests. I invite you to check our reference page located on the home page. Just click on references and read what our past guests say about us. I enjoy helping people and desire to make everyone's Alaska experience the best!

We don't spend all day on the river and take great pride in being available to assist guests with all questions and other requirements they have.

We have made so many great and lasting friends over the years and look forward to many more wonderful associations and great seasons.  We’d love to hear from you and help your group organize their next vacation to “Alaska”. Land of the midnight sun.

CONTACT US TODAY BY EMAIL
walt@alaska-fishon.com

 

Alaska - Fish On Walt & Kathy Barton P.O. Box 3874 Soldotna, AK 99669-3874 Phone: (907) 252-3375 OR CALL TOLL FREE: 1-866-2FISHON            (234-7466)

JOIN US FOR A FANTASTIC ADVENTURE IN THE GREAT LAND!

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