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September 11, 2007
Don Schafer was not sure what he had on his line but he was determined to find out. Two hours later up to the surface appeared a salmon shark and it was approximately 8 feet in length. Unfortunately for Don it was not the big Chinook he had hoped for but the September 3 – 7 th Burl Aycock Exclusive group did manage to catch 13 Tyee….6 of those coming on the morning of September 5 th !
The beautiful singing performed by Sabina Peterman must have created some type of magic in the sea because collectively the group caught 75 Chinook! Salmon slayer Shanon Sather's, try saying that ten times in a row , 41 lb Spring was the big fish of the trip. Martin Schafer – 40 & 37 lb Spring, Burl Aycock – 37 & 32 lb Spring, Laura Lee – 35 lb Spring, John Fitzsimmons – 34.5 lb Spring, Davis Aycock – 34.5 lb Spring, Keri Lee – 34 lb Spring, Greg Chessor – 34 lb Spring, Doug McDougall – 33 lb Spring, Jens Greimeier – 32 lb Spring and Scott Aycock – 31 lb Spring were all awarded Tyee pins…..most notable was the fact the majority of Springs caught were in 150 + feet of water 1.5 miles off shore. Brandon Chessor caught the biggest Coho weighing in at 15 lbs….. what an outstanding performance Burl Aycock group!
Well here it is our last trip of the season and the salmon fishing in September has been excellent…the fish board looks like a snap-shot from a trip in the middle of June. The weather has been great and the Bolthouse, Hodge, Donaldson, Perrot, and Dobyns guests wish they could have stayed for another week. Tyee pins were awarded to Derek Yurosek - 44 lbs, Jorge Rodriguez – 39 lbs, Daniel Dobyns – 38 lbs, Ray Van Veen – 34 lbs, Nick Shanto – 32 lbs, Bobby Thomas – 31 lbs and Andy Schoorl – 30 lbs….great fishing everyone!
In closing I would like to thank all of our hard working team at North Island Lodge. Their dedication to exceeding our guests' expectations is unprecedented….Culinary Team – Walter, Poyan, Kelly; Service Team – Robyn, Sarah, Roxanne; Dock Team – Merideth, Tyson; Guide Team – DJ, Mad Dog, Gunner, Cuda, Kuiama, Biggins, Dave, Chris and Kauri….all of the relief staff that helped out over the summer and last but not least, our Owners, Head Office Team, Meet & Greet Teams, Sales & Marketing Team, Maintenance Team the Helicopter Pilots - support from our colleagues at fellow Lodges The Clubhouse and Outpost….thank you for your professionalism and for making this a successful 2007 season!
2007 Fish Stats
Largest Chinook Released – Christina Masef – 47 lbs – August 7 th
Largest Chinook Retained – Tracy Otterness – 65 lbs – July 13 th
Largest Coho – Jake Penner – 16 lbs – August 23 rd
Largest Halibut – John Harrison – 260 lbs – July 21
Largest Lingcod – Kevin Johnston – 38 lbs – August 29 th
Largest Red Snapper – Brian Eso – 19 lbs – May 30 th
- Mario Cimcata – 19 lbs – August 26 th
Largest Shark – Mackenzie Bligh – 19 lbs – June 9th
A special thank you to all of our guests for spending some quality time with us; a comradeship exists of a special nature for those that have been exposed to the magic of the Charlottes – looking forward to seeing everyone in 2008!
Dan Angus
General Manager
North Island Lodge
September 4, 2007
Our August 27 – 31 guests were literally reeling & a rocking with gale force winds but the Bloxam Exclusive Group pit their very natures against awesome forces and reaped the rewards. Howard Blozam's 47 lb Spring inspired everyone to seek and slay the elusive Tyee. Ian Robertson, 41 lb Spring, Jim Lambright, 33 lb Spring, Robbie Robertson, 31.5 lb Spring, William Latreille, 31 & 33 lb Springs and Dave Hall, 30 lb Spring received Tyee pins for their outstanding effort. Jim Bloxam's 14 lb Coho earned him top honors in that category. Young Patrick and Taylor Baikie received special Junior Tyee pins for their bravery against the elements and passion for sport fishing. All in all it was a fun filled adventure for everyone as the magic of Langara never ceases to amaze anyone!
“ Here comes the sun, here comes the sun, I say…..it's all right” and that is exactly what our August 31 – September 3 guests were singing when they got out of the helicopter. Welcome to September in the Charlottes . Salmon fishing has been sporadic but the McQuarrie, Brazinha, Bagliolid, N.E.T., Szwez and Sevadjian guests still managed to catch a total of 49 Chinook, 24 Coho, 48 Halibut and a variety of rock fish. Mike Kendler, 41 lb Spring and Wade Winkler, 31 lb Spring were awarded Tyee pins. Perry Armitage entertained everyone with his guitar playing and all agreed there is no better place to spend a relaxing weekend away from work!
Dan Angus
General Manager
North Island
August 28 , 2007
“What the heck was that Dad, did I almost catch a whale? ” is what 11 year old Mia Angus exclaimed as a sea lion had the audacity to snatch a Chinook off her line. All she saw was this huge body come up to the surface and then moments later…bam, Mia's prize fish was gone! Fortunately Mia did catch her first Chinook that day and it was the start of a great trip for our August 20 th – 24 th guests.
The Rhode, Parden, Angus and Gray groups fished in glorious sunshine conditions amongst an array of Humpback whales. Coho Point, Boulder / Gunia and Langara Rocks have been the hot spots . Andrew Parden's 41 lb Spring earned him a Tyee pin and top honors for the trip. Tyee pins were also awarded to Scott Ritchie 39 lbs, and Adam Day 30 & 34 lbs. John (83 years young) Parden caught the largest Halibut 162 lbs and Jake Penner established a new record for the season when he landed his 16 lb Coho. The ladies cleaned up on the last day of the trip; Bonnie Parden (25 lb Spring) Katsuko Angus.
(25 lb Spring) and Mary Colleen Crawford (23 lb Spring) strutted their stuff and showed the men what fishing is all about!
Spectacular weather, calm seas, brilliant rainbows, Eagles, Humpbacks breaching, Chinook and Coho everywhere….does it get any better. The Concert Properties August 24 – 27 group didn't think so….Langara was in all of her glory! And Tyee was the main attraction, Mario Cimcata 32 lbs, Rich Ade 32 & 30 lbs, Bob Westermann 31 lbs, Bob Leoppky 30 lbs, Bob McKay 30 lbs, Kelly Wilson 30 lbs and Thomas Walsh 30 lbs….the group caught 63 Coho ranging in size from 8 – 15 lbs and Dave Podmore caught a season high 18 lb Chum. We would also like to thank Ocean Properties for introducing to the Fishing Industry the one and only new Rash Guard….now exclusively on sale in our Gift Shop. Looking forward to everyone wearing one next year……Dave!
Dan Angus
General Manager
North Island Lodge
August 24 , 2007
On the final day of the August 13 – 17 trip Norman Louie caught his first salmon and it was a gorgeous 38 lb Tyee. The guests went wild chanting Norman, Norman, Norman and it was my pleasure to award him with a Tyee pin. As it turned out Mr. Louie’s Tyee was the perfect ending to a great trip! Combined Coast, Northstar, Spencer and Matthews guests caught 18 Tyee….setting a new group record for the season!
Tyee pins were awarded to Christian Turrenne 30 lbs, Chuck (83 years old) Adams 30 lbs, Derral Moriyama 30 & 31 lbs, Mark Mischnick 31 & 33 lbs, Ken Giffin 33 lbs, Beverly Matthews 34 lbs, Willie Smith 34 lbs, Warner Doell 35 lbs, Craig MacKenzie 35.5 lbs, David Spencer 36 lbs, Scott Shepherd 32 & 37 lbs, Jamie Willoughby 40 lbs, Allen Curleigh 40 lbs (released) and Rob Siddon set a new seasonal Lodge record when he released his 47.5 lb Chinook…..congratulations! Warner Doell also thrilled everyone with his 209 lb Halibut….wow great job North Island guides DJ, Maddog, Gunner, Cuda, Biggins, Kui, Chris, Dave and Underwood…the NIL All Stars.
Calm seas and an abundance of sunshine prevailed over the August 17 - 20 weekend. The Hurl, Parent, Procon, Allwest and Infosat groups enjoyed the beautiful weather and everyone was in great spirits. Tyee pins were awarded to Edward Parent 31 & 30.5 lbs, Michel Cauchon 30 lbs, Wally Juchymenko 31 lbs, Brad Rode 33.5 lbs, Ray Clucas 35 lbs and Bruce McKay 36 lbs. Owen Davies caught the largest Halibut of the trip 101 lbs. Barry Seniuk’s 14 lb Coho earned him top honors.
Dan Angus
General Manager
North Island Lodge
August 7, 2007
Langara Island – the early Haidas called it KUSGWAI or KATTSSEQUEYE, Spanish Lieutenant Jacinto Caamano proclaimed it ISLA DE LANGARA and British Captain George Dixon named it North Island….we call it home for over 100 days! A comradeship exists of a special nature between the staff at North Island Lodge and our guests from around the world. There emerges an affection for this rugged yet enchanting piece of rock with an abundance of nature that can best be described as….AWESOME!
The July 30th – August 3rd guest group took home their share of Silver as they caught a total of 72 Springs, 81 Coho and 32 Hali’s. Vicky Sheesley caught the big fish of the trip and she was awarded a Tyee pin for her 38lb beauty. Larry Olberding set a new Lodge record for the season with his 37lb Lingcod. Special thanks to Teresa Borton for choosing the total catch and release option.
Men and women whom pit their very natures against forces awesome to the beginner frequently reap rewards. And so was the case with our August 3rd – 6th guest group. 78 Springs, 79 Coho and 22 Hali’s were caught. The Hawkins group decided to take a break from golfing and try their luck at fishing….combined they caught 40 Chinook…I’d like to see them get that many hole - in - ones over a 3 day period!
Glenn Graham earned a Tyee pin for his 30lb silver, Paul Schweitzer for his 35lb and Bill Riss was awarded a Tyee pin for his 36lb silver. Dan McNalley tied the NIL record for the largest Coho of the season when he landed his 14lb prize. Not to be out done the Tosti group’s Keith Reimer caught a 35lb Spring and Mike McCabe a 30lb Spring.
The Queen Charlotte Islands have been known by many names from the old reference of Islands-of- the People to the modern day Misty Isles. Be it for the first time or to repeat you too will feel the magic and savour the enchantment of the islands.
Dan Angus
General Manager
North Island Lodge
August 2, 2007
Many thanks go out to Todd McIntyre and Randy Lee for their wonderful performance during my absence, great job gentlemen! It was certainly an honor to be the guest Manager at the Outpost Lodge....Lisa you really have created a very special Lodge that is representative of your passion and enthusiasm to always exceed your guests expectations!
The always fun and entertaining Jon Anderson group started the weekend with a bang as Tyee pins were awarded to Ryan Lee Lester for his 45.5 # silver beauty, Bob Martin 37.5 #’s, Tom Hastings 35 #’s, and Jon Anderson 30 #’s. Halibut fishing continues to be strong as Allen Young brought home a 215 # monster, Hank Young 89 #’s and Rudolfo Lanuza 85 #’s…. the group caught 64 Coho in the range of 8#’s to 12#’s.
We are now just pasted the halfway mark of the 2007 season and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our hard working staff for their support and the outstanding service they have provided to our guests...many thanks go out to our Hotel Staff - Executive Chef Walter, Poyan, Kelly, Robyn, Roxanne and Sarah; Dock Crew – Dock Manager Merideth and Tyson and our Guides - Head Guide DJ, Maddog, Gunner, Cuda, Biggins, Dave, Kuiama, Chris, Kauri and Jordan…also a special thank you to our Head Office, Meet & Greet and Sales Teams….last but not least let us not forget the Salmon, the real stars of the show, for their contribution to a very successful first half!
Dan Angus
General Manager
North Island Lodge
July 25, 2007
As the guests geared up for their last morning one could not expect a near miracle in just a couple hours fishing. Well anything can happen when fishing here on Langara as Tracy Otterman proved, hooking into what can only be described as a Knee Knocker. An extra large Chinook that comes to the surface shows itself and quickly performs a series of cartwheels as the angler trembles with excitement. Tracy and his guide Jordan knew that this was “the one” dreams are made of. The trailing hook barely embedded in its lip and a sealion steaming towards them looking for an easy meal, they worked together as a team to coax the beast to the net. When they pulled up to the dock everyone could tell by the look on their faces something special happened out there. Lifting the 65lb brute onto the dock both guides and guests rushed over in awe knowing they had captured the near impossible. I’m sure I heard one stunned angler say, “It looks like a salmon only bigger”. Congratulation Tracy! That is truly a fish of a lifetime and what a way to end your trip.
Guests on the July 13th-16th trip were expecting big things with the breaking news of a 65lb Chinook. The big fish continued to roll in with 5 tyee’s taken in the first afternoon including a 52lb by Peter White off Cohoe Point with local guide Eric Uttendorfer. Over the next couple of days the fishing tapered off but guests remained optimistic. Perhaps the most patient was 10 year old Brandon Beasley, who showed us all that good things happen to those who wait. On his last morning’s fish Brandon worked a 42.5lb Chinook to the net from start to finish. Way to go Brandon!
Out on the halibut grounds, the seas were calm and ideal for hunting down the flatties. Guests that headed out were rewarded with catches of great eating halibut in the 15-60 pound range but two of our guests got a little more than they bargained for. Brian Poffenberger rolled in with a 102 lb Hali and Peter White connected with a trophy of 200+ pounds which he captured on film and released to swim another day. This trend is catching on around here with anglers realizing that these large females will provide us with future halibut fishing opportunities.
Calm seas have continued into this week with most of the salmon being found around the Mcphearson Point area. Guides continue to use the downriggers to their advantage often setting them at the 80+ foot mark. With a new push of fish arriving we seem to be back in the peak season groove with a series of twenties and two more tyee’s rolling in today. It sure is nice to see the fishing back to “Langara standards” and I know everyone here is anxious to see what the next few days will deliver.
Todd McIntyre
North Island Lodge
July 16, 2007
Well it’s good to get back to my roots and what a time it is at North Island. As I look out from the deck onto the dock and Beal Cove I can’t help to think of the 8 seasons I spent guiding at this beautiful lodge and the memories that have been captured here. The guide camaraderie is much the same and always a few good laughs at the cleaning table. Chef Walter continues to prepare his latest and greatest while teasing the girls in the kitchen. It’s so good to see North Island running like clockwork thanks to the wonderful staff we have here.
The weather last week was a little on the wet side, but sometimes with the rain come the fish. Mcphearson Point proved to be the most consistent fishing as large schools of herring hold just off the shoreline. Dr. Rodger Rau took top honors of the season in the release category with a 37 lb Chinook after releasing a 31 the day before, good karma working its magic.
The old sea dog guide “Barracuda” Brad Morris was sporting a rather large toothless grin as he lifted Cliff Barnhart’s 48lb season record hog out of his tub. Congratulations Cliff! Way to show the young guys how it’s done. Not to be outdone by the guides, Brad White and crew showed up with an impressive tub of fish including a 41 and a couple twenties in just a few hours fishing.
The tyee’s continue to roll in this trip with a total of 12 so far with more than half a day of fishing to go. Guide Jordan with guests Richard Smith and Tim Dufour of the Bartells Group left everyone scratching their heads when they showed up with a tub load of 3 nice tyee’s during a slow afternoon on Tues. The long time guests with the Crown Cork group continue to load up out there, with Robert Truitt landing a 42lb Chinook just this morning and David Doherty up to his old tricks with a 39.5 and a 35 under his belt this trip.
The large halibut have thinned out a little but guides continue to find a number of chickens out there. Southerly winds have finally eased and the west side is being explored once again this afternoon.
A high pressure system has just hit Langara and is finally giving us a taste of summer, combined with calm seas, heavy totes and smiles. I would have to say life on Langara is heating up!
Todd McIntyre
North Island Lodge
July 4, 2007
This morning July 29th, we bid farewell to the guests of the "Friends of Mogens" annual derby. As always, this was a friendly, catch and release competition for fishing purists and a great time was had by all. Andy Wiese's 34 pounder on Thursday was enough to capture first place as two tyees on the final morning fell slightly short of the mark. We look forward to seeing everyone again next summer!
The afternoon session provided a perfect start for our new guests. Calm seas and light overcast plus great fishing action. For the first time in awhile, McPherson Point offered some of the strongest fishing we have seen this season. Schools of herring attracted lots of 25 to 35 pound chinook. We also recorded several coho in the 10 lb. range. Bait and big spoons trolled at 50 to 80 feet were the combination of choice. All in all, the kind of day that has made Langara Island a legend.
Randy Lee
WCFC Client Services
June 27, 2007
Good Day Sunshine! Yes it’s back and it is another day in paradise. Calm seas and blue skies prevail over Langara after a thunderous round of gale winds. During our June 18- 22nd trip Tom Ramsay brought home the big fish story of the day when he was awarded a Tyee pin for his 35# prize Chinook, caught out at world famous Cohoe Point. And Theresa Ng received a wonderful birthday present when she reeled in her 31# Spring, also Cohoe Point. Special Junior Tyee Pins were awarded to young Cameron Spears and Brian Bernal for their seamanship and passion for sport fishing…the magic of Langara strikes again!
“Look at the size of that Monster” was what young Mighty Joe McConaughy screamed as he weighed in a 244# Halibut, establishing the record for 2007. During our June 22nd-25th trip John O’Malley became the ninth member of our 2007 Tyee Club with his 31# (Cohoe Point) silver beauty. The average size of Springs has been in the 22# to 28# range. Salmon activity has been consistent and aggressive and there has been no lack of smiles and great conversation amongst our North Island Anglers….LET THE SUNSHINE IN!
Dan Angus
North Island Lodge – General Manager
June 20, 2007
The Lodge danced to the tune of a strong Northwesterly but that didn’t dampen the spirits of our hearty North Island Anglers. Pierre Montpetit, of the Simmons group, slept well after receiving a Tyee pin for his 33# Spring out at Cohoe Point. Rene Pfander, 32# Spring (Cohoe Point) and Brad Haysom, 30# Spring (Cohoe Point) also joined our Tyee Club.
Our lounge deck is a favorite spot for socializing and observation. Sparky, our resident Otter, never ceases to amaze anyone as he cunningly devours salmon scraps, our resident Eagles continue to build their family nest, Blondie the Sea Lion occasionally drops by to say hello and it’s thrilling to observe the variety of fish sprawled out over our Dock.
The Tillberg group delighted everyone with their enthusiasm and passion for sport fishing. Betty Tillberg brought down the house with an outstanding performance on her birthday….20# Spring, 18# Spring, 7# Halibut, 6# Cohoe and a 5# Cohoe….nice Birthday presents Betty! First time angler Christie Laing also fell in love with salmon fishing when she brought home a 28# Spring…great job Christie! What a fun group, see you all next season…same time same place.
Our guides have been averaging 4 to 5 Springs - 15 to 30#’s per shift. The cold water has been producing some extremely aggressive salmon. Humpback Whale activity is increasing daily….today a group of guests witnessed 12 to 15 Humpbacks bubble ring feeding on herring…the Lighthouse Keeper at Langara Point recorded hearing the Whales blowing off Lord Bight…which is 4 miles away…welcome to our world of wonder!
June 12, 2007
The excitement builds as the helicopter approaches and lands on our dock. Amazed by the natural beauty of our cove the guests are overwhelmed and the expressions on their face are priceless. Everyone is eager to get out on the ocean and experience the magic of Langara Island!
Season 2007 is under way. Our guests have been introduced to sunshine, calm seas, showers, gale force winds, Sea Lions, Killer and Humpback whales, 3 meter waves, Eagles, Salmon, Halibut and an abundance of great fun! The consensus is no matter what the conditions are Langara Island is spectacular and the adventure of a lifetime!
Ernest Fink earned the first Tyee pin of the year when he landed a 30# white spring. Doug Proctor soon followed with another 30# prize Chinook and Stan Hummel is our current Tyee champion with a 35# silver beauty. Chinook are appearing anywhere from Cohoe Point to Lacy Island.
Cam Proctor, not to be outdone by his Dad, brought home a 192# Halibut. The Bligh Family combined produced the most consistent results for Chinook and Halibut. Young Mackenzie Bligh (age 12) earned a special Tyee award for his valiant effort and passion for the sport.
A pod of Killer Whales are cruising through the channel in front of the lodge as I write this report. The sun is out once again and the seas are calm. Our fourth group of guests this season is out on the ocean enjoying a majestic afternoon of adventure. Chef Walter is creating his own magic in the kitchen. Welcome to our floating lap of luxury, how was work today?
Dan Angus
General Manager
North Island Lodge
June 5, 2007
" It was my pleasure to be on hand with NIL General Manager, Dan Angus, for the season opening trip at North Island Lodge. Weather was dry and mild although a few periods of brisk winds made for choppy sea conditions around Langara Island. Cohoe Point to MacPherson Point offered the most consistent productivity for guests fishing bait at depths between 30 and 80 feet. Both our guides and self guided guests commented on the "soft bite" of the chinook currently in the area. No snoozing on the boat or you will miss a lot of opportunities! Most of the recorded chinook were in the 18 to 30 lb. class with numbers and size increasing each day. The short Monday morning session produced a flurry of hot action before our guests returned to Vancouver. A great time was had by all! Best wishes to Dan, Chef Walter and the wonderful staff and crew at NIL. Have a great season. "
Randy Lee
WCFC Client Services |
