“We have all heard this before, ‘A bad day of fishing is better than a good day at work.’ Probably true, but a good day of fishing is even better. I have just the place for you to have an exceptional day, Dick and Sue Roher’s Fishing Camp on Kodiak Island, Alaska where there is ALWAYS fabulous fishing; bad days are simply not allowed. I purchased this fishing vacation at our Eastern Chapter FNAWS Auction in 2006. Gene had already been to Rohrer’s fishing and bear camps and he always had a great report about the experience. Besides, I had never been to Alaska or fly-fished so; it would be an ‘educational’ experience. After meeting the Rohrers and their family, I was prepared for a great time. Transportation was easily arranged. On Saturday, August 4th, Gene and our two friends flew from Philadelphia on Northwest Airlines via Minneapolis. I departed LAX where I had been visiting family, on Alaska Airlines bound for Anchorage, where we arrived about noon. We ventured into town for a wonderful dinner at the Crow’s Nest restaurant in the Captain Cook Hotel. This hotel books many months ahead in anticipation of the multitudes that travel to Alaska during the summer months, so make reservations early. It is a beautiful hotel, worth considering for your stay. We chose an alternate hotel, closer to the airport. The next afternoon, we had a brief flight to Kodiak on Alaskan/Horizon Air where we were met by Dick and driven to our accommodations at the Best Western Hotel where he and Sue had arranged our stay. We were minutes walking distance from the local shops and restaurants and the view of the surrounding islands was spectacular. I had my first experience in a float-plane the following morning and the view from the air of the Alaskan wilderness is breathtaking! The pilots that the Rohrers solicit are highly experienced and knowledgeable and the 30 minute trip to Kodiak Island seemed like seconds. I could not believe the smooth water landing, incredible! Our fishing adventure began immediately upon our arrival. Passing though the freshwater tide pools and the rivers surrounding camp, there is an incomparable photo opportunity. We saw many brown bear sharing our interest in salmon, bald eagles (many of them) perched on the cliffs along the water. Dick provided the rods and fly poles, depending on preference. We did have a consistent problem; there were so many fish, they were catching the line before you put it in the water! I had my first in¬water introduction to fly-fishing with Dick, a most patient man, considering the errors of a novice like myself. I think I owe him a lot of flys. Gene was experienced and had a totally relaxing time catching and releasing. On Wednesday, we went out to the open water surrounding the island to fish for saltwater fish and this time, there was a halibut waiting for every line we put down! Gene and I each caught very large halibut, 89 and 98 lbs., respectively, which we are enjoying at home now. We even had a ‘Float and Fish’, an all-day float down the river, interspersed with fishing stops for salmon, rainbow and dolly varden. We had to catch our own lunch or starve according to our Capt. Dick! The long days of 16 hours of daylight and great weather made everything just right. The accommodations are comfortable at camp, very intimate as the size is limited to six guests. Dick and his son Sam are terrific guides, very professional, yet make this a ‘family experience’. Jeannie, the resident ‘master chef/pastry chef and griller’ creates fabulous meals at each sitting and there IS a lot of eating involved. After all, fishing is hard work, right? There are chats in the chairs and on the porches, just looking at the beautiful water landscape in front of you, very hard work indeed! This is better than Fantasy Island and Gene and I give top billing to the Rohrers for providing such a great atmosphere and top-notch fishing for their guests. Whether you are an experienced fisher-person or novice, this is the place for you. Thanks to all the Rohrers for the memories!”

Shoemakersville, PA