By TommyP

 

I haven’t been to Alaska for many years.  I remember watching the Kingfisher Lodge videos at the Fred Hall shows that Seth played showing all the fish caught.  His booth was always directly across from the LTH booth.  It was a no brainer on my part when Pete asked if I would like to go to Kingfisher Lodge in Sitka, Alaska.

 

The town of Sitka has a population between 8,000 to 9,000 full time residents.  The major industry is tourism (cruise ship port of call) and fishing.  I added an extra day on both ends of the trip to see the area.  The Sitka National Historic Park is an easy walk from town and a must see.  Also, don’t miss the food trucks parked around town.  If you see the locals lined up you know it must be good.  The Black Cod Tips were insane!

 

We got lucky on the weather, mid to upper 60’s, even approaching the low 70’s for the week.  Captain Heath put us on limits all 3 days of fishing.  The species were Lingcod (1 legal per fisherperson per year), Halibut and King Salmon (1 each per person per day).  The length of the boat ride depended

on where the fish were.  The scenery was stunning so it wasn’t a problem.  Foul weather gear is available on the boat for all to use if needed.

You absolutely won’t go hungry on this trip!  Breakfast is se

rved to your room at 5 AM.  Sandwiches (large and healthy), snacks and soft drinks are available on the boat.  Appetizers are brought to your room daily at 5 PM.  Dungeness crab dip, seared scallops and black cod tips (melt in your mouth) got all 7 in my group hungry for dinner, served in 2 seatings.  One night Dungeness crab and filets were on the menu.  Like I said, you won’t go hungry with their gourmet dinners.

Now what do you do with all the fish that you catch?  Nothing, the Lodge takes care of everything.  On site is a mini fish cleaning/packing plant.  Vacuum packed (5mm bags) frozen and packaged 25 or 50 pound boxes are waiting for you at the airport upon departure.  (Frozen travel time for your catch is between 24 and 30 hours.) Lodge staff make sure you are checked in and ready to go, with your boarding pass in hand.

 

Indeed, I would say this is a trip of a lifetime.  However, some people do it every year.  Much of that has to do with how well Seth and his team attend to every need and want of their guests.  Like I said, a “No Brainer”.

LGF…….D

For additional information and reservations, call 907-747-6136