Sailor Jerry and the Beautiful Singing Sea Wench

Welcome aboard to our last guests to the far north of British Columbia were Jerry and Mary Lee of the Sailing Vessel Sea Story. We have made many trips together and met last year in Puerta Vallarta. We spent time enjoying the great restaurants, making new friends and listening to Mary Lee entertain at a local bar.

Although not as temperate, the weather was beautiful on Canada's famed Central Coast. Almost without exception the seas were calm and the fish were biting.

Jerry and Mary Lee had heard tales of great fishing in the Northwest but had never had the experience. Such fun it was - salmon, lingcod, and the beautiful yellow eye. Each of them turned out to be adept fisherpersons and successfully kept us from nearly going hungry.


The Central Coast is further north than is typical for many boaters to travel. The trees are wizen and tell stories of the winter storms. The ruggedly beautiful coast has called to many a mariner. Fortunately, our singing Sea Wench was aboard and not perched on Purple Bluff luring us to the rocks.


Each season we are sad to leave the north coast cruising life but excited about a new and unfolding adventure or two. On to Victoria and next to meet grandson, Jude.

Splendid Salmon, Lovely Ling and Heavenly Halibut

In the sea some of the uglier creatures are the most tasty. Our three targeted fish are salmon, halibut and ling cod. We did well this year - so well that a local guide asked Doug to captain one of his fishing charters but the Canadians frown on our working without a work permit.

There are five species of salmon with the most coveted being the Chinook salmon which is also known as Tyee, Spring, King, Blackmouth and if over 50 lb A HOG. We can not possibly use all of the salmon we hook so we catch and release early in the season. Our biggest release was a 40 pounder - talk about heartbreak.

Ling cod can grow as large as 70 lbs but we release all fish over 30 lbs since they are brood stock. Our big ling this year was right at 30 and hit like a freight train. In a dead tie with halibut in a ugly fish contest it is Doug's very favorite.

Halibut is the most elusive of our targeted fish. Friends sometimes pick them up while trolling just off the bottom for salmon. We have not been so fortunate but were directed to a great halibut fishery and did well. Doug is pictured with an 82 pounder and Jan with a 58. A good day's fishing!

We love to fish, we have many Canadian friends and can not image doing anything else with our summers but summer is coming to a close. One more blog with our friends Jerry and Mary Lee and then off to new adventures!