P.O. Box 6070, Olympia, WA 98507
360-789-7788 or 360-584-8022
2008 Newsletter
It has been said that, “timing is everything,” and I definitely believe that it helps. But what is “everything”, is all of your support, and Tam and I want to say thanks for allowing us to serve you in Alaska. This summer was a thrilling new adventure for Tam and I, and we hope it was for all of you who joined us. The advantages of spending your Alaska adventure onboard a live aboard charter yacht was quickly discovered this past summer. And there is one thing for sure; Alaska’s fishing will continue to be the best sport fishing opportunity on the west coast for salmon, halibut, and bottom fish. Let’s not forget to mention the shrimping, crabbing, exploring, and wildlife viewing that it also boasts!
We know that there are many of you disappointed with this year’s fish harvests, and you can rest assured that it was not our fishing technique or choice of locations to fish. All sport fishing up and down the west coast of North America was slow and still is in many rivers here in Washington. After the season we had discussions with several lodge and fishing business owners/operators and we again felt reassured that live aboard charters is most certainly the way to go. Fishing was very slow in parts of southeast Alaska, especially in parts where we formerly fished, but the live aboard aspect made it possible for us to travel and find fish, even when there supposedly were none available. The feature of mobility, in comfort may I add, plus our decade of fishing Alaska made it the most successful season yet! And for those of you current with fishing reports from this summer, you know this as well.
The weather was also less than favorable this summer for lounging around outside catching rays as well as fish. The ocean for most of the summer was too rough to fish. There were several trips this past summer where we fished inside water every day. We didn’t catch the thousand pounds we were used to, but by golly we made a trip out of it and explored new country, caught enough to make it interesting and saw incredible scenery, like the waterfall coast of Baranof Island, and saw bears and whales. That’s what we’re really up there for right? The unforgettable Alaska experience!
Right now, we don’t know what next season’s bag limits will be on salmon, halibut, bottom fish, etc., and no human truly knows how fast the salmon will recover, or just how many halibut live on the bottom. Alaska Dept. of Fish & Game can only do the best they can to manage the fisheries accordingly in these times of more and more demand on the fisheries and resources. All of us in the lower 48, are all too familiar, with just “how fast” things can disappear if not tended to wisely. I know I’ve been labeled as a “fish killer” in the past but fish killing in the future at the same level cannot continue. I know some of you strongly disagree with me at this point, however, under today’s politics involved in managing fisheries, we, as sportsmen and resource conservationists need to take the matter into our own hands. What do I mean by this? Let’s start releasing fish, killing less, and catching more. The long term benefits are obvious and it will also allow us to concentrate on other exciting adventures that Alaska has been offering all along. It’s majestic beauty!
Next summer will be even more incredible! Tam and I are really excited about having all fall and winter to dial in the Tamarik even more! Of course we have big plans for the Tamarik, all in due time, but priorities first! Next summer we plan to have a fish cleaning, filleting, and processing station designed for better efficiency. We’ll also address obsolete items such as heads, 32 volt lighting, radios, etc. and replace them with new easy to operate and more user friendly models. If finances allow, we plan on having kayaks onboard for everyone’s enjoyment, skiffs, light tackle arrangements, and hydraulics onboard the big boat for easier hauling of the anchor and for hauling shrimp and crab pots from the Tamarik. These are just a few of the projects we plan to tackle this winter.
We’re still going to catch fish folks, and lot’s of them. We’ll catch and kill as much fish as the State of Alaska and National Marine Fisheries Service will allow. But when the limits are caught and the day isn’t yet over, this is when you’ll quickly realize the benefits of choosing a live aboard charter for your next vacation. We’re going to be honest with you. Not too long after Tam and I returned to Washington, I was contemplating our decision of diving into debt, purchasing the Tamarik and getting it ready to charter, as a terrible idea, especially with what has been happening with the economy. Then it hit us both, we just completed our most successful season in ten years of chartering and guiding guests in southeast Alaska and this year was a new venture for us. It was our hard work and your support that made this possible, and the outcome has been new friendships and trust. There are many of you that have trusted us for many years, joining us year after year and even convincing others to book trips with us. What can I say, this is and has been my passion for many years and it is now starting to hit me that my dreams have come true. You can trust Tam and I to deliver the same great experience next year. We are already thinking of ways to better ourselves for next season. Always trying to make it better for you is what has made our business successful! During these times of economic turmoil, you know Tam and I will put in 110% to make for another great Alaskan adventure even better than the last. This is our promise to you!
You all deserve to rest assured that your Alaska hosts are going to take care of all the details, put you on fish, take care of the fish processing, keep you safe and entertained. You also deserve to know that you’re going to have the most fun you can with the dollar you’re spending on this vacation and this is why we urge you to trust us with your next Alaska vacation. Check out our prices, you get more bang for your buck and we’re very competitive. We have never charged a fuel surcharge and we never will charge one. You can however, count on the same great service, food, fishing, and camaraderie. We do this because we believe in it, in you, and it is our passion!
Thank you again for all your support in the past. Tam and I have enjoyed having each one of you onboard and we look forward to serving you again soon!
Erik, Tam, Jake & Jack