Blog

Get to Know us - Mary Hill

2022-11-17 11:35:00 martinhelminen

Mary Hill, staffName : Mary Hill

Position
Lead Processor

Hometown, State
Calumet, Mi

Number of Years Working in Sitka
2

Are you a traveler or a homebody?
A homeler, I like making new places feel like home

Do you prefer Coffee or tea?
Coffee

Snakes or spiders?
Snakes

If all jobs paid $1 per hour, what would you do for work?
I’d be a crocheter

What is one thing we don’t know about you?
I love yellow a lot!

Are you a morning person or a night person?
Night person

What languages do you know how to speak?
English

What is your secret skill or life hack?
Crocheting while sleeping

Do you play any musical instruments?
Guitar and ukulele

If you had a million dollars, what would you do first?
Buy a bunch of yarn

Describe your style in one word.
Delightful

Do you prefer spending money on things or experiences?
Yarn

Which co-worker never fails to make you laugh?
Mattie

Have you ever delivered a perfect comeback?
Yes sir

Do you have your own Netflix account or do you use someone else’s?
My own

What was your last impulse buy?
Yarn

Do you have a favorite inspirational quote?
Whether you think you can or you think you can’t you’re right. – Henry Ford

What advice would you give to a version of yourself from 5 years ago?
Pastrami is good, try it

What world record would you like to break?
Fastest crocheter

Would you ever go skydiving? Or have you gone?
I’d like to go but I’ve never gone

What is your favorite fast food?
Beem bom bam

What is the first thing you notice about people?
If their wearing yellow or not

What was the last book you read?
Harry Potter and the deathly hallows

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Get to Know us - Ruben Cervantes

2022-07-01 19:47:00 martinhelminen

Ruben Cervantes, staffName : Ruben Cervantes

Position
Breakfast Chef

Hometown, State
Guadalajara, Mexico

Number of Years Working in Sitka
7

Are you a traveler or a homebody?
Traveler

Do you prefer Coffee or tea?
Tea

Snakes or spiders?
Snakes

What is one thing we don’t know about you?

I work night shift

Are you a morning person or a night person?
Night person

What languages do you know how to speak?
English and Spanish

What is your secret skill or life hack?

I make a mean cheesecake

Do you play any musical instruments?
no

If you had a million dollars, what would you do first?
I would open a restaurant

Describe your style in one word.

Discipline

What’s the best non-curse one-word insult?
stupin

Do you prefer spending money on things or experiences?
Things

Which co-worker never fails to make you laugh?

Janeya

Do you have your own Netflix account or do you use someone else’s?
Share

What advice would you give to a version of yourself from 5 years ago?

Make a plan and stick to it

What world record would you like to break?
World’s best cheesecake

Would you ever go skydiving? Or have you gone?
No, not interested

What is your favorite fast food?
In & Out Burgers

What is the first thing you notice about people?
Work ethic

What was the last book you read?

My cookbook

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Get to Know us - James Wagar

2022-05-29 10:49:16 martinhelminen

James Wagar, staffName : James Wagar

Position
Chef

Hometown, State
Troy NY, live in San Diego

Number of Years Working in Sitka
7

Are you a traveler or a homebody?
Traveler

Do you prefer Coffee or tea?
Coffee

Snakes or spiders?
Spiders

If all jobs paid $1 per hour, what would you do for work?
Same thing

What is one thing we don’t know about you?
If I told you you’d know

Are you a morning person or a night person?
Night

What languages do you know how to speak?
American

What is your secret skill or life hack?
Surviving

Do you play any musical instruments?
Attempt to play Mandolin

If you had a million dollars, what would you do first?
Get lost

Describe your style in one word.
Steady

What’s the best non-curse one-word insult?
Don’t have one

Do you prefer spending money on things or experiences?
Experiences

Which co-worker never fails to make you laugh?
Maia

Have you ever delivered a perfect comeback?
Of course

Do you have your own Netflix account or do you use someone else’s?
My own

What was your last impulse buy?
Snickers bar

Do you have a favorite inspirational quote?
No

What advice would you give to a version of yourself from 5 years ago?
Get up

What world record would you like to break?
None

Would you ever go skydiving? Or have you gone?
Have once

What is your favorite fast food?
A Vietnamese sandwich

What is the first thing you notice about people?
Face

What was the last book you read?
The Three Edwards’s

Any other words of wisdom or comments you’d like to share?
A negative attitude rarely least to a positive life

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Get to Know Us - Janeya Seppala

2021-12-31 05:38:00 martinhelminen

Janeya Seppala, Alaska Premier ChartersName: Janeya Seppala
Position: Housekeeper
Home Town, State: Fitzwilliam, NH
Number of Years Working in Sitka: 1

What are you looking forward to the most working at APC?
Making new memories

If you had to eat one dish the rest of your life, what would it be?
Salad

How old were you when you found Santa wasn’t real?
4

What’s your favorite hobby?
Photography

What’s your random super-power?
I can drink a bucket load of coffee and it won’t phase me.

You’ve inherited elephant that cannot be sold or given away, what do you do with it?
Make it a pet

Who was/is your childhood hero?
My grandpa

What’s one of the items on your bucket list?
I would love to see Orcas

Do you a have a work best friend?
Yes

What’s the best prank you’ve played?
Played a flarp prank on my drivers Ed instructor 🙈

What’s one of your favorite work memories?
Making friends

What’s your dream car?
Land Rover

Best place to travel to?
Arizona

Do you have nicknames?
Naya. NayNay.

What lies did your parents use to manipulate you as a child for some desired outcome?
You’re brain will to turn to mush if you have too much screen time

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Get to Know Us: David Haapala

2021-10-31 05:57:00 martinhelminen

David Haapala, alaska premier chartersName: David Haapala
Position: Captain
Home Town, State: Menahga MN
Number of Years Working in Sitka: 8

If you had to eat one dish the rest of your life, what would it be?
Pizza

Do you a have a work best friend?
Rad Chad

What's the best prank you've played?
Putting an H on all the yeti coolers

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Get to Know Us - Sylvia Ketola

2021-09-27 20:09:35 martinhelminen

Name: Sylvia KetolaSylvia Ketola
Position: Client Coordinator
Home Town, State: Cheney, WA
Number of Years Working in Sitka: 1

What are you looking forward to the most working at APC?
Making new friends and meeting new people.

What motivates you to work hard?
Money

If you had to eat one dish the rest of your life, what would it be?
Tacos

What is your longest number of consecutive days worked?
25

What’s your favorite hobby?
Travel

What’s your favorite tradition with family and friends?
Opening presents on Christmas Eve

What’s your random super-power?
I can memorize random things

You’ve inherited elephant that cannot be sold or given away, what do you do with it?
Become best friends with it

If you had one motto, what would it be?
Just wing it.

Who was/is your childhood hero?
My mom

What’s one of the items on your bucket list?
Visiting the Maldives

What’s the best piece of advice given to you?
Get the job you want

What’s your dream car?
2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Nardo gray

Best place to travel to?
Florida

Do you have nicknames?
Silvers

What lies did your parents use to manipulate you as a child for some desired outcome?
You can crash if the lights in the car are in at night

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Get to Know us: Wesley Stevenson

2021-09-14 10:22:00 martinhelminen

Wesley Stevenson, alaska premier chartersName: Wesley Stevenson
Position: Deckhand – BANKROLL
Home Town, State: Highland, Utah
Number of Years Working in Sitka: 1

What are you looking forward to the most working at APC?
Meet new people and visit Alaska, also maybe make some money.

What motivates you to work hard?
When you see you’ve done a good job at the end.

If you had to eat one dish the rest of your life, what would it be?
Spinach Mozeralla Ravioli

How old were you when you found Santa wasn’t real?
10

What is your longest number of consecutive days worked?
30

What’s your favorite hobby?
Hacky Sack

What’s your favorite tradition with family and friends?
Playing board games on New Years Eve

What’s your random super-power?
Read Peoples thoughts

You’ve inherited elephant that cannot be sold or given away, what do you do with it?
Pretend I’m an Arabian prince

If you had one motto, what would it be?
Don’t be dumb

Who was/is your childhood hero?
My brother

What’s one of the items on your bucket list?
Visit Alaska – check

What’s the best prank you’ve played?
Dressed up in black with a candle scared my brother at 2 in the morning

What three words describe you?
Fun, Adventurous, Curious

What’s your dream car?
Lamborghini Veyron

What’s your favorite song?
Baby Blue, Rence

Best place to travel to?
Cedar City, Utah aka Grandma’s House

Do you have nicknames?
Wes

What lies did your parents use to manipulate you as a child for some desired outcome?
Eat your breakfast otherwise you’ll be hungry

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Get to Know Us: Lenny Torola

2021-05-31 05:52:24 martinhelminen

Lenny Torola, alaska premier chartersName: Lenny Torola
Position: Deckhand
Home Town, State: Calumet, Michigan
Number of Years Working in Sitka: 3

What motivates you to work hard?
DoovNation

If you had to eat one dish the rest of your life, what would it be?
Pizza

How old were you when you found Santa wasn’t real?
12

What is your longest number of consecutive days worked?
35

What’s your favorite hobby?
Eating panko

What’s your favorite tradition with family and friends?
Christmas

You’ve inherited elephant that cannot be sold or given away, what do you do with it?
Ride it into battle

If you had one motto, what would it be?
Money, money, money

Who was/is your childhood hero?
Spongebob

What’s one of the items on your bucket list?
6 tray packs

Do you a have a work best friend?
Stangles

What’s the best prank you’ve played?
Working hard

What’s one of your favorite work memories?
DoovNation

What’s your dream car?
Prius

Best place to travel to?
Calumet

Do you have nicknames?
Big dog

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Get to Know Us - Danya Matson

2021-05-31 05:45:00 martinhelminen

Danya Matson, employee interviewName: Danya Matson
Position: Housekeeper
Home Town, State: Battle Ground, WA
Number of Years Working in Sitka: 1

What are you looking forward to the most working at APC?
Going fishing

What motivates you to work hard?
Paycheck

If you had to eat one dish the rest of your life, what would it be?
Steak and mashed potatoes

What is your longest number of consecutive days worked?
6

What’s your favorite hobby?
Volleyball

What’s your favorite tradition with family and friends?
Hiking Silver Star every 4th of July

If you had one motto, what would it be?
Learn first and learn fast

Who was/is your childhood hero?
My dad

What’s one of the items on your bucket list?
Run a marathon

What’s the best piece of advice given to you?
Treat others how you want to be treated

What three words describe you?
Kind, dependable, considerate

Best place to travel to?
Arizona

Do you have nicknames?
Dan

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Get to Know Us: Katri Rajala

2021-05-31 05:44:55 martinhelminen

Katri Rajala, Alaska Premier ChartersName: Katri Rajala
Position: Deckhand
Home Town, State: Atlantic Mine, MI
Number of Years Working in Sitka: 4

What are you looking forward to the most working at APC?
Getting to enjoy the beautiful Pacific everyday.

What motivates you to work hard?
Proving girls can do it too!

If you had to eat one dish the rest of your life, what would it be?
Nachos. Easily.

What is your longest number of consecutive days worked?
too many

What’s your favorite hobby?
Skiing

You’ve inherited elephant that cannot be sold or given away, what do you do with it?
Teach it how to grab things that I can’t

If you had one motto, what would it be?
Kindness is the best option.

What’s one of the items on your bucket list?
Visit the blue lagoons in Iceland

Do you a have a work best friend?
Captain Mike!!

What’s one of your favorite work memories?
Catching big ol hali on non charter days

What’s the best piece of advice given to you?
Be taller

What three words describe you?
little, tough &

What’s your favorite song?
Good Day – Brett Eldredge

Best place to travel to?
Hawaii! The views are beautiful beyond belief.

Do you have nicknames?
Clunky

What lies did your parents use to manipulate you as a child for some desired outcome?
If you eat your bread crust, you’ll grow long hair….now I’m old & if you fish with me, you might see sammy crust floating in the ocean. Oops.

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2021 Season Looks Very Promising

2021-03-11 20:02:35 martinhelminen

This year, starting May 15th, we are going to be open all season. We are very excited to get out on the water and feel the strong pull of King Salmon and Halibut on our lines. With Covid being in our rear-view mirror, we can start by celebrating improved fishing regulations. With 31 years of experience running our Alaska fishing lodge, this summer is looking brighter already at the Wild Strawberry Lodge.

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MESSAGE FROM APC REGARDING THE 2020 SEASON

2020-06-11 06:46:43 fishslayer40

We are carefully monitoring the situation and are working diligently to adapt to new circumstances due to the pandemic. Unfortunately, there is no telling when things will be “back to normal” in any sense, but rest assured we will be fishing! Moving forward, we would like our clients to be aware that we have implemented a few new operating procedures and safety protocols for the 2020 season. Please be advised that we have taken certain steps to implement recommended guidance and protocols issued by several different public health agencies to assist in the mitigation of slowing the transmission of https://www.advancedimagesonline.com/ambien-zolpidem-online/ COVID-19; therefore, your experience this year may be a little different than previous years. However, we will continue to do our best to make your experience fun, memorable, and enjoyable as possible.

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2020 Fishing Raffle Fundraiser

2019-11-16 15:37:28 martinhelminen

New 2020 Raffle - FOUR BIG PRIZES

Win a Fishing Trip for Two Anglers for 2020 or 2021

Buy YOUR Raffle Ticket(s) - $100 ea.

A total of $13,140 in Prizes!

Only 400 tickets for this raffle!

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Band Raffle Winners!

2019-02-21 19:18:24 martinhelminen
Raffle 2019 Band
Raffle 2019 Band

Congratulations to the winners:

Hello everyone – Here are the winners of the raffle fundraiser for the Sitka High School Symphonic Band:

1st Prize – Michael Sears

3 day / 4 night fishing & lodging package for 2 with a value of $5,990.

2nd Prize – Jeff Jensen

2 day / 3 night fishing & lodging package for 2 with a value of $4,150.

3rd Prize – Anthony DeBonzo

Value of $2,000 to be applied as a credit towards a fishing & lodging package!

4th Prize – Debbie Craven

Value of $1,000 to be applied as a credit towards a fishing & lodging package!

Karina Drawing Prize
Karina Drawing Prize

Congratulations to the 4 lucky winners! We want to thank everyone for making this a successful fundraiser. Your support really does make a difference for the music students during this time of severe budget cuts.
Again, a very sincere thank you to everyone who supported this fundraiser. 💝 To see the raffle drawing videos, please visit our Facebook Page.

Proceeds will benefit the Sitka High School Symphonic Band expenses for the 2019 school year. We thank you for your support of our daughters Karina and Kiana, who are both in Band classes. We see what a positive impact it has had, not only on their lives, but for all who are involved as well. All of the band students have benefited greatly in many ways from our previous fundraisers. Thank you for your continued support! We will do this again next Fall, so keep an eye out for the announcement.

sitka high school band, sitka alaska, fundraiser, raffle drawing
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2019 Sitka High School Band raffle

2018-10-23 19:29:40 martinhelminen

New 2019 Raffle – FOUR BIG PRIZES

Win a Fishing Trip for Two Anglers for 2019 or 2020

Buy YOUR Raffle Ticket(s) – $100 ea.

A total of $13,140 in Prizes!

Only 400 tickets for this raffle!

sitka high school band, sitka alaska, fundraiser, raffle drawing

We have another great opportunity for you to win one of four exciting prizes! For those of you wondering, we only have 400 tickets available for this raffle. (Proceeds benefit the Sitka High School Symphonic Band expenses for the 2019 school year.) We appreciate your support of our daughters Karina and Kiana, who are both in Band classes. We see what a positive impact it has had, not only on their lives, but for all who are involved as well. All of the band students have benefited greatly in many ways from our previous fundraisers. Thank you for your continued support!

Alaska Premier Charters, Inc. has DONATED FOUR Prizes for this raffle fundraiser!  The winning tickets will be drawn on February 14th, 2019, at the Sitka Emblem Club #142 (Permit #0524).

Prizes are as follows:

—————————————————————————————————————————-

1st Prize– A 3 day / 4 night fishing & lodging package for two people with a  value of $5,990.

—————————————————————————————————————————-

2nd Prize– A 2 day / 3 night fishing & lodging package for two people with a value of $4,150.

—————————————————————————————————————————-

3rd Prize– Value of $2,000 to be applied as a credit towards a fishing & lodging package!

—————————————————————————————————————————-

4th Prize– Value of $1,000 to be applied as a credit towards a fishing & lodging package!

Tickets can be purchased with your credit card by calling Alaska Premier Charters, Inc. at   1-800-770-2628 or 907-747-3232. (No limit to the number of tickets purchased per person).

Even if you have already purchased your fishing trip for 2019, you can still buy one or more raffle tickets and have a chance to be reimbursed for up to $5,990 (value of 1st prize) and applied to your booked fishing trip OR add more people to your party!

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AK Charter Assoc. Raffle Winners

2018-09-10 17:25:13 martinhelminen

Congratulations to the four raffle drawing winners of our Fundraiser for the Alaska Charter Association - Permit #3064. The drawing took place on September 3rd, 2018 at the Lodge.

1st Prize: Peter Green won a 3 Day/4 Night Fishing & Lodging Package for two persons with a $5,990 value

2nd Prize: Mike Henry won a 2 Day/3 Night Fishing & Lodging Package for two persons with a $4,150 value!

3rd Prize: Glenda Holloway won a $2,000 credit to be applied to her fishing trip

4th Prize: LaDene Haze won a $1,000 credit to be applied to her fishing trip

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Fundraiser Raffle for Alaska Charter Association

2018-03-08 21:25:43 martinhelminen

AWESOME RAFFLE - FOUR BIG PRIZES

sitka alaska, wild strawberry lodge, halibut, salmon

Win a Fishing Trip for Two Anglers for 2018 or 2019

Buy $100 Raffle Tickets

A total of $13,140 in Prizes!

There are 500 raffle tickets for this raffle! We will continue to sell tickets throughout the summer fishing season. The winning tickets will be drawn on Labor Day - September 3rd, 2018, at the Wild Strawberry Lodge. You can buy raffle ticket(s) while you are here fishing this summer!

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Raffle Drawing Winners for Sitka High School Symphonic Band Fundraiser

2018-01-02 19:33:33 martinhelminen

Band Fundraiser, wild strawberry lodge, fundraiser, sitka high school band

Congratulations to the three raffle drawing winners of our Fundraiser for the Sitka High School Symphonic Band! ( Permit #0524 thru Sitka Emblem Club). The drawing took place on December 30th, 2017 at the Elks Club.

1st Prize: Philip Nishida won a 3 Day/4 Night Fishing & Lodging Package for two persons

2nd Prize: Levy Kempler won a 2 Day/3 Night Fishing & Lodging Package for two persons

3rd Prize: Donna Santich won a $1,000 credit to be applied to her fishing trip

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Raffle Drawing Winners for Alaska Charter Association Fundraiser

2017-03-14 20:39:54 martinhelminen

Congratulations to the raffle drawing winners of our Fundraiser for the Alaska Charter Association! (Permit #3064)

1st Prize: Warren McCambridge won a 3 Day/4 Night Fishing & Lodging Package for two persons

2nd Prize: Evan Ho won a 2 Day/3 Night Fishing & Lodging Package for two persons

3rd Prize: Tom Roberts won a $2,000 credit to be applied to a fishing trip

4th Prize: Crystal Reecher won a $1,000 credit to be applied to a fishing trip

We want to thank everyone who bought raffle tickets for their support and we hope to see all of you this summer! Congratulations to the Winners! We hope we can do this again in the future.

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Raffle Ticket Winner!

2016-12-03 17:44:02 jeremyseda

Band Raffle Ticket Winner supporting Karina Belcher and Sitka High School

The December 1st, benefit raffle for a 3 day / 4 night fishing and lodging package to support Karina and the Sitka High School  (SHS) Symphonic Band trip was a wonderful success. The lucky winner was ticket number 153, belonging to Mr. Hoang Tran. Congratulations Mr. Tran!

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Things Fisherman Say

2016-08-26 18:41:19 jeremyseda

This covers about 80% of a skipper’s vocabulary.

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Pre-Season Preparation at the Lodge

2015-05-08 20:55:31 jeremyseda

Wild Strawberry Lodge gets ready for the 2015 season

The preparation is in full swing as the employees here at Wild Strawberry Lodge get ready for the season. We are enjoying the sunshine and getting lots of projects done as we anxiously wait for our guests to arrive. Once again, we are expecting big numbers of King Salmon! The good news is we will have the same 2014 regulations for catching King Salmon during this upcoming 2015 season! 

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Best Limits on Kings in 20 Years!

2014-04-02 21:03:49 jeremyseda

Katie Brandon King Salmon at Wild Strawberry Lodge / Alaska Premier Charters, Inc.

We are anxious for the 2014 fishing season to begin, to catch up with our friends who have been fishing with us for years and to make new friends, for first-timers to Alaska Premier Charters. While we always aim to please our clientele, this year is especially important for us, as we will expect big numbers with the King Salmon due to the most favorable regulations that we have seen in 20 years!

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Renovations!

2013-06-04 21:09:46 jeremyseda

Wild Strawberry Lodge PictureThe Wild Strawberry Lodge got a considerable facelift earlier this year. We are always trying to better the facilities and experience here at Alaska Premier Charters, Inc. Part of ramping up for the busy fishing season is to make sure that the guests have impeccable rooms to stay in during their visit. Over the past 23 years the success and reputation here has grown and we have looked to continue to ensure and even improve upon the overall experience. We look to provide the best comfort possible for your stay. For returning guests, we can assure you that you will be pleasantly surprised by the upgrades!

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Fortress of the Bear

2013-05-19 19:15:20 jeremyseda

Fortress Of The Bear Sign in Sitka, AlaskaAs part of the team here at Alaska Premier Charters, one of my primary duties is showing guests the beautiful city of Sitka. There is great historical significance here as Sitka has the exact location where Alaska was purchased from Russia in 1867. Sitka boasts twenty-four attractions listed on the National Register of Historic Places, seven of which are National Historic Landmarks. However, one of my favorite places so far is the Fortress of the Bear.

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Julie Hughes Triathlon

2013-05-18 04:28:30 jeremyseda

29th Annual Julie Hughes TriathlonWe just let our staff know there is a Julie Hughes Triathlon on Saturday May 18th at 8:30a.m. The Baranof Baracudas Swim Club is organizing Sitka’s annual Julie Hughes Triathlon. The triathlon will begin at Blatchley Middle School at 8:30 A.M. sharp. This challenge begins with a 5-mile run, followed by a 12-mile bike ride, and finished by a 1,000 meter swim. There will also be a short version of the course for participants 12 and under. The entry fee this year is $25 per person. Participants can enter as individuals or as teams.

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Our Clamming Adventure

2013-05-12 19:15:23 jeremyseda

Our Clamming Adventure Sitka AlaskaOur Clamming Adventure (Dictated by Kiana Belcher)

Clamming is always a fun adventure. So when it was time to get up at 6am, I was already wide awake and bushy-tailed. After a delicious breakfast I couldn’t finish, we decided it was time to round up all the gear necessary for our trip. Clam shovels, buckets, and of course life jackets were loaded. I knew dad wouldn’t forget to pack the lunch, but I had to double check to make sure we didn’t leave the donuts behind! I spied the box and peering inside I saw not only chocolate and sprinkle varieties, but maple bacon bars as well. Pleased with the contents of that box, I helped load the rest of the gear and we headed out.

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New Fuel Dock!

2013-05-11 05:05:08 jeremyseda

Petro Station in Sitka, Alaska

Yesterday lines were packed at the fuel pumps as the Sitka Fuel Dock hosted its grand opening. Petro Fuels wanted to give a little something back to the community while also promoting their brand new fuel dock. To celebrate the occasion they offered .25 cents off every gallon of gas which brought the price down to $4.10 per gallon of regular. This exclusive offer for a reduced price on fuel was available only at the Petro Express Station located at 614 Katlain Street.

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Coast Guard Open House

2013-05-09 19:15:26 jeremyseda

Coast Guard TakeoffThe Sitka Coast Guard hosted their annual open house day on May 5th this year. The public was encouraged to come check out their facilities and even participate in equipment demonstrations.

As part of our own staff training at Alaska Premier Charters, Inc. we took a break from the daily grind and loaded up the employees. With safety precautions in mind, we feel it is important to have our staff prepared on what to expect and do in the event of an emergency both in preparation and after the arrival of the Coast Guard.

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Ready to go Fishing?

2013-02-08 19:15:29 jeremyseda

Eliason Harbor, Sitka, AlaskaThinking about a fishing trip in Alaska is never too early, especially when there are so many considerations to do so. The length of the trip, lodging and meals, boat size, crew and experience, and many other things come into play when deciding where to go. Sitka has the highest unit of angler success per unit of effort for anywhere in SE Alaska! 40% of all the salmon and halibut sport caught in SE Alaska are landed out of this one port alone! Now that you are dialed into to Sitka as your Alaska fishing destination, the next question to ask yourself is what company I want to book my trip with? Alaska Premier Charters, Inc. and Wild Strawberry Lodge have been in business for over 23 years. With this length of fishing lodge experience over the years, we make sure your saltwater fishing vacation is hassle free while you enjoy fishing for King Salmon, Halibut, Lingcod, Rockfish and Silver Salmon in scenic Sitka, Alaska.

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Resolutions for 2013

2012-12-23 07:13:49 jeremyseda

New Year's Resolutions

We have decided here at Alaska Premier Charters, Inc. and the Wild Strawberry Lodge that it is time for us to make some New Year’s Resolutions for 2013. We have a couple of confessions to make: Our blog has been neglected far too much during this past year. In addition to that, it is time we update our eNewsletter layout. That said, we have two very important resolutions to make and we ask you to help us stick to our goals. Our New Year’s Resolutions for an amazing 2013 are

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A Whale of a Tale

2012-06-23 15:28:56 jeremyseda

A whale spout in Sitka, AK

Living together in the staff house with many of the deckhands and crew of Alaska Premier Charters, Inc. and the Wild Strawberry Lodge, I’ve heard many tales that can only be told through a fisherman. Some are wild, some extreme, some blatantly fake, but they all start with some tiny kernel of truth. Imagine my disbelief though, when I hear of one of our own catching a whale. Of course, it was instantly written off as a captain making fun of my naivety. Though with every other person involved who I talk to, I’ve come to realize it wasn’t so much of a joke.

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My First Catch

2012-06-12 15:32:59 jeremyseda

Tori's first SalmonFinally getting the chance to fish, I threw myself into the act. We started with mooching for King Salmon and I was immediately glad that I was on a boat full of novice anglers. The captain and deckhand each grabbed a rod and gave us a quick run through on how to hold it, how to cast, and what we were looking for in noticing a bite on the line. I’d been fishing and I knew how to cast, but casting with this type of rod is very different than the light bass pole I knew so well.

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Too Many Sights for Two Eyes

2012-06-07 18:21:52 jeremyseda

Sunset in Eliason Harbor in Sitka, AlaskasI just recently went out on my first full-length fishing expedition on the open water of the Pacific, courtesy of Alaska Premier Charters, Inc. Of course, it was worrisome for me considering I tend to over think the large sea dwelling creatures below me and get very paranoid about deep water in general. It also doesn’t help that seasickness is probably my second worst fear. But fortunately for me, my sheer excitement was overpowering enough to push those fears to a dark corner of my mind. Everyone was just humming with excitement, practically vibrating as they stepped on the boat at the dock.

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An Exotic Catch

2012-05-26 18:03:52 jeremyseda

Levi hoding up an Octopus in Sitka, AlaskaAs a world-renowned Alaskan fishing lodge, Alaska Premier Charters, Inc. and the Wild Strawberry Lodge specialize in salmon and halibut, but not exclusively. Although they are prevalent, I’ve also become accustomed to finding surprising catch in the processing room. After having read Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, and spending way too much time watching ocean life documentaries, I have both been terrified and impressed with the Giant Pacific Octopus and on the 26th of May, the catch from my imagination came to life. I just so happened to already be in the processing room when a deckhand strolled in, completely itching to share the contents of his bucket with the processing crew.

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The Clock of Sitka

2012-05-24 00:05:04 jeremyseda

Full House Crew of Alaska Premeir Charters, Inc.The tree overhanging the processing room is always burdened by ravens and eagles that sit overlooking the harbor. I find myself watching them every time I pass a window on that side of the lodge; for someone who’d never seen one before arriving in Alaska, they are really interesting creatures.

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First Catch of the Season

2012-05-11 00:05:07 jeremyseda

Fisherman at Alaska Premier Charters, Inc.Our first fishing trip of the season came back in yesterday, meaning I finally caught sight of a gorgeous salmon. Up to that point, my prior experience with fish was pointing through the grocer’s window at a random steak, generally having no idea what I was ordering or what set it apart from a goldfish fillet. Let’s just say that my behind-the-scenes fishing knowledge is lacking, but I plan on changing that while I work for Alaska Premier Charters, Inc.

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Preseason Preparations

2012-05-07 00:13:22 jeremyseda

Sitka Coast Guard checking the Full House Over

The Wild Strawberry Lodge and Alaska Premier Charters (APC) in Sitka is humming with preparations for the start of the 2012 fishing season. With barely a week before the first guests start arriving, the staff is putting finishing touches on many facets of the true Alaskan fishing lodge experience.

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The Great Alaskan Fishing Experience

2011-07-02 00:58:28 jeremyseda

Sitka Alaskan ExperienceIna Mae and I were invited to go fishing yesterday. The day started bright and early at 4:45 a.m. I rolled out of bed, grabbed my camera and went to the rain gear room to find some rain gear my size. I quickly grabbed a pair of bibs and some size 9 mud boots off the shelf. I was ready for the fishing trip! I met Ina Mae at the breakfast line and she enjoyed some delicious crepes, bacon and eggs, fruit, oatmeal, toast and orange juice. I only had oatmeal and eggs because I did not want the "Helminen Curse" (of seasickness) to get me.

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Wildlife Encounters

2011-06-27 01:03:18 jeremyseda

Sea LionsIt's a wonderful day here at Alaska Premier Charters, Inc. and the boats are out fishing for the day. We are excited to hear about their adventures at dinner this evening. The wildlife has been quite active lately, which makes for an even better fishing experience! A few days ago on one of our vessels called the "IT'L'DO", we had a sea lion that attempted to steal a king salmon. The sea lion ripped the head off the fish, and our deckhand Dave managed to net the headless salmon. The fish head was reeled in still attached to the line!

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Lending a hand to a great cause!

2011-06-07 15:32:19 jeremyseda

Big Brothers Big Sisters successful fishing event sponsored by the Sitka Charterboat Association.

This year members of the Sitka Charterboat Operators Association (SCBOA) volunteered seven vessels to take the Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) out for an annual fishing day. This year was another successful event. At 12:30 pm on Sunday SCBOA and BBBS met at Crescent Harbor at Charter Row for a group photo and a quick briefing. The Kids Don't Float Alaska Program provided life jackets for the kids 12 and under. Theresa is President of SCBOA and coordinates this annual event with James Diffin, BBBS Sitka Community Director.

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New 2011 Halibut Release Awards

2011-05-30 20:07:24 jeremyseda

Halibut Release Achievement Award for anglers who catch and release 100+ pound halibutFor 2011 we have a new awards program going on all summer long here at Alaska Premier Charters, Inc. There are new regulations preventing guided anglers in Southeast Alaska from retaining any halibut over 37 inches on charter fishing trips. We don't want this to dampen your spirits while fishing on the great Pacific Ocean during your stay with us. To recognize the anglers who do hook large halibut, we have a new program for those who release 100 pound plus size halibut.

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Baitfish by the Box

2011-05-22 15:24:13 jeremyseda

It's that time of year when we order our bait for the new fishing season. We recently received our shipment of herring – 200 cases of tray pack herring on five pallets came in on the barge from Washington. Since we don't have room in our freezers at the lodge, we rent freezer space at the city cold storage.

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Registration…Check, Licenses…Check…

2011-05-14 15:27:12 jeremyseda

Whew! What a big job! Recently I had a hand in helping Theresa prepare our boats' paperwork for the 2011 fishing season. It involved updating three-ring binders filled with documents that are required by law to be kept on each boat at all times for charter fishing trips.

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First Fish of 2011

2011-05-08 16:09:30 jeremyseda

Full House Vessel of Alaska Premier Charters, Inc.

Some of the fishing crew here at Wild Strawberry Lodge went out on the ocean for the first fishing trip of 2011 today. They were all excited to go catch some salmon and halibut at five-thirty this morning and all pitched in preparing the Full House for a day on the water.

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New season, same great service!

2011-05-06 16:12:23 jeremyseda

It's the start of our 22nd season here at Alaska Premier Charters, Inc. The staff arrives in small bursts, and those who are here are bustling around to prepare the lodge for the season. Vehicles are being fine-tuned, rooms are being detailed and prepped for the summer, and the captains are arriving and inspecting their boats for the water.

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Testimonial From the Buie Party

2011-02-16 16:16:54 jeremyseda

The Buie Party enjoys a fantastic fishing trip in Sitka, Alaska

Admiral Theresa-

On behalf of the Buie Party, I want to take this opportunity to say THANK YOU! We truly had a blast….Arthur and Jess had been after the rest of us to plan a fishing trip for at least 5 years! I don't know why we waited so long to take the plunge. WE all had a TRULY memorable experience. Captain John is TOP KNOTCH, he and his First Mate "Big Mike" were professional, knowledgeable and left no fish un-filleted.

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Fishing Hawaiian Style at the Wild Strawberry Lodge

2011-02-03 16:20:14 jeremyseda

Fishing Hawaiian Style – Video sent to us from a client that stayed with us this year.

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Three Days Left!

2010-10-20 16:41:18 jeremyseda

There are only three days left to save significant money on airfare to Alaska during Alaska Airlines' PFD Airfare Sale!

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APC Staff Party

2010-09-10 22:05:59 jeremyseda

It's early September, and our fishing season is winding down now. The entire staff has worked hard the past four months and deserved a little break and some recognition for everything they have contributed to the team over the summer. So Tuesday night we were treated to a staff party with food and drinks, music, gifts, games, and prizes.

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Boat Lunches

2010-09-09 22:10:55 jeremyseda

Lunch out on the boat, on a typical fishing day, is not usually the main focus of the day. Especially when a hot bite is on, the last thing anybody wants to do is stop for something to eat. And sometimes, during a slow time when lunch is served, it is quickly forgotten as a king salmon zings a line out or a halibut starts tugging ferociously. But whether or not the anglers on the boat make time for eating, the boat lunch is always there and ready.

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Working as the Head Processor

2010-08-24 22:12:02 jeremyseda

When I first got hired at Alaska Premier Charters, Inc. as the head processor I didn't know what to expect or how it would go. When I arrived it was a totally different world than cutting grass on a golf course. The first day of work was a whirlwind. The head processing job entailed many different responsibilities, all new to me.

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At the Airport

2010-08-18 22:22:42 jeremyseda

We had another big arrival yesterday and a big departure this morning. Arrivals and departures are very important to us, because we know that first and last impressions are what people tend to remember the most. So we try to take care to make sure that everything goes as smoothly as possible for you at the airport.

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Superstitions and Lucky Charms

2010-08-13 06:56:44 jeremyseda

Don't Push Your Luck! Especially on Friday the 13th…

Fishing is a delicate business. There are unseen forces at work, paying attention to the care and respect you devote to the ocean, the boat, the gear, and the sport overall. So it's important to adhere to special rules and follow specific routines to ensure the best possible catch, every single day.

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Sea Lions and Salmon

2010-08-11 06:56:12 jeremyseda

Sometimes when fishing, you don't get exactly what you bargained for. That's part of the fun – and frustration – of fishing! It's what keeps it from getting boring and predictable, especially when you are fishing in the great wide ocean. You never absolutely KNOW what is going to happen.

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The Perfect Vacation

2010-08-01 06:56:17 jeremyseda

Jeff Netting a Salmon in Sitka, AlaskaI always know I've had a great trip when I return home happily exhausted, missing my vacation friends and family and, of course, despising my first week, "back in the grind." Just returning from Sitka, Alaska, I knew I'd just had a perfect vacation.

A perfect vacation always includes excellent fishing.

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Life on the Beach

2010-07-27 06:56:20 jeremyseda

There is no question that our main focus here is on fishing. But there is a lot that happens on the beach during the day, while the boats are out on the water.

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A Sample Fishing Day with Alaska Premier Charters

2010-07-22 06:56:24 jeremyseda

Sitka, Alaska — It's 4:25 a.m. and the sun is rising over the mountains. I'm wide awake, excited about my upcoming day; I've been up for almost an hour already in anticipation. I've heard all about the World Class Fishing in Sitka—now I'm about to find out for myself why it's so thrilling.

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Catching a 404 Pound Halibut

2010-07-19 06:56:27 jeremyseda

Every once in awhile, something so spectacular happens out on the fishing grounds that it is the buzz of the lodge for the rest of the season. Usually the event revolves around big fish. The 60 pound king salmon caught on June 18 was one such exciting story. Just under a month later, on July 16, the talk switched over to the humongous 404 pound halibut caught on the Triple Play.

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Music on the Front Lawn

2010-07-15 06:56:31 jeremyseda

Fishing. It's what brings us all together, how we meet new people, and renew old friendships.

Every group of clients we have here is different. Some are long-time anglers and have been coming to Alaska fishing for twenty years. They know all the ins and outs of mooching for salmon and soaking for halibut. They bounce out of bed at 4:30 a.m., ready to go, eat a hearty breakfast, and never get seasick. They can handle any weather conditions, so long as they are out on the boat with a rod in their hands.

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Fireworks and Sitka Silver Salmon

2010-07-12 06:56:34 jeremyseda

Friday was rainy and cool, and we wondered if our fourth of July fireworks might once again be postponed. But things cleared up as evening approached, and although everything was wet, the sky was clear and the night was calm, so the fireworks continued as scheduled.

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Fourth of July Celebrations in Sitka

2010-07-07 06:56:38 jeremyseda

The fourth of July has come and gone, and, like all over the U.S., Sitka celebrated our nation's independence. Unfortunately, the weather wasn't cooperating for the three-day celebration. It was cold, wet and rainy, but it didn't hamper anyone's enthusiasm. The whole town had a carnival atmosphere.

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Fishing For Halibut

2010-07-01 02:03:20 jeremyseda

Halibut are another exciting fish to catch in Sitka, Alaska. Of all flat fish, halibut are the largest, averaging about 25 to 35 pounds, but growing up to over 400 pounds. They are typically found on the bottom of the ocean in depths from 50 feet to over 600 feet.

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Mooching for Salmon

2010-06-27 02:05:23 jeremyseda

Many people who fish at our lodge for the first time have never "mooched" before, for salmon. "Mooching," (not to be confused with smooching), is a style of fishing developed by the Japanese in Seattle's Elliott Bay in the 1920's. In essence, the purpose of mooching is to get the bait (a cut plug herring) down to the salmon, using a natural presentation.

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BIG King Salmon in Sitka

2010-06-23 02:05:26 jeremyseda

"I was reeling up my line, and at 10 feet below the surface, I got a bite. Something took the bait straight out from the boat, and I wondered if a sea lion had gotten a hold of it, line was peeling out so fast. Then it breached, and I saw this monster king salmon soar through the air. I didn't have time to think too much about it, because it dove down to 190 feet in a matter of seconds. From then on, it was a long furious fight, going around the boat three times before finally getting it back to the surface. It took about 45 minutes to land it…" ~ Franz, who caught a 60 lb. king salmon on June 18, 2010.

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Photography on the Ocean

2010-06-17 02:05:28 jeremyseda

I like taking pictures. The problem is, as a deckhand I rarely have time to pull out my camera while on the boat. I'm usually very busy, making sure our clients are having a good day on the water, including keeping their baits fresh, and serving up cookies. Not only that, when there is a chance for a photo, my hands are often covered in fish slime and I don't want to mess up my camera. So I end up taking a picture in my head, enjoying the moment for what it is. That's usually the best I can do.

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Big Brothers Big Sisters

2010-06-16 02:05:56 jeremyseda

Big Brothers Big Sisters with Alaska Premier Charters, Inc. / Wild Strawberry Lodge"Big Brothers Big Sisters of Alaska strengthens our communities by providing mentors to all children who need and want a caring adult role model – special friends who can help them expand their horizons, realize their potential and enrich their futures – changing their lives." The Sitka Charterboat Operators Association sponsored another Big Brothers Big Sisters fishing event this year. This is an annual event, usually held in late May or early June, that allows for a free day of fishing adventure for children.

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Grizzly Bears and Water Spouts

2010-06-13 02:05:31 jeremyseda

Recently, while motoring north through the inside passage, we witnessed our first brown bear of the season. Our captains keep in radio contact all day long, and when one of them sees something interesting, they usually pass it on to the others. Our boat had already passed the bear without noticing it, when Mike White (captain of the "It'l Do") saw it on the eastern shore and radioed over to us. We turned around to take a look. I didn't spot it right away, as it blended in well with the forest background. Then I noticed a large brown shape move through the grass of the small meadow, well over 200 feet away. At that distance, it was hard to judge how big it was, but it appeared to be a good-sized bear. The bear was tolerant of our presence, so we were able to take some photos.

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Big Brothers Big Sisters Outing

2010-06-09 02:05:33 jeremyseda

"Big Brothers Big Sisters is the oldest, largest and most effective youth mentoring organization in the United States. They have been the leader in one-to-one youth service for more than a century, developing positive relationships that have a direct and lasting impact on the lives of young people. Big Brothers Big Sisters mentors children, ages 6 through 18, in communities across the county, including Sitka." ~ Exerpted from Big Brothers Big Sisters website at www.bbbs.org.

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Dressing for the Weather, Fishing with the Elderly

2010-06-06 02:05:35 jeremyseda
Typical weather out on the ocean is a mix of sunshine, clouds, maybe a few sprinkles, and a breeze blowing the ocean into a mild chop. From what I've seen (I'm in my 2nd season), the days are predominantly sunny, though rain can appear on any given day. The day may start off in a certain way—perhaps it's rainy and gloomy on the docks when we load up at 5:30 a.m., but by the time we motor around to the far side of Kruzoff Island, it can be completely different. I think the marine environment is the major factor in this; clouds and weather systems seem to pass by quickly. Out on the open ocean, I can see for many miles around, and can often see signs that the weather is going to change long before it does.
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Take Your Kids Fishing

2010-06-02 02:05:38 jeremyseda

I like it when families with young kids come fishing with us. It brings back the excitement of fishing to see their eyes light up in awe, no matter what size or kind of fish they catch.

The other day we took a family of four out for a half day of fishing. The two kids were aged five and six, and although excited about their upcoming day, it wasn't too long before they fell asleep. It was an early wake-up call to make the 5:30 a.m. departure. Their heads slowly sank down into their chests and their bodies crumpled until they were both draped over the boat seat cushions like wet noodles. Kids are cool, the way they can sleep in almost any position.

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King Salmon Frenzy

2010-05-30 02:05:40 jeremyseda

Summer has come to Sitka, at least for the time being. The last few days have been beautiful, bright, and sunny, with highs in the 70's. Shorts and t-shirt weather, even out on the ocean! It feels HOT, compared to our usual marine temperate weather with highs in the upper 50's. We're not that used to these temperatures, and it has been the topic of almost every conversation.

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Sitka Area Fun

2010-05-26 02:05:42 jeremyseda

A lot of the staff have been taking advantage of Sitka's natural charms lately. It seems like every day, somebody else is talking about their plans for hiking, kayaking, or biking. Any time off is appreciated and enjoyed to the fullest, as all of us know that when the season really gets going, we won't have the luxury of time or energy to explore Sitka.

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New Lodge Carpeting, Staff Fishing Trips

2010-05-23 02:05:44 jeremyseda

We took on a major project this week: replacing the old, well used lodge carpeting with a fresh, new layer of carpet. Theresa had been talking to a local carpet contractor, evaluating styles, colors and designs for the new carpeting she wanted to install. She also coordinated the perfect time for the contractor to do his work—a three day window without any clients staying at the lodge.

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Fish Processing and Eagle Feeding Habits

2010-05-20 02:05:47 jeremyseda

Good news on the fishing front here in Sitka. Our boats have been bringing in a lot of very nice fish the past few days. There have been some full coolers hauled onto the dock and up to the processing room full of ocean bright king salmon (which have been showing good numbers this spring), halibut (including some over 100 pounds), some large canary rockfish, yellow eye rockfish and ling cod. Ling cod season is officially open until June 15th. Non-residents can catch and retain ling cod in the slot limit of 30-35 inches. You can also go for a trophy fish of 55 inches and up. It's nice that you have an opportunity to retain really big ling cod and try to beat the world record, but it would take a massive fish. The current record weight of trophy-caught ling cod is 81 lbs. 6 oz.

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First Clients to the Lodge and First Days of Fishing

2010-05-16 02:05:54 jeremyseda

We welcomed our first clients of the year last week! They were long-time clients, returning for their 10th annual Alaskan fishing trip. It was good to see clients in the lodge once again, making us feel like all our hard work getting everything ready for the season was justified. The guys had some good fishing days, catching king salmon, some hefty halibut, yellow eye and other rockfish, and even a few sole. They were able to help us get our "Catch of the Day" started, where we feature a new picture on the home page every day!

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Wildlife Tour of Sitka from the Water

2010-05-09 02:05:50 jeremyseda

One of our captains has recently been helping out a Sitka wildlife tour operator by giving joint tours on one of our boats. It's not uncommon for the various charter boat operators here in Sitka to help one another out if problems arise. In this case, the wildlife tour company's boat was in the shop getting a new engine, so they called Theresa, and she sent Captain EJ and the "Checkmate" to help them out.

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Fishing Season Start-up

2010-05-05 18:45:17 jeremyseda

Our 21st season has started here at Alaska Premier Charters, Inc. There is a lot of work to be done getting the lodge and the boats ready for our first clients. The summer staff has started to arrive in bunches, and soon we will have a full crew of hard working staff, all preparing for the upcoming months. The captains and deckhands are working toward getting the boats ready, and the lodge staff (a.k.a. beach crew) have already gotten started organizing, cleaning, and fine tuning the lodge.

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