I have been to 22 fishing lodges between Central America, all around the USA and Canada and there are none that compare with EL Cap.
Snuggled into an endless remote thick Pine Forest at the water's edge in the aptly named Sea Otter Bay where hundreds of cute little faces faces stop smacking clams with a rock on their chests and smile at you as you power by.
Is this place easy to get to? Not exactly. Flying is not high on my list for an enjoyable day and if God wanted men to fly why is parking at the airport such a pain in the ass? No matter, as each flight was smooth as a puppy's tummy. Yes, it's a bit of a schlep but then so was Victoria Falls and Base Camp on Everest and all three had a serious grand pay off.
Is it worth the effort? Absolutely. But first you have to secure a reservation long in advance preferrably for a group of four. The Lodge is limited to only 20 lucky peeps.
It's like trying to snag two seats at Hayato for Kaiseki Dinner in LA. Start trying three years in advance.
So at El Cap regulars book the same week year after year and then eventually bequeath that coveted reservation to their children.
Everything you'll need for your fully guided fishing adventure is provided. All you need is your Undies and a tooth brush.
Newbies, be determined and persistent and with luck you're booked and for what you are about to receive the price point is more than fair.
I flew from John Wayne in Santa Ana, California to Seattle and barely made the connection to Ketchikan where I overnighted at The Landing Hotel which El Cap works with. Not the Ritz Carlton but clean and comfortable.
I was too lazy to go downtown for dinner and opted for The Portside in the Hotel. Perhaps I should've gone downtown or wolfed 6 Twix Bars in the room. My cold tortilla with Halibut Fingers stayed down and I was ready at dawn to wedge into the Float Plane for the flight to El Cap.
We jiggled and wiggled along to a soft landing at the El Cap dock.
Swiss Chalet style structures are connected by gritty no slip ramps, bridges, and stairs which take you to the beautiful full Bar, a breakie sandwich, and your complete Helle Hansen inclement weather bibs, jacket and boots.
Equipped, it's time to trot back to the dock and get on your boat and leave by 8:00 AM in time to fish your pants off even though it took a while to yank your pants on.
You'll return with the fish Fish Tanks loaded at 5:30 PM
The Fishing is superb. Salmon, Halibut, Ling Cod, Vermillion Snapper, Black and Blond Rockfish are all patiently awaiting your hook.
The gear, boats and Guides are all top tier pros. The boats are North River, fully enclosed Cabin and head, with twin Merc 250's to get you to the Sweet Spots and Honey Holes before the fish wake up.
Be advised if you're prone to motion sickness, take your Bonnies because you ain't comin' back until the Guide has boated the limit on everything the he has it in his mind to go for.
Finally, it's all ashore. Time for a quick hot shower in your well appointed comfy Cabin and then back to the Bar to enjoy wonderful Appetizers with the drink of choice and some serious retelling fishin' tales past and present. Or talk about something less animated, like Politics, Religion and your third Wedding Night.
Life can be mean, cruel and short but here it's a respite from the storms in your life. Relax and have another plate of Fried Chicken Wings with house made Ranch Dressing, and never mention that to your Vegan Cardiologist.
Eventually at 6:00 PM you'll migrate to the Dinning Room where Chef Tony works his magic. Fresh caught Halibut with crisp Haricots Vert and a trace of Beurre Blanc Sauce or perfect Filet Mignon with rich Mashed Potatoes and the last night it was Roasted Salmon settled into a painting of Red Wine Reduction interlaced spikes of White Wine Butter Sauce. Almost too pretty to eat. Almost.
Each Breakfast is different everyday and the boat is stocked with an array of sandwiches, cookies, drinks and treats to keep your energy level at peak performance.
Sound inviting? It is.
El Cap is where it's at if wishin' for great fishin' is your mission. read more