Our Captain & Crew

Membership & Credentials
  • checkmark Memberships and Credentials
  • checkmark Alaska Charter Association (ACA) Board Member
  • checkmark National Association of Charterboat Operators (NACO)
  • checkmark Ketchikan Chamber of Commerce
  • checkmark Ketchikan Visitors Bureau
  • checkmark USCG 100 Ton Masters Captain License
  • checkmark First Aid / CPR
  • checkmark 20+ Years Experience as Licensed Sport Fishing Guide
  • checkmark 40+ Years Experience Fishing in Southeast Alaska Waters
  • checkmark Bachelors Degree in Civil Engineering from Oregon Institute of Technology

Meet Jeff Wedekind — Owner, Operator & Your Guide… and Your Captain!

As a young boy Jeff would leave his family home in Oregon to spend his summer vacations working in Alaska on his Uncles fishing boat. Here he learned all about fishing, hunting, fishing, boating, fishing…some more fishing and cleaning fish in Alaska’s great outdoors. As he grew older he ventured out to the Gulf of Alaska and the Bering Sea on halibut long liners and king crabbers for months at a time. He attended Oregon Institute of Technology, returning to Alaska every year to pay for his college education by commercial fishing for salmon, halibut, black cod and king crab. Upon earning his B.S. degree in Civil Engineering, Jeff returned to Alaska and continued to fish commercially until landing his first “desk job” were he worked as a civil engineer and managed several projects in Southeast Alaska which included building roads, city infrastructure and marine docks. Jeff enjoyed his engineering job, but missed being out on the ocean. So, he decided to develop the land he inherited from his grandfather and establish what has now become known as Chinook Shores — an Alaska fishing lodge for guided and self-guided anglers. Today Jeff, Nadra, McKinley, and Soren are always searching for fish, adventure and awesome anglers. We value our employees and know that our success depends on their commitment to Chinook Shores Lodge. Our hard-working and fun-loving culture embraces spirited team members with diverse backgrounds and experiences, and a passion for the great outdoors.

Our Crew

McKinley
McKinley
McKinley
Soren
Soren
Soren
Willow
Willow
Willow
Miles
Miles
Miles
Jesse
Jesse
Jesse
Ethan
Ethan
Ethan
Cleo
Cleo
Cleo
Elaine
Elaine
Elaine
Tonia
Tonia
Tonia
Zella
Zella
Zella
Nadra
Nadra
Nadra
Lucy
Lucy
Lucy

Dock Action at Chinook Shores!

Our Contractors

At Chinook Shores Lodge, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional service, made possible by the support of the Greater Ketchikan Chamber of Commerce and the dedicated efforts of numerous local businesses, contractors and subcontractors who work tirelessly behind the scenes. From the meticulous craftsmanship of local builders to the final touches from home furnishing companies, each partner plays a crucial role in enhancing your stay. Our contract cleaning, landscaping and snow removal crews keep the properties in top shape year round. Transportation professionals extend the reach of our van fleet and sporting goods dealers ensure our boats are powered, geared-up and ready-to-fish. Additionally, we rely on support services that keep our business operating like a well-oiled machine. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to these skilled professionals for their commitment and expertise, which help us maintain the high standards you expect at our lodge. Thank you for choosing Chinook Shores Lodge, where every detail reflects our collective dedication to your comfort and satisfaction. Here is an alphabetized list of our most valued vendors and partners:
  • Advanced Communications, Aero Services, AK Car Rental, Alaskan and Proud Markets, Alaska Liquor North, All American Auto, Arrowhead LP Gas, Bay Company, Bernies, Budget Car Rental, Cape Fox, Channel Electric, Designs By Asha, Fish from Trish, First City Electric, Heavenly Creations, Julie’s Fine Jewelry & Gifts, Ketchikan Candle Company, Knudson Cove Marina, Madison Lumber & Hardware, Magnum Enterprises, Marble Seafoods, Milner, Howard, Palmer & Edwards, CPAs, Lighthouse Grocery & Liquor, Local Grounds, North Landscaping, Northern Sales, Pacific Pride, PEAK Services, Petro Marine, Pool Engineering, R&M Engineering, Sanders Business Solutions, Scanlon Gallery & Custom Framing, Schmolk Mechanical, S.E. Plumbing, Shaub-Ellison Tire Company, Simply Bella, Steelhead Electric, The Captain’s Lady, The Green Coffee Bean Company, Timbers Restaurant, Tongass Business Center, Tongas Furniture, Tongass Marine, Tongass Trading, TSS Safety, and Tongass Marine, Tongas Trading, Tyler Rental, Ketchikan Ever Greens, Ketchikan H20, Ketchikan Public Utilities, Variety Painting & Roofing