Author Archives: Fred Cooper

About Fred Cooper

Alaska resident at the time of statehood; retired professional civil engineer and for 35 years owner of an engineering company; firmer owner and skipper of the Nordic Quest; author, avid fisherman and world traveler. Lives with his wife and their water-loving standard schnauzer in Portland, Oregon.

2014 IPHC Meeting in Seattle

If you did a Google search for Alaska halibut fishing regulations and clicked on the Nordic Quest site, what I am writing about today is simply that the International Pacific Halibut Commission will be meeting all week in Seattle starting Monday, January … Continue reading

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Sea Otter in SE Alaska–Good or Bad Reintroduction?

Sea otters are loved by out-of-state boaters and other tourists because they are cute and curious, furry little things and a rare sight. Guests on my boat first spot something floating and then get excited watching them float on their backs, … Continue reading

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Russell Island Adventure

One of the nice things about getting an entry permit to Glacier Bay National Park is the fact that it’s not going to be crowded with other visitors. Yes, there can be two large cruise ships every day steaming up … Continue reading

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Planning the Next Adventure Cruise

The Nordic Quest is now moored and well secured against winter storms as well as being winterized against whatever Juneau winter weather throws at her. There is not much I can do but recall memories of peaceful anchorages in small remote harbors, brazen dawns and … Continue reading

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Catching Salmon on Halibut Gear

I know it is common to catch a halibut while trolling for salmon but this year I experienced the opposite for the first time. Yes, I know someone is going to say, that’s not unusual either. But I have to … Continue reading

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Photo of the Week – Rigging up for Halibut

This simple double hook setup appeals to both the senses of smell and taste of halibut.  The stretchy thread helps hold it together. It uses a large herring and a salmon (Pink or Chum Salmon) belly strip.

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Rocking Night in Swanson Harbor

After a gorgeous day in north Chatham Strait we pulled into Swanson Harbor fairly late and the two state floats were full. Rather than run to Funter Bay and arrive after dark, we decided to drop the hook a couple hundred … Continue reading

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Photo of the Week – Saginaw Bay on a Summer Evening

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Photo of the Week – Humpback Breakfast Time

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Photo of the Week – Ghosts of the Past in Union Bay

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