For Summer 2009, NWDS' group enjoyed a 2-day Alaska, halibut / ling cod fishing trip at Fish Whisperer Lodge in Seward, Alaska.
Our host, Randy McFarland is a true Alaskan fishing professional! We brought back a lot of fish. The fishing lodge impressed us all. The Seward fishing lodge was clean, beds were made, breakfast food was ready. All we needed to do was show up with a tooth brush and some beer.
NWDS held their own halibut fishing derby, with the winner receiving $100 in cash. Alex Kuprienko caught the largest halibut. He also caught the largest skate, which wore Alex out. A great photo is here showing Alex discipline an unruly ling cod.
From Chad Solberg's extraordinary performance, he appeared to catch the largest fish. When the chicken finally appeared, we all learned how a small fish can play tricks on the best of us. Chad also cooked some great tasting steaks on the "barbie" that brought moans of approval.
Jennifer caught the largest rockfish, which prompted the surfacing of a huge ling cod. I doubt any of us will ever forget that experience. Jennifer is the "toughest" of us all. She proved this by riding outside in the cold wind, enjoying the fresh splash of the breaking waves against the bow.
Ling cod fishing was a real treat to all but Sandy Pandey. Sandy appeared concerned that the writhing ling cod would damage his person after it was pulled onto the clean, silver deck. Fish are a bit bigger in Alaska than Nepal. Sandy was incredibly lucky in that he only arrived a month ago in Alaska, and is now enjoying Alaskan adventures.
Masako cried for three days because she didn't catch the biggest fish. The only way to console her was to promise her another fishing trip, but this time, TARGET THE LING COD FIRST!
Roman Mikheev finally started to enjoy Alaska fishing this summer. First the reds in the Russian River, now the halibut, ling cod, silvers & rockfish. Look at Roman's face shine in the photos. He can not claim that the trip was merely "OK."
Chris (the author) enjoyed seeing everyone out of the office enjoying Alaska's beauty. This was a great team building exercise and I'm pleased to see how NWDS is providing opportunites for Alaskan residents. Alaska is the land of opportunity, filled with beauty and people not afraid to be themselves.
Finally, remember the LOG CABIN. Good camp fires need a good base, structure and plenty of room to breathe.