Fishing tips interview

F

irst of all I would like to thank you for the invitation to Elfin Cove, Alaska this 2010 season. It's a welcome break from life in the lower 48! It's very peaceful here. What you say we get right into the questions about Alaska fishing techniques and tips?

Steven Moore: Dan, its been a number of years since our paths last crossed! How has your business been faring since we last spoke?

Dan Baxter: I bought Elfin Cove Lodge back in 1997, and with the exception of the last two seasons, business has increased almost every year. The last couple seasons have been slower for everyone, but we are seeing good improvement for 2011.

Steven Moore: As a lodge operator, what would you say are the most important factors to assure customer satisfaction?

Dan Baxter: To take care of our guests the best we can, we have to provide the best service, accommodations, boats, and equipment that we can provide. We not only want our guests to rebook a trip with us, we want them to tell their friends and fishin' buddies so they come up next season.

Steven Moore: How many guests does your lodge accommodate?

Dan Baxter: We accommodate sixteen (16) guests comfortably, but have had as many as twenty. We fish four to a boat, generally, and two to a room with private bath.

Steven Moore: What would you say the lodge's most noteworthy features are with regards to its location?

Dan Baxter: I think the thing that stands out the most about our lodge is its amazing view and location. We are right in the front harbor of Elfin Cove, with an unobstructed view into Glacier Bay National Park. Brady Glacier and the Fairweather Range are front and center from our dining room.

Steven Moore: On the average, how many pounds of fish does a guest leave with?

Dan Baxter: Most guests leave the lodge with 100 pounds of fresh frozen salmon, halibut and rockfish fillets. I come from a commercial fishing background, so I really stress fish quality. We bleed, clean, and then pack the fish in ice until we unload at the lodge's private docks. Once at the dock, we process and vacuum pack the fillets, and then they are stored in our walk-in freezer for the trip home.

Steven Moore: Tell me about your staff.

Dan Baxter: Every year I try and have the best staff in place that I can possibly find. I have been lucky all these years to have some great chefs and some unbelievable guides.

Steven Moore: I understand you are quite an outdoor enthusiast! What kinds of recreational activities do you enjoy?

Dan Baxter: Well, I like anything to do with kids, sports, and the great outdoors! I have eight kids between ages of 12 and 30. All have been active in all the sports. One of our favorite things is bird hunting close to our home in eastern Oregon. We do that alot. We just got a new hunting dog. He is a 12-week old German shorthair named 'Trigger'. He looks like he will be fun to hunt with.

Steven Moore: Does your lodge feature any special lodge amenities?

Dan Baxter: Not a lot of amenities. We are mainly about fishing and catching fish. We have a hot tub which is very nice after a long day on the water, rec. room with satellite tv, and wi-fi.

Steven Moore: If I was vacationing at your lodge during a birthday, anniversary, or other special event, would it be possible to arrange a special celebration?

Dan Baxter: We have a lot of birthdays, and a few anniversaries. We are always looking for a reason to celebrate something! We are always good for a birthday cake, and if nothing else, a warm smile and a pat on the back.

Steven Moore: Do you encourage 'catch and release' of sport fish, or can a guest keep their legal limit?

Dan Baxter: We do encourage 'catch and release' of larger halibut, say over 200 pounds. They aren't quite as good eating as the smaller ones, and are mature females as well. It is one of the best managed fisheries in the world, so if a guest want to keep a over-sized halibut, that is fine too. The fishery for halibut in Alaska remains very strong.

Steven Moore: What kinds of fishing boats do you feature?

Dan Baxter: We have two thirty foot walk-around catamarans, with twin 225 Honda 4 strokes, and a thirty-two foot aluminium boat with a diesel inboard. All are roomy, fast, and very comfortable fishing platforms.

Steven Moore: What fish do your guests hunt for?

Dan Baxter: We fish for all types of species available in these waters. Primarily, king and coho salmon, halibut, and rock fish. Also, ling cod, when in season. Also available are several other types of rock fish, pink, chum, and an occasional sockeye salmon.

Steven Moore: Outside of sport fishing are there other activities one can engage in?

Dan Baxter: There are not a lot of other things to do in Elfin Cove. There are a couple of good hikes, kayaking, and sitting in front of a fire.

Steven Moore: Does your lodge provide all the fishing gear?"

Dan Baxter: We provide all gear: fishing, rain gear, and boots. If you have something that you are comfortable with, feel free to bring it.

Steven Moore: If your gear kept in good condition?

Dan Baxter: We do try and provide the best gear we can, and of course we have to keep it in good shape to be able to put the kinds of hours on it that we do. We have Shimano reels for both salmon and halibut, and G. Loomis and Lamiglas rods. We are in the process of upgrading our gear for next season. I like the Shimano TR200 for salmon, and the Shimano TR700 for halibut.

Steven Moore: How are your boats outfitted?

Dan Baxter:All our boats are updated with all current safety equipment. We are inspected by the Coast Guard each spring. In addition, we have VHF radios, depth sounders, radar, and GPS plotters on each boat.

Steven Moore: As a lodge owner, what kind of 'spirit' do you attempt to create?

Dan Baxter: I try to pass on my excitement for Alaska, and especially the Elfin Cove area, and what it has to offer. Not just the great fishing but all the wildlife, mountains, glaciers, and the 'wild' Alaska experience. Guests ask sometimes if they can just take a day to view wildlife. I usually tell them that in the course of our fishing trip they will see everything Alaska has to offer. We see humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, sea otters, eagles, puffins, a huge variety of sea birds, brown bears and black bears.

Steven Moore: What do you find particularly rewarding as an Alaska lodge owner?

Dan Baxter: Probably the most rewarding thing is all the people I get to meet that I otherwise wouldn't have been able to meet. We have people from all walks of life from almost every corner of the world.

Steven Moore: What are the most productive fishing techniques employed at your lodge?

Dan Baxter: For salmon, trolling with down riggers is usually the most effective way to catch them. We are able to target certain depths and cover ground trying to locate fish. We also "mooch" and dart, especially for coho later in the season. We have found that the best method for halibut, especially big ones, is to anchor up and keep a big piece of bait right on the bottom. We use 1 - 1# cannon balls and 'circle-c' hooks. Patience is key.

Steven Moore: Do you have access to any rivers or streams in the area?

Dan Baxter: We do have access to one in the area. Trail Creek at the head of Idaho Inlet. We don't go often, maybe a couple times a season. Tides have to be just right, and the fish have to be in. Usually late in the season.

Steven Moore: Is it possible to schedule a fly-out fishing expedition to a remote lake to engage in fly-fishing?

Dan Baxter: Our flight service, Ward Air, does a fly-out to a river between here and Juneau. If the timing is right, is is a fun adventure!

Steven Moore: What would you say is your greatest asset in this business?

Dan Baxter: Probably my greatest asset is my fishing and guiding experience, and knowledge of the area. I was born and raised in Juneau and have been fishing, both commercial and sport, in northern southeast Alaska all my life.

Steven Moore: Can you give me an example of an average day's itinerary?

Dan Baxter: The day usually starts around 5:30 am. Coffee is on. We have a lunch buffet set up by 6:30 am. You make your own lunch from our deli trays with sliced ham, turkey, and beef, along with chips, fruit and snacks. Make sure you put it in the right cooler for the day! We are usually off the dock by 8 am, fish all day, and tie to the dock by 5 pm. After pictures and 'backslapin'', it's up to the lounge for appetizers with your chosen drink. Dinner at 6:30 pm. Our common dinner menu is crab, pork loin, salmon, halibut, and prime rib. Off to bed and up the next morning and start all over again!

Steven Moore: Tell me about the largest fish caught at your lodge!

Dan Baxter: The largest halibut caught at Elfin Cove Lodge, since I purchased it, weighed 376 pounds (actual scale weight). The largest king is 62.5 pounds. That one is actually the junior world record caught by Jon Fichtelman from Florida when he was 14 years old.

Steven Moore: Would it be possible for me to bring my own movie camera to capture footage of my trip to the lodge?"

Dan Baxter: Not only possible but encouraged! Unfortunately, we seldom have time to take many photos, let alone video

Steven Moore: Would it be possible for a group to book the entire lodge for themselves?

Dan Baxter: Yes, we often have one group fill the whole lodge. Sometimes family, sometimes corporate, or just a bunch of friends that put a group together so they can enjoy the whole lodge to themselves.

Steven Moore: Is it possible to kayak around the area? Do you have one available?

Dan Baxter: Yes, we do have one two seat ocean kayak.

Steven Moore: Do you ever have shore lunches on an island during the day?

Dan Baxter: We love to do shore lunches. If the weather cooperates and we have 'enough' fish, it is a very fun experience. We cook a couple fillets of salmon over the grill, potato salad, and all the fixins'

Steven Moore: Can your kitchen staff accommodate a special dietary request?

Dan Baxter: We cater to our guests needs all the time. It's really not a problem, as long as we get a little notice.

Steven Moore: Do you offer any special 'full lodge' deals?

Dan Baxter: We do offer assorted group discounts. Just call!