The 2005 season has drawn to an end, and all three Queen Charlotte Islands ships have sailed back home to their winter births at the April Point Marina. Linens are being stowed, the Fat Cats and Boston Whaler Outrages and Mantauks are being hauled onto shore, ready for the springtime refit.

Guests in the Queen Charlotte Islands experienced an unusual season; warmer water temperatures pushed the big Chinook down deep, often past 70 pulls of line. Anglers worked hard for their catches, but the tenacity paid off with some truly beautiful fish. Kings in the 20 to 30 lb. range filled up guests’ score cards, and some Chinook over 50 pounds set the bar high.

Despite the warm water, guests still managed to come away with some trophy catches: a 57 pounder at the MV Charlotte Princess caught by Tim Shorey, a 50 pounder caught at the MV Marabell by Dean Pearson, and a 56 lb. beauty caught by Gerry St. Germain on the MV Salmon Seeker.

MV Salmon Seeker guests got into solid halibut fishing through out the season, and while the 300 pound mark wasn’t beaten like last year, John Payne got himself a huge 202 lb. hali. Not to be outdone, the Fishmasters at the MV Charlotte Princess and MV Marabell did some great reconnaissance and found some excellent bottom-fishing holes. Lloyd Ross took full advantage, hauling in a 168 lb. halibut.

Thank you to all the guests who may 2005 so much fun. We'll be at it again in 2006, and are already taking reservations for northern fishing adventures.

Tight lines to all,
The crews of the MV Marabell, MV Charlotte Princess and MV Salmon Seeker
Queen Charlotte Islands, BC