Thanks Alaska Mothership

This all-inclusive offering may be the most unique and breathtaking trip in the Pacific Northwest. Thanks Alaska guests stay aboard the 68-foot long Hawkeye II, which offers three staterooms (each with two bunks), three bathrooms, a full kitchen and dining room, a top deck for activities, and a pilothouse for navigating the Inside Passage and its collection of 1,000-plus islands. Each evening the Hawkeye II anchors in an isolated bay, surrounded by inspiring landscape that includes old growth forest, tidewater glaciers, sheer rock cliffs, towering mountain peaks, waterfalls, and 700-year old Douglas fir, hemlock and cedar trees. Each day the Hawkeye II launches skiffs that ferry anglers to shore. Anglers cast to sea-run cutthroat trout and dolly varden along the beaches and/or hike upstream to find untouched steelhead in the pools and runs. Whether you’re on shore casting flies to steelhead, or simply kicking back on the boat— maybe playing cribbage or watching the scenery and wildlife pass by—lifetime memories are made here.

Most Pacific Northwest steelhead rivers are busy these days. Very busy. That’s not the case here. In fact, some of southeast Alaska’s steelhead streams may not see a fly cast over them in any given year. Consequently, Thanks Alaska guests have these streams to themselves, their only company being eagles, blacktail deer and bears. Think back to the Roderick Haig-Brown days when fly-fishers could test any steelhead river, almost any time, and have the whole thing to themselves. That’s modern day southeast Alaska and that’s what Thanks Alaska and its 69-foot long Hawkeye II provide. You won’t see hook scars on these fish and you won’t find any garbage or debris along the banks. It’s just you, your friends and those metalheads.
Each day begins by launching skiffs off the Hawkeye LL and making short runs to the mouths of southeast’s most productive steelhead streams. You can cast for sea-run cutthroat trout and dolly varden char along the beaches (these fish range between 13 inches and three or four pounds) or hike upstream as far as your legs and imagination take you, working the best holes and runs for steelhead that average between eight and 14 pounds. Single hand rods work well here, whether used to swing flies or drift nymphs. Switch rods work well on southeast’s larger streams and in the estuaries.

You wouldn’t have to pick up a rod to make a great experience here. Whales, sea otters, sea lions, seals, eagles, sea ducks . . . wildlife and rugged scenery abound in southeast Alaska making photo opportunities occur around every turn. Skiff rides from the mothership are available, too. Beachcombing is spectacular. Relaxing on the Hawkeye II with a book and a cup of coffee in hand isn’t so bad either.

Flights from Seattle to Petersburg run twice daily.

Your private cruise starts at a minimum of 4 days/3 nights and can extend to 6 days/7 nights.

4 days/3 Nights : $16,800
5 Days/4 Nights : $21,000
6 Days/5 Nights : $25,200

INCLUDED
The Hawkeye II with USCG certified captain, steward/mate, and chef.
Two skiffs that access beaches, rivers, hiking trails, and glaciers.
All meals with private chef, featuring local Alaskan food, beer/wine with dinner.
Raingear, Xtratuff boots (most sizes available).
Saltwater fishing gear, shrimp/crab pots, bait and hauling gear.
PFDs, life raft, AED, First Aid kit, handheld VHF radios.
Fuel for the skiffs and yacht.
Transportation to/from Petersburg airport to harbor.

NOT INCLUDED
Airfare to/from Petersburg, Alaska (PSG).
Any additional in-town accommodations before/after charter.
Fishing/hunting licenses.
Hard Liquor (accommodations can be made in advance).
Vacuum packing/shipping of seafood.
Gratuity for crew.

Bookings are confirmed with a 50 percent deposit. Balance must be received before the start of your trip. Notification of cancellation must be received 60 days prior to your scheduled arrival in order to receive a full credit for an alternate date. All payments are final and nonrefundable, with the exception of a medical or family emergency at GFFI’s discretion.