Alaska.com: Alaska's Travel Website

• GETTING AROUND: There are 100 miles of road in Kodiak, about 50 of them -- where the fish are -- on gravel. Drive slowly and plan reasonably. This is not pure wilderness. Occasional passing cars could help in an emergency. However, there are no services, so pack extra food and be prepared to change a flat tire if necessary.

• CAR RENTALS: There are three options: Avis (1-907-486-2264) is at the airport. Rent-a-Heap (1-907-486-8550) and Budget are at the airport as well as downtown (1-907-487-2220). Prices are in the $60 per day range for a compact car.

• FISHING: "If planning a spur-of-the-moment trip, checking in with the sportfish recording at 1-907-486-5176 is a good idea," said Pam Foreman, executive director of the Kodiak Island Convention and Visitors Bureau. "Once on the island, stop by one of the sporting goods stores to find out what fish are running where, what they are biting on and pertinent regulations."

• LOCAL INFO: Two of the best-known sporting good shops in town are Mack's Sport Shop on Lower Mill Bay Road (1-907-486-4276, Web site) and Cy's Sporting Goods and Outfitters, also on Lower Mill Bay Road (1-907-486-3900). Either shop can offer fishing advice and directions. If you want to have your fish processed on the island, try Kodiak Smoking and Processing (1-907-487-4409) or Island Seafoods (1-907-486-8575).

• PLANNING: Check Era Aviation's Web site and Alaska Airlines' Web site for specials on round-trip tickets to Kodiak. Call the Kodiak Island Convention and Visitors Bureau for details on lodging and dining options (1-907-486-4782). The Alaska State Ferry also runs between Homer and Kodiak. Call 1-800-526-6731 or visit www.akferry.com.