Sport and Recreation

Just the thought of Alaska and salmon fishing in the same mental picture conjures images of grandeur, pristine forest, snowy peaks, and a pole bent double while the line rips through the water. Alaska salmon fishing has been discovered closer than you could expect and more beautiful than all the pictures you’ve seen. This secret location is…

Alaska salmon fishing is closer than you think. A few hundreds miles north of Seattle is the southern most tip of Alaska. Prince of Wales Island is the largest island in North America and the closest Alaska salmon fishing grounds that has extreme fishing success.

If you choose not to drive up the Alaska Highway you will arrive in Ketchikan Alaska via commercial airlines, and take the ferry over to Prince of Wales Island or a commercial float-plane will fly you over to the island. There are resorts, lodges and guides that will accommodate you based on your vacation budget.

Craig and Klawok are two villages that welcome salmon fishers from all over the world. Coho or King Salmon arrive off the Island of Noyes bringing in the first salmon harvest for the year. There are thousands of miles of inland shores to fish without ever reaching the Pacific Ocean. Most of the king salmon fishing is within a cast of shore. To reach the early arriving king salmon you will need to meet them on the edge of the Pacific as they feed up to the inlets that flow in and around the Prince of Wales.

Although the origin of the pirate flag is unknown, it is generally thought that it was invented to strike fear in the hearts and minds of their enemies.  The pirate flag, or “Jolly Roger” as it often called, was likely intended to scare their potential victims into a speedy surrender.

The origins of the name “Jolly Roger” are difficult to establish.  It is likely derived from the fact that devil was often referred to as “Old Roger”, and so the flag suggested the wrath of the devil.  The classic skull and bones design was also often used in the Captain’s log to indicate the death of a sailor.  This flag was an important part of the pirate’s armory, and is considered one of the earliest forms of psychological warfare.

In popular legend, it seems that every pirate flag consisted of a skull above two crossed bones.  This was generally not the case, as the Captain and his crew often wanted their own flag.  While it is true that most pirate flags had the skull and crossbones on them, they often had other images such as skeletons, swords, hourglasses, goblets, and hearts.

One of the most famous pirates was “Black Bart”, otherwise known as Bartholomew Roberts.  He was originally from Wales, and in his 4 year career captured well over 400 ships and accumulated incredible wealth.  It is said that he was a brilliant, fearless, and innovative seaman.  His fleet scoured the seas looking for treasure, and he inspired fear and dread in governments and citizens alike.