I have been an avid fisherman as long as I can remember. Fishing in Allen Creek in Marysville at the age of 6, now chasing Chinook salmon, Halibut, and Ling cod. My dad always had boats and I grew up fishing and cruising. In 1968 he purchased a 55-foot Munk design cruiser and we spent summers in Desolation Sound all the way up to Ketchikan. In 1972 after graduating from high school I got a job at Yes Bay Lodge north of Ketchikan and worked in the summer as a guide for 3 years. In the early 80s I was a commercial gillnet fisherman in SE Alaska. I now have our Ranger Tug the Pal O’ Mine 2 - a R-29 CB - and a 21-foot North River we use as a day boat.

My passion has always been Kings, my two biggest fish were both 55 lbs caught at Rivers Inlet. One in 1972 the other in 2012 with many 30 to 45 lb fish in between. My gear of choice is a 10’ 6” GL3 with a Shimano Tekota 500 reel. My go to bait is herring but I do fish flashers with spoons or hoochies. We also target Lings and Halibut and try to spend a couple of weeks in the spring fishing out of La Push. The largest Halibut on our Ranger Tug was 100 lbs caught near Kake, Alaska; that was an exciting time for my wife Carol and I!

What I really enjoy about fishing is the challenge and anticipation of the catch. It is said that 90% of the fish caught are caught by 10% of the fishermen and I always try to be in that number. Being out in this beautiful world God has created for us is another one of my passions. Sharing my experiences with my family and friends is a great joy. My son David is my closest fishing companion and his passion and skill of the sport have surpassed me. We always take the greatest care of our catch by bleeding and ice. Then vacuum packed and frozen the same day if possible. There is nothing better than fresh King on the barbecue. My dad gave me these words of wisdom many years ago: “Son, if you want to catch fish you have to fish where the fish are!” So from the Columbia River to Alaska I always try to follow his advice.