Our Story
I came back to Ketchikan to fish every year after that and haven’t missed a summer yet. I started working on my cousin’s (Snapper Carson) salmon tender when I was 13 and eventually found jobs on salmon seiners, halibut long liners, and Bering Sea king crabbers.
I have traveled the Alaskan coast line from the Canadian border through Southeast Alaska’s Inside Passage, across the Gulf of Alaska, along the Aleutian Chain and into the Bering Sea. But I have always come back to Ketchikan and have always thought of it as home, and when you are visiting I hope you will too.
I built a home here in 1989 and visiting friends and family would all comment “Wow, you should really build a fishing lodge here.” Since then we have developed the land as time and money would allow. Chinook Shores was incorporated in 2005 and the waterfront cabins and dock were built in 2005-2006 after years of planning and saving. I was fortunate enough to grow up in a family of carpenters and fishermen so building the lodge came natural. It was designed and built for fishermen by fishermen.
Our commitment to our guests is to provide the best accommodations, fishing boats and facilities in the industry and to surround them with friendly knowledgeable staff and fishing guides. Here you will find everything you need to make your Alaska fishing trip an experience of a lifetime. Whether you prefer salmon or halibut fishing, or bottom fishing for rockfish and cod, we have it all – same day, same place, same time.
Thank you for choosing Chinook Shores for your next vacation,
Jeff Wedekind
Managers
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JEFFREY WEDEKINDCEO and Charter Fishing Guide Jeff’s introduction to the Alaska fishing industry began in the late 70’s as a crew member on the F/V’s Crane and Westward. He later worked his way through college on trollers, seiners, long-liners, tenders and crabbers from the Gulf of Alaska to the Bering Sea. Upon receiving a B.S in Civil Engineering from Oregon Institute of Technology in 1989, he worked for engineering firms and construction companies where he managed high profile commercial construction and land development projects such as marine facilities, highways, rural roads and underground utilities. In 2005, Jeff founded Chinook Shores — a fishing lodge he built from the ground up. He is a member of the National Association of Charterboat Operators (NACO), Southeast Alaska Guides Organization (SEAGO) and currently serves on the board of Alaska Charter Association (ACA). Jeff actively maintains his United States Coast Guard (USCG) Master 100 Ton Captain’s License while offering guided and self-guided sport fishing opportunities to the guests at his lodge. |
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NADRA ANGERMANVP of Sales, Marketing and Product Development Born and raised in Alaska, from a family of loggers and fishermen, Nadra is passionate about industry. She believes it is crucial to balance the vibrant cruise industry with the needs of the independent travelers who book extended stays. With three decades of sales and marketing experience at local, regional and international levels, Nadra developed promotional campaigns for numerous industries. She worked extensively in public relations, corporate communications and advertising in the Lower 48 before returning to Alaska. Nadra has served on the Ketchikan Visitors Bureau Board of Directors and is a member of Greater Ketchikan Chamber of Commerce and Northwest Marine Trade Association. She holds a B.A. in Communications from Boise State University. |
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MCKINLEY KELLOGGOperations Manager Western Washington University graduate, McKinley Kellogg initially paid her way through college filleting fish, but her role at Chinook Shores Lodge has since evolved into a comprehensive leadership position. As a key operational lead, McKinley now manages logistics across every department, overseeing everything from transportation and housekeeping to hiring and fish processing. Additionally, she manages the lodge’s social media presence, bridging the gap between field operations and digital outreach. Passionate about fisheries management, sustainable seafood and healthy oceans, McKinley spent time working as a fisheries observer for the opilio (snow crab) fishery in the Bering Sea. In 2023, she traveled to Kodiak, AK, to attend the North Pacific Marine Resources Education Program (MREP) for industry stakeholders impacted by federal fisheries management decisions. In the off-season she provides written comments and testifies at Board of Fisheries meetings to advise policy makers on behalf of Alaska charter fishermen and local residents. McKinley holds a B.S. in Environmental Science. |
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SOREN HEINECKEMarina and Fleet Manager, Charter Fishing Guide Soren Heinecke’s introduction to Alaska began in 2013 when he started working on long-liners, pot cod boats, tenders and crabbers throughout the Gulf and Bering Sea. He later transitioned to working on tug-boats for Island Tug and Barge and Western Towboat Co based in Seattle. He holds dual licenses, 1600 ton mate/100 ton master with mate of tow endorsement, and Designated Duty Engineer (DDE) 4000 HP. In the off-season Soren contracts as Chief Engineer and Mate of Tow around Southeast AK and Seattle. Soren’s certifications and credentials include the United States Coast Guard (USCG) Designated Duty Engineer (DDE) 4000 HP, USCG 100 Ton Master Near Coastal, USCG 1600 Ton Mate Near Coastal, Mate (Pilot) of Towing Vessels, FCC Marine Radio Operator, Commercial Assistance Towing, BST, Advanced Firefighting, Radar Observer Unlimited, ECDIS, and University of Alaska Southeast (UAS) Fast Rescue Boat training. Soren actively maintains his Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) for tourism and transportation opportunities throughout Southeast Alaska. |