By Dave Dolan
On June 16th, a group of anglers arrived at Kingfisher Lodge and Charters in Sitka Alaska for the 23rd annual Lets Talk Hookup venture. There is good reason why this trip has gone on for so long, but more of that later.
This is a Sunday thru Thursday fishing trip. You arrive at the lodge and be ready for three 10 hour days of fishing on some of the finest fishing grounds in Alaska. This trip is always planned for the prime season for fishing King Salmon. Later in the season, July and August, the Kings move on and Coho salmon are the main catch. The deep dwellers, halibut, lings and rock cod are a pretty sure bet most all of the time.
All three of our fishing days started out trolling for the Kings. Fortunately, the Kings were very cooperative. We made short order of quality limits The game planned remained the same. After our Kings we moved on to the halibut grounds. There is a strict slot limit on keeping halibut. You can keep the good meat eating halibut. But after those, you have to catch a true barn door fish to keep. Several 60 to 100 pound plus halibut had to be released.They make a good photo op and its great that the sustainable fishery will stay intact.
After the kings and halibut, its pretty much your choice on what you want to target. The Kingfisher captains are all dialed in on what you want to catch. Two of the days we wanted to try the prime bottom fishing. The black cod, or sable fish are some of the tastiest fish to be caught. But beware, these fish are down deep, deep, deep. We limited out on these tasty fish, pulling them up from 1,200 feet depth. We also caught a variety of other rock cod. But at the end of the day I had a case of “pitchers elbow” from the wind and grind.
On day three after the king and cod limit, we decided to mix it up and go inshore for some casting. This was a pleasant change of pace, almost like calico bass fishing. And what happened on light tackle? I landed a 60 pound class halibut. Only in Alaska
The one thing that can equal the fishing is the operation of Kingfisher Charters. The boats are all top rate with very experienced captains. And there is no need to think about what gear to bring. Our boat was outfitted with Talica 25 reels and other fine Shimano tackle. All your terminal tackle is included. Your rain gear is on the boat, and in Sitka you were probably use it. The quality of the lodge is unequaled. The water view lodge has private rooms with bathrooms. The lounging area has a bar area, comfortable sofas, fridge and wide screen T.V., but who is watching with a view like you have from the deck. After fishing, hor dourves are brought in before dinner. I could have made a meal out of these “snacks”. And for dinners, can you say prime rib, fillet mignon and crab? I have been afraid to step on to the scale since returning.
Your fish is all vacuum sealed and flash frozen before leaving. Everything is packed in the airline approved freeze boxes. A Kingfisher van will transport you to the airport and help you get checked in with your fish. Can things be any easier?
I would recommend spending an extra day or two in Sitka. This original capital and Russian settlement have a very diverse history.
The Russian barracks and fort, Totem Park, and St. Michael’s Cathedral are all worth the extra time. If you are really adventurous and have the time, do as I did. I flew in the week before to Ketchikan, Alaska and boarded the Alaska Marine ferry. I’ve visited Wrangel, Petersberg and Juneau while on these trips. This gives a real Southeast Alaska experience.
Let’s Talk Hookup already has the dates set for this trip next year, June 14 to 18, 2020. For details check the trips page at www.letstalkhookup.com. . For a top rate Alaska fishing trip and stay, you can’t beat Kingfisher Lodge and Charters. You can contact them at 800-727-6136 or click on the Kingfisher banner on the front page of www.letstalkhookup.com
