Father's Day/Birthday Fishing in Sitka, Alaska

Capt. John Brooks will take you out onto the open waters around Sitka, Alaska for a full ten-hour day of fishing for whatever strikes your fancy - or your line. We spent three days with the likable John catching salmon, halibut, ling cod and red snapper - with an occasional shark or rock fish for fun. (No tin cans or rubber boots, though).

John is retired US Coast Guard, so you feel safe from a boating perspective. He is no-nonsense on rules, but has a great sense of humor and more than the normal complement of great "fish stories." Having found him quite by accident online, and having shared experiences with other out-of-town anglers, I can honestly say we were more than fortunate to hook up with John and his team.

I would highly recommend looking John and Raindancer up when thinking not just about the fishing aspect of Sitka, but the vacationing aspect as well. John's chef, Ty, is amazing in the kitchen and his operations manager Louise will take good care of you as you spend time fishing and relaxing in Sitka. Give John a call at (907) 738-6823. Tell him I sent you (he'll still take your call...).

We opted to stay at the Raindancer Lodge, run by Raindancer Charters. This is the first year they've hosted guests at their place, opting to pocket the money instead of giving it to local hotels.

The accommodations are basic, warm, and inviting. My father-in-law and I had the "Wolf" room with two twins and a full bath, private entrance and all kinds of birch wood accents up the walls. Very woodsy.

There's a recreation room with a flat-screen, a pool table and sink for making coffee, hot cider, or anything else you'd like to warm up to.

Upstairs is the dining room and kitchen where Chef Ty Yamamoto prepares some of the most delicious dishes you've ever laid lips on. His paints are his sauces and his canvas is halibut, beef, pork, and anything else you may request.

The lodge is located a few miles from downtown, on the ocean side of Sawmill Road, where you'll habitually see Bald Eagles and even an occasional moose running around. Peaceful location + inviting hosts = vacation bliss.