Big Brothers Big Sisters

Big Brothers Big Sisters with Alaska Premier Charters, Inc. / Wild Strawberry Lodge“Big Brothers Big Sisters of Alaska strengthens our communities by providing mentors to all children who need and want a caring adult role model – special friends who can help them expand their horizons, realize their potential and enrich their futures – changing their lives.” The Sitka Charterboat Operators Association sponsored another Big Brothers Big Sisters fishing event this year. This is an annual event, usually held in late May or early June, that allows for a free day of fishing adventure for children.

Big Brothers holding up SalmonFive boats, with 22 participants, left the docks around 8:30 in the morning for some angling, hoping to bring home a full load of King salmon among others. The weather was gorgeous, and the water calm; a perfect day to stand in the sun and soak it all in. Although some of the kids got hit by seasickness, they all got to participate in reeling in some fish. A few boats hauled in their limits of King salmon, while others returned having only caught rockfish. The variation between the boats was distinct, but as any angler knows, each day brings a whole new situation. Sometimes the fish will hit the lines hard and without a break, but other times you have to coax it out of them.

Upon their return to Crescent Harbor, many of the kids looked drained as they perched on the deck or sprawled in the cabin, but they perked up once the boat was tethered to the dock. Once dockside, they were filled with excitement as they lined up with their catch, posing for pictures and talking about their day. It was great to see the kids walking to the parking lot with their bags of fish, completely satisfied with their day on the water. All the captains and deckhands had a great time sharing the outdoors and fishing on the ocean with the kids. “It was all worth it to see the smiles on the kids faces today.”

Big Brothers Group Photo

~Tori N.

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