Charter Captain / Fishing Guide

Fishing and adventure guiding which will include:

Meeting and greeting guests on their arrival morning and getting them outfitted for their adventures.

Salt water vessel operations (up to 6 guests) including fishing for salmon, halibut,  gray cod, ling cod, black cod (sablefish) and 30 species of rock fish. Demonstrable knowledge of small vessel operation (Diesel Inboard and single & twin Gas Outboard up to 35’ in length), including close quarter handling, anchoring (shore and deep water) and maintenance/cleaning (even the head) is required.

Fresh water vessels and occasional fly out operations (up to 6 guests) including salt water boat transfers to intertidal salt/fresh water fishing opportunities. Use of kayaks, canoes and inflatable whitewater rafts, outboard powered (prop and jet) boats and skiffs. Safe use of firearms and a professional knowledge of both spin cast and fly-fishing techniques is required.

Wildlife viewing and photography excursions (up to 6 guests) which may include Alaskan brown bears, eagles, humpback and killer whales, and other local wildlife are often requested by guests. A naturalist working knowledge of coastal mammals, birds and fish is preferred and an eagerness to learn is essential.

All types of guiding require that the guides actively clean and maintain all gear provided to guide and guests.  This includes, but is not limited to rods, reels, terminal tackle, foul weather gear (bibs, jackets, boots), fresh water gear (waders & boots),

Job Requirements:

• Guides are required to have an applicable U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential.  A U.S. Coast Guard Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels (OUPV) License is a minimum requirement.

• Guides are required to have a current American Red Cross (or equivalent) First Aid and CPR card.

• Guides are required to have a current Transportation Workers Identification Card (TWIC), or have had one in the past (OUPV reduced requirement)

• Guides must have good communication skills, sound work ethics, be service oriented, self-motivated, and make every effort to work with the entire team of Whaler’s Cove Lodge.

• Guides must be healthy, physically fit, maintain a clean appearance, drug-free (pre-employment drug testing and random seasonal drug testing is required by U.S.C.G. regulations).

• The ability to lift 50 lbs. and be free of any mobility limitations is required to perform the duties of this job.

• Guides must be outdoor and nature enthusiasts.

Required Experience:

Alaskan guiding experience is preferred with a sound working knowledge of vessels (both salt and fresh water), minor mechanical maintenance, vessel and guest safety equipment maintenance, vessel electronics (GPS, fish-finder, VHF, Radar), firearm familiarity and safety, fishing, fishing terminal tackle, angling methods, techniques and skills. Salt water fishing (salmon and bottom fishing), fresh water fly fishing or spin fishing knowledge is required.

We require the following minimum experience:

• Salt water fishing in Alaskan waters – 2 years

• Outdoor guiding (not boat based) – 2 to 5 years

• Fly fishing – 2 years

• All open ocean time required per MMC OUPV with Near Coast Endorsement was earned in the capacity the license represents.  In other words you need to have actively piloted a vessel, acted as a deckhand, or worked as an engineer on a vessel for all required hours to earn the license and to maintain it for renewal.

WCL provides:

• Vessel

• Insurance

• Fuel

• Rods

• Reels

• Downriggers

• Terminal Tackle Historically Effective in our Fishing Grounds

• On-site Mechanic

• Guest Foul Weather Gear

• Guest Fresh Water Gear

• Professional Guest Services Team:  this team guarantees guiding for at least 90% (usually 100%) of our operating season.  We host guests for 68-72 days straight depending upon bookings.  This means that guides have 68-72 days of work – with no day off (unless there is an extreme weather event).  If you’re looking to work – we got you!

• Professional Fish Processing Team: you hook ’em, gill em’, track ’em, keep them on ice, then the filet team will meet you at the docks, help you unload, and coordinate with guests on filet preferences and boxing between the group.  This allows you time to clean and sanitize the gear and vessel, service the gear for the next day, perform maintenance checks on the vessel, and report any issues immediately to ensure your vessel is safe for the next days adventures.

• Professional Culinary Team: this team ensures that you and your guests receive a hearty Alaskan breakfast, lunches on the water, and delicious wild dinners.  The only cooking a guide would do is shore-side over an open flame; the kitchen team will provide cooking kits with prior notice.

• Professional Housekeeping Team:  this team ensures that your guests are warm, comfortable, and clean for every day of their adventure.