Erik and Tam Johnson 9410 Lohrer Lane, N.E. Olympia, WA 98516   360-789-7788

November 2007

Season greetings from the Johnson's . We hope you and your families are all doing well. It is hard to believe that 2007 is coming to a close. If you were able to join us this past summer for a fishing adventure, we hope you had an unforgettable trip. It was an exceptional summer, beautiful weather, mostly calm seas, and incredible fishing. There were so many highlights it would take a month to write them all down. But, we would like to relive some of the wonderful moments we experiences this past summer.

It all started in mid June, when our deckhand Jake, "Tex", arrived in Ketchikan as well as our first fishermen of the summer, a father & son team, Chuck & Todd Henry. They wanted to come early so they could catch ling cod before the season closed on June 15^th. We also booked the trip understanding that it would be a live aboard adventure for them. They flew into Ketchikan, then fished and lived onboard with us for six days and then flew out of Sitka back home. In four days of fishing, they said they experienced so much more than they ever had in the past five trips to Alaska with us. That is because they saw so much territory and they enjoyed anchoring in quiet secluded coves just minutes from fishing in the morning. One night we had fresh tempura spot prawns and anchored up in one of Baranof's most beautiful bays. Surrounded by beauty, the roar of a nearby waterfall, and feeding on succulent prawns after a successful day of fishing was priceless, not to mention we slept really good. Chuck and Todd told us that their live aboard experience was better than they had imagined and have already decided to join us for a 2008 adventure. They are looking forward to more spacious and comfortable living arrangements on the new boat.

It's always nice to see new faces onboard and in mid June, Roy and Anna Coleman and their crew ventured north from the Seattle area to fish with us. They are experienced fishermen and had high hopes for catching lots of halibut and kings while fishing with us. We are pretty sure they caught plenty and had a wonderful time and spent one day sightseeing and bear viewing.

Next was Kelchlin's group which I think we should call it the Fumio group. Not only did we have fabulous fishing, but also great sushi by one of southern California's finest sushi chef, Fumio Nakamara.

Trip 4 with the dairy farmers was one trip to remember. The fishing was spotty at times but red hot at others. Most of these guys had been to Alaska before, many times infact, fishing in other places and yet they were amazed at the fishing opportunities that still existed in southeast Alaska. Fishing with guys that can truly appreciate catching quality halibut in relatively shallow water and kings without a crowd around also makes it fun for us. It feels like we've been able to offer something special to our clients and that is the way we'll always want it to be.

The fourth of July group was next, always ready to have fun no matter the weather or fishing. We apreciate the good times that this group brings north from Vacaville, California. I knew when fishing was slow because jokes were being told. And I knew when fishing was really slow because the same jokes were being retold. These guys always had a good time and went home with an ample supply of fish.

The Travalini group, or is it the Wheeler group, maybe the "Fish Hook" group, or the Barton group or whatever it is, you guys all fish well together. You guys make it fun on and off the boat and we can't wait to see you next year.

Next, the Warrens & the Sells from North Carolina battled big halibut two days in a row. A memorable experience for Peggy Sell as she landed a 200 plus pound halibut.

Our biggest halibut of the year was caught by Richard White. It had a length of 87 inches and weighed in at 365 pounds. Richard was able to enjoy the moment by getting some good pictures and releasing the mammoth female. Richard released a fish of a lifetime! Congratulations on such a wonderful catch.

The biggest king salmon of the year goes to Joel Harvey. Joel has been down this road before, he was the 2004 big king salmon holder with a 50 pounder. This year, Joel caught a 51 pounder to bump his fellow fisherman, Joel Burrell, from the race with a 46 pounder he had caught two days before.

In mid August, longtime friends James Barfield and Jeff Payne grouped together with father and son, Bob and Andrew Selzler for a trip of a lifetime. This was James and Jeff's fifth trip with Father & Son Charters and they always, always catch lots of fish. This was Bob and Andy's first Alaskan experience and it was a good one. We had beautiful weather, caught halibut, caught lots of kings, caught sockeye salmon, had whales within feet of the boat feeding, saw brown bears feeding along the beach, and we could go on and on. Coming from the captain/guide, I have to admit, this was an impressive four days that even an outdoor writer wouldn't be able to explain. We look forward to having James and Jeff on our new venture and we hope Bob and Andrew will rejoin us!

Last but not least, Mr. & Mrs. Mikesell from Craig, Colorado brought their family members along for an experience. It is so cool to see family members joining together in life long memories. We also found out just how good the women of the family can fish!

We wish there was a way to list all the highlights of every trip but, we can't. So we'll leave the rest of the story telling to you. We have also inserted just a few of the pictures from this past summer that have captured just some of the memorable experiences.

Tam and I are truly excited about our new plans in Alaska next year and invite you to give us a chance to show you something new and exciting in southeast Alaska. Our deckhand, Jake Barfield, will be back in 2008 to help us again and this time he will be a licensed USCG captain. We appreciated all his help and hard work this last summer and the enthusiasm he has displayed to do it again! Thanks Jake, aka Tex!

Perhaps it's been awhile since you've fished in Alaska or maybe you've always wanted to go but not sure about where or how, well, the time is NOW! Our new venture, live aboard cruising, sightseeing and fishing is going to provide the ultimate Alaskan experience. We can't wait to see you onboard soon!