Welcome 2019 with a fresh ATTITUDE… and FRESH FISH!

If you know me, you know I’m a TYPE-A person who runs a tight ship (both literally and figuratively). Well, last year I resolved to become more of a B type person to improve my zen. As I look back… it seems all THAT actually did was stress me out and delay getting newsletters done on time. So, here it finally is — a little late but better than never: my 2019 resolutions.

Resolution #1: Eat more salad.

Are you trying to turn over the proverbial new leaf in 2019 and make better eating choices? I am. So, I tried this delicious and healthy recipe from the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute (photo credit) that I want to share with you: Wild Alaska Salmon with Ginger Sauce and Spiralized Veggies (Just add salmon).  Tasty, tasty. Click here for the full recipe!

Resolution #2: Catch more salmon (for the salad).

Photo (above) my bounty after an hour of fishing. Believe it or not, I don’t get to do much fishing. On this day Jeff and I were able to sneak away for a little rest and relaxation (which consists of Jeff hauling gear, running gear and driving the boat, while I simply catch up on backlogged emails with my phone and reel in the fish when he tells me too. We are a dynamic duo that way! He helped me catch a few beautiful Coho (and a really fat Chum) while making it look super easy, I might add. If you’ve been wanting to go fishing, it’s not too late. Check out these great fishing dates…

Resolution #3: Travel more.

Really, who doesn’t want to travel more? People travel to Chinook Shores Lodge from all over the world to get to where great fishing is just 10-45 minutes away from our dock (map above). This year, I too am vowing to add fabulous travel destinations to my bucket list. I know, I’m too young to have a bucket list, but I’m 50 and I figure that’s a good time to start planning. In the meantime, here’s a list of places Jeff and I will visit during our 2019 sportsmen’s show season.

• January 11 in Bellingham, Washington
• January 12 in Vancouver, Washington
• January 13 in Waldport, Oregon
• January 17-20 in Sacramento, California Booth #3308C at Cal Expo (directions)
• January 21 in Klamath Falls, Oregon
• January 22 in Vancouver, Washington
• January 23-27 in Puyallup, Washington Booth #417 at Washington State Fair Events Center (directions)
• January 28 in Hawaii (Kona)
• February 6-10 in Portland, Oregon Booth #1308 at Portland Expo Center (directions)
• March 22-23 in Western Washington University (McKinley’s graduation)
• March 24 in Hawaii (Oahu, Kauai & Molokai)
• October TBD
• Catch us on the road! Click here for show details…

Resolution #4: Learn to accessorize.

The only thing that separates us from the animals is our ability to accessorize (I heard THAT in a movie one time).  THESE GUYS really seem to know how to do it, and they never disappoint. Most anglers show up in camo or fleece, but I’ve seen this particular group of anglers show up in everything from Hockey Jerseys to Tuxedo Shirts to CRAZY hats and other unique fanfare. Photo (above) Canadian Pro Anglers take pause for a team photo before heading out to the grounds. (Disclaimer: They fished in three separate boats — we recommend fishing only 3-4 people to each boat)

Resolution #5: Meet cool people.

Truly one of the bests things about owning a fishing lodge is you really do get to meet some cool people. And what I find REALLY cool is that no matter what city or state people are from, they all share a commonality with other anglers. It’s super cool and fun to watch happen on the dock. Last July, we hosted 31 self-guided anglers at the lodge — a record setting number for the season and the entire history of our lodge. Photo (above) new and old fishing friends mingle on the dock after a great day of fishing. Did I say, cool?

Resolution #6: Make more memories.

Chinook Shores Lodge 2018 Crew: Photo (above in order left to right) Soren, McKinley, Paulina, Vaiva, Samadhi, Nadra and Jeff pose for a quick photo. Photo (below) after several re-takes. We had an amazing crew last season. We were sad to see Paulina and Vaiva return to Lithuania last September, but we are super excited about our team of Ketchikan locals this year.  Chinook Shores Lodge veterans McKinely, Samadhi and Soren will return. Cleo will fill in as our van driver when needed, and Natasha and James (who started working for us in 2018) will be helping out even more this season.

Resolution #7 Have more fun than 2018!

Video (above) follows a day in the life of a dock hand at Chinook Shores Lodge: 2018 amazing weather, amazing guests, amazing fishing and amazing crew. We are all looking forward to doing that again in 2019!

Happy New Year, Nadra & Jeff

Photo Credits: Constant Contact, Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute, McKinley & Soren