Commercial Marine Charters: Captain's Letter

Capt. Ken Seymour's Letter

Hi!
Thank you for your interest in Commercial Marine Charters. In 2004 we started our season in the second week of May and fished the West Side of the Queen Charlotte Islands. All clients went home with their limits and released many more fish as well. One group even decided to release all spring salmon that were under 45lbs, and still went home with 4 springs each! This year, 2005, we are starting our season in the first week of April because of the incredible interest for West Coast fishing. In 2004 the commercial Troll fishermen harvested 25,000 springs in February and March on the West Side of the Queen Charlotte Islands, so you can see that there is no shortage of salmon. We intend to stay and fish until the end of August 2005.

What to expect:
All trips are a minimum of five days, so you will need at least a week planned for your trip. You will arrive on the day before your charter starts at approximately 2:00pm. At this point you will be able to purchase fishing licenses and any personal beverages that you require, or you may bring this from home. Then on to the Jennifer Gayle where we will depart for the West Side of the Islands, through the scenic Skidegate narrows (tides permitting). We will then haul the crab and prawn gear and anchor for the night. The next morning your adventure starts. Besides the salmon and halibut fishing, there are many great beaches where you can walk and beach comb for hours each evening, finding Japanese glass floats and other beach surprises. As well, you will have the opportunity to observe whales and other wildlife in their natural habitat.

Safety on Board:
The Jennifer Gayle is a 67-foot steel charter boat with all the safety equipment on board including certified life raft, rubber boat, life jackets and all other needs.

Care of Your Catch:
As you catch your fish, you will be taught how to clean them, and then the fish will be put into a mixture of ice and water and held at approximately 35°F (1°C) until the end of your charter. In Queen Charlotte City there is a company that will fillet and vacuum pack your catch, freeze it, and deliver it to the airport for your departure on the day after your last day fishing. Or, we can pack your whole fish in Styrofoam fish boxes for you, but remember that extra weight can be expensive when flying. You will have approximately 120 pounds of salmon and anywhere from 80 to 200 pounds of halibut, lingcod, and rockfish.

Getting to Sandspit:
There are two airlines servicing Sandspit and the Queen Charlotte Islands, Air Canada Jazz and HawkAir. Both Airlines have daily flights, so check with your travel agent when booking.

Smaller Groups:
We like to have at least five (5) persons to make up a crew, but can take up to six, with a minimum of four persons. If you are fishing alone or with two or three other persons, we can try to match you up with others to make up a trip. We currently have bookings of one or two person groups and are looking to fill them up.

Booking Dates:
We are currently booking for approximately 5 trips per month. Please call to reserve your trip today!

What to Bring:
- All the personal gear that you need
- Comfortable Hiking Boots (for Beachcombing)
- Rubber Boots (for on deck)
- Jackets and Raingear are provided
- All linens and towels are provided

Bathrooms and Showering:
We have a good supply of fresh water. Although the supply is not unlimited, you will be able to shower every day if you like.

Fishing Gear:
We use top name gear, Penn reels, good quality fishing rods for both salmon and halibut, which are upgraded every year.
Canon and Penn downriggers - 4 total.
16ft Zodiac rubber boat can also be rigged with two Scotty downriggers and a sounder.
Also, you may bring your own gear if you desire.

Comments from Previous Clients:
June 19/04 - Thomas M.
"If you read this on your first day... Be prepared for the outdoor experience of a lifetime. You are going to step off this boat an experienced crewmember of an actually working holiday. You are going to sleep well with a grin on your face and a sore arm. Reeling is a bitch. Now shape up, and remember, Fish On."

July 5/04 - Gordon I.
"I have been salmon fishing over 25 times and I believe this was the most unique trip I have ever been on. The diversity of fishing was incredible and I came away very satisfied with my catch. Ken Seymour is a pro and knows how to make your trip. I WILL be back.
P.S. I brought my spouse, my sister and her husband and two 16 year olds. They all did well."