Dee Lands a Big One! King Season Starts

Dee caught this 48# king today. We were talking about entering the King Salmon derby and then decided not to and of course she ties into this monster. She fought this fish for 25 minutes and the fish ran 4 times of 50 to 125 yards and made the old run at the boat and around the bow trick. Dee fought this king like a Pro! Just caught - on the boat!



On the dock...



Another smaller view...



Everyone is anxious for the 2012 season to start and it won't be long now...crew arrives this week, the Lodge will put cleaned, polished and ready for guests by the 8th when our first guests arrive. Capt Jim Professor

2012 Season

The start of the 2012 season is right around the corner, less than 3 weeks from first guests!

Kevin and Dee took a little spin out the bay and found a nice King on one of our favorite spots, right at the mouth of the Bay!

It was a beautiful day - spring is happening at Yes Bay!

Kevin assures me that Dee was the one who caught this!!



It was ready for dinner in short order!!



Join us for the 2012 season or make advance reservations for prime dates in 2013! We already have a number of people booked for some prime King time in 2013! Book NOW!! Still some real good fishing times available for 2012!
Capt Jim
(Professor)

N1018U Pirate Airworks Just finished her test flight

Well the new plane completed her test flight today and will be headed for Alaska in the next couple days! We are all excited to see her and have her join OZ to get ready for the upcoming season. Here he is on floats after her test flight.




Maybe you will be flying on her this season! Make reservations now and join the most experienced flightseeing company in Ketchikan for the tour of your life! Capt Jim

Pirate's New Plane!

Our new airplane, another total rebuild will join OZ this year. She is finishing up paint and assembly this week and will be headed to Alaska soon. She is a real beauty...still working on a call sign name, but that will come in short order.

Here are some pictures:


She will be a fine addition to the Pirate.... Look for her in the air around Ketchikan in a week or so! Capt Jim (Professor)

2012 Season Right Around the Corner!

The 2012 season is right around the corner and everyone is busy at the Lodge getting ready to open. Crew arrives the end of May and first guests arrive in early June...so we are less than 40 days from opening!! The major winter project at the Lodge this year was the replacement of the fireplace in the Lounge area. It was getting old and last season we had a small problem which could have resulted in a fire...so we replaced the entire unit this winter, which is not an easy project since it requires removing the majority of the back side of the wall which is the wall between the pool table and the lounge. This gave as full access to the entire firebox and chimney, so it is new and looks beautiful. A ton of hard work went into this project.

 

 






 


 

If you have NOT booked your reservation for fishing at the finest Lodge in SE Alaska there is still a few prime dates available...call the office and make your reservations. We are also accepting reservations for the 2013 season, we have several people already booked. 

Captain Jim
(Professor)

Getting ready for the Season continues!

The work around the Lodge during the winter never stops. Big project for this winter was replacing the firebox for the fireplace in the Lounge...gotta have that fire in the Lounge to sit by after a great day of fishing.

This is not a simple project as it has to go in from the back and required removing most of the paneling and wall on the lounge side of the pool table. That was completed several weeks ago and now the new firebox arrived and the installation is being completed as this is written.

Here is the new fireplace...



Hauling it up the front steps was a challenge...



All unpacked and ready to slide in place...



Looking from the lounge side you can see that it is all ready to accept the new fireplace.



Now some fun...Coby the new pup last year has grown quite a bit and seems to be a little defensive of his food dish as Michaela shows in this photo - she got a little too close.



All the pictures were taken by Michaela and the completed fireplace will be posted in a couple days...

Yes Bay is putting the finishing touches on the grounds for another wonderful season of fishing at Yes Bay Lodge in beautiful SE Alaska!

Capt Jim
Professor or The Gypsy as my lower 48 friends now call me!

Lodge Update - March 2012

Winter is progressing at the Logde with repairs and various maintenance projects underway all the time. Update on the fireplace coming soon. I am confident it has been completed...waiting on some pictures of the finished project.

Michaela was out taking pictures and managed to corner a mink on the beach in front of the Lodge...here is her account of the ordeal.

Just today I have seen 2 mink at the same time on the beach in front of the lodge and this morning I heard one screaming when the dogs were chasing it. I got a really good picture of one that was on the beach today and it almost got me when I got close to take a picture. It was hissing and baring its teeth at me but this may be the best picture I have ever gotten of a mink so it was totally worth it!! Dad said that the mink are mating so that's why we are seeing them everywhere.



Bookings are strong for the 2012 season, if you are interested in coming up, now is the time to get your reservations in, limited space available in June and September with a fair amount of space the rest of the season.

Book Now it is going to be a fantastic year!

Capt Jim

A few Pictures from Up North!

As usual there are plenty of winter projects to do around the Lodge. This year a major undertaking is taking place as we speak...last season we discovered a leak in the fireplace in the lounge...of course being an old wood structure this could be dangerous, so a rebuild of the fireplace and chimney was put on the top of the "To Do" list for this winter.

Our resident photographer, Michaela Hack sent along a nice pic of the removal of the wall next to the pool table to gain access to the fireplace and chimney. Lots of work still to do, but things are moving ahead.



She also sent along a couple shots she managed to catch of a big group of Sea Lions when she and family spent some time in Ketchikan this past week.





Enjoy the update...will hopefully get some more pictures of the chimney replacement as Kevin and Dewy progress with the project!

Capt Jim

2012 Halibut Regulations!

We got some great news today - the IPHC - International Pacific Halibut Commission voted today to endorse and accept the recommendations for new halibut regulations for area 2-C - which is the area where Yes Bay is located...

The new rules are what is known as a reverse slot limit. Anglers are allowed one fish per day which may be:

1. Under 45 inches ( this is about a 43 pound halibut

or

2. Over 68 inches (this will be about a 163 pounder!)

So the trophy halibut is back!! And even the smaller halibut is a big increase over what was allowed last year! It is a win / win!

So plan on catching some big butts again this year! I know all the guides are looking forward to the challenge!!

Enjoy,

Capt Jim
(Professor)

A guests Slide Show from 2010 Visit to Yes Bay

A guests view of their trip to Yes Bay Lodge in 2010...This was created by Pam in PowerPoint and I converted it to a movie of their slide show. Rob and Pam Chappel have fished with me the past 3 years and will be returning again this year!

I am at their house in Oregon enjoy their hospitality for a change and they shared this with me, Pam did a fantastic job on this and it is worthy of posting!



If you have produced a slide show or video, please feel free to email a copy to ME and I will see about getting it posted!

Enjoy,

Capt Jim

Workin the Shows - Stop by and see us!

The Spring Sportsman Shows are in full swing - the Yes Bay Crew worked the Denver Show with great activity and high traffic, booking inquiries have already started this morning.



We will be at the following shows...stop by the booth and visit!

Colorado Springs - Jan 13-15
Sacramento - Jan 19-22
Puyallup - Jan 25-29

Las Vegas - Feb 2-4
Portland - Feb 8-12
Yakima - Feb 17-19
Phoenix Feb 23-26
Houston Feb 29 - Mar 4

Long Beach - Mar 7-11
San Diego - Mar 22-25

Hope to see you there!!

Capt Jim

Ready for the Show Circuit

The Yes Bay staff is busy getting ready for the show circuit which opens next week in Denver.

Here is where we will be over the next few months, make sure you stop by and get your reservations in for the upcoming season. Bookings are strong, well ahead of last year so make your plans soon. Once the show bookings start space will be limited during the prime times.

January:

Denver 1-5/1-8
Colorado Springs 1-13/1-15
Sacramento 1-19/1-22
Puyallup 1-25/1-29

February:

Las Vegas 2-2/2-4
Portland 2-8/2-12
Yakima 2-17/2-19
Phoenix 2-23/2-26
Houston 2-29 / 3-4

March:

Long Beach 3-7/3-11
San Diego 3-22/2-25

Make plans to visit us at the shows...

As always the Lodge is staffed with winter crew and family and there are always maintenance tasks underway. Several projects are underway at this time. Freshen up some rooms, work on the fireplace in the lounge and a few other behind the scense projects to make your stay the best at Yes Bay!

And just so you don't forget what the view at Yes bay is like, here is one I captured this past season.





Capt Jim
(Professor)

Cookbook ready just in time for Christmas

Our much anticipated 35th Anniversary Cookbook is now available for purchase, order yours today they make a perfect Christmas Gift!!

Click the link below the preview to purchase your copy today!

Yes Bay Lodge by Nicky Hack, Executive Chef |

Enjoy,

Capt Jim Lucas
(Professor)

2011 New Video for the Lodge!

Mark Titus (Otter) did some filming this summer and added some new footage and re-worked the video. I will have it embedded in the website tomorrow, but figured I would get this up quickly and let everyone see it....I think it is a huge improvement and brings us up to date! There are some new faces and a few strange ones on this video...but the underwater scenes are fabulous!!



Enjoy - Someone with a high speed connection please email feedback if there are any problems, let me know....and I will put the feed on the web site!

Thanks

Professor

Lodge Going ons...End of October 2011

Many people ask every year what goes on at the Lodge during the off-season...well, this year I am going to try and keep up with some of the activities and post some pictures of the daily work and try and keep everyone informed of what is going on at the Lodge and in the office in Ketchikan.

Office in Ketchikan.

1. Busy getting next years reservations in order. Negotiating with our returning guests and groups - bookings look good for next year with 3 returning groups confirmed and 2 more new groups in the works, plus we have 32 reservations in and 161 guests already booked and confirmed for next season.

2. Marketing and email blasts and getting ready for the show season to start in January.

3. Working with Mark Titus on the new video for the Lodge - Look for it on this blog soon and on the web site.

4. Complete rebuild of the web-site is in the works with new design and some great new pictures.


5. Call-outs for 2012 crew - 9 guides returning so only to really look for 3. Some of the other crew will also be returning...

Lodge

1. Winter projects and buttoning up for the winter - there are projects being worked on everyday. Some just general maintenance, others some improvements. Always something to do for sure.
2. Shut down went pretty quickly with all the plumbing drained and electric turned off for most of the Lodge. Water heater for the Lodge was shut down and drained, big generators shut down and annual maintenance done - oil changes etc...Window coverings installed on the big front windows in the Lodge. Dock freezer shut down and all fish processing supplies moved to storage under the lodge.
3. All boats transported to town, hauled out put on racks for storage. Kickers removed, tops removed and motors serviced and water drained for the winter. Batteries removed. Any issues with the boats were identified and will be moved during the winter into the work shop to be repaired.
4. Both planes were buttoned up and pulled out of the water and are on land in storage. Seats removed and engines etc. prepped for cold winter.
5. Kevin and family are living at the Lodge and have their daily chores to keep things tidy around the Lodge. Art is in town working on the maintenance of the vehicles and boats and planes.

But there is also some fun - one thing nice about the fall colder weather the prawns move back into the bay and Kevin and family enjoy pulling shrimp traps and crab traps, the past couple days have been great for some nice shrimp.

Michaela and Saylor admiring their hard work of pulling the trap.



Those are some nice sized shrimp!!



Dee and the girls Getting ready for cleaning the haul...



And by the way - very windy and cold rain the past few days with sustained winds of over 35 and gusts to 50 - temps in the high 40's and yes there is some snow on the mountain peaks around the Lodge. Winter is arriving. Fortunately the shrimp traps are in the Bay so no need to venture far from the Lodge for stocking up the freezer for nice fresh shrimp for the cold winter months ahead.

Yes Bay is getting things ready for next season, so plan your return now and call the office in Ketchikan to get your prime dates confirmed.

800-999-0784.

Capt Jim
(Professor)

2012 Season Announced

2012 is well on it's way to being a banner year for Yes Bay. With 2011 still a vivid memory it is already time to start planning your return to Yes Bay for 2012.

Right now we have 4 groups booked in with confirmed reservations and a number of returning guests booked, so prime spots are filling up fast.



Make plans to return and call 800-999-0874 to get your plans started.

Capt Jim
(Professor)

Season 2011 Ends September 22nd!

Yes Bay Lodge closed officially for the end of the 2011 season with our last guests departing on Thursday September 22nd. All crew was gone from the Lodge before noon with severe winds and weather predicted for later in the day it was a good time to go in the calm before the storm.

The last 2 days of fishing was really no fishing due to really high winds and a ton of rain, so the guests decided it was better to hang out around the lodge and do a little hiking up the river.

Season 2012 is in the works with reservations being accepted, the office in Ketchikan is open and ready for planning next season!

Great Pricing and a special discount is available for early payment. Look for specials to be announced very soon.

Capt Jim
(Professor)

September 20th - Yes Bay Lodge Fishing Report

Well this pretty much sums it up...looks like winter is arriving early!

Knudson Cove Marina - Ketchikan, Alaska
STRONG WIND THROUGH TUESDAY MORNING...
.TONIGHT...WINDY...RAIN...HEAVY AT TIMES. LOWS AROUND 51.
SOUTHEAST WIND 20 TO 30 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 40 MPH.
.TUESDAY...RAIN...HEAVY AT TIMES. HIGHS AROUND 56. SOUTHEAST WIND
25 MPH DECREASING TO 15 TO 20 MPH IN THE AFTERNOON.

Weather was too bad in town to fly in, so I took some guests for a thrilling ride into to town to catch their flights...it was a roller coaster for sure! But they made it on time and all was well...

Three boats went out this morning and tried to fish in this terrible weather, they decided a hike up the trail behind the Lodge was a better activity for this afternoon.

Anyway 1 boat caught a nice silver, in that mess out there today!!

Here is today's picture:



Always a Great Day at Yes Bay! (Even in bad weather)

We have a wonderful fireplace and a great view!

Capt Jim
(Professor)

September 19th - Yes Bay Lodge Fishing Report

The weather Gods are NOT cooperating but the fishing Gods are doing better, some nice silvers hit the dock today along with a nice assortment of bottom fish...

Here are the pictures from today!



Look at those nice Yellow Eye Snapper!



Some nice Sea Bass and Rock Fish!







Great Day at Yes Bay!

Capt Jim
(Professor)

September 18th - Yes Bay Lodge Fishing Report

OK - Who made the weather Gods mad??? It was a bad day today weather wise with hard driving rain, strong 25 to 35 MPH winds and of course some rough water which made it tough to fish and it got worse as the day went on...most boats not out after lunch and my boat the only one who stayed out for lunch bagged it around 2:00 pm - took our lumps on a real rough ride in and called it a day...but the fish Gods continued to shine on us as there were a nice batch of silvers brought in at lunch time and after.

Here are the pictures:











A few of the pictures a little blurry - blame dock girl even though it is nearly the end of the season she has yet to figure out that the camera lens needs to stay out of the rain!!


Hoping for better weather tomorrow - but it is September!

Great Day at The Bay!!

Capt Jim
(Professor)

September 17th - Yes Bay Lodge Fishing Report

Weather cooperated today, actually a very nice day, little warmer than yesterday with less rain and some decent silvers showed up...not fast and furious, but way better than it has been for the past couple weeks...bad weather predicted for tonight and tomorrow, so we'll see how it goes tomorrow.

Only three boats fishing today and one boat abstained from pics...

So here we are:





A Great day at Yes Bay!!

Capt Jim
(Professor)

September 16th - Yes Bay Lodge Fishing Report

Weather Gods cooperated again today - nice calm winds for most of the day a little tide chop in the middle of the day and light rain most of the day made it a decent day in SE Alaska...Fish Gods weren't as cooperative, the fish are around but not biting, but if you stick at it long enough you will land some fish, it is just real slow going and can be a long time between legitimate bites, plenty of small shakers to keep you busy and steal bait.

Only a couple pictures today - only had three boats fishing...





Hoping for more silvers to bite tomorrow - but always a good day at Yes Bay!

Capt Jim
(Professor)

September 15th - Yes Bay Lodge Fishing Report

Wouldn't you know it...some fish started biting as I drove my best buddy to town to catch a flight back to Florida...

The weather Gods cooperated today with a beautiful sunny and warm day with a slight breeze from the west which made for a little lumpy ride in but calm area to fish for the most part and some fish were biting for those who stuck with it...a couple boats weren't quite as lucky, but at least some fish were caught...the outlook all of a sudden looks much better.

Here are today's pictures with one boat abstaining...



A nice selection of silvers, bright Chum and yes that is a nice King in the middle!



Slice's last guiding day today for the season, with his family and like yesterday they slayed some fish, including a bunch of nice rock fish! They know good eating fish!



A Great Day at Yes Bay!!

Capt Jim
(Professor)