This is both a fishing report, and a report of great sadness.

Tragedy struck today in Seiku as a fire engulfed and destroyed the FV Phoenix, flagship of NWFR Sponsor Seiku Charters. Thankfully, no one was hurt, in no small part due to the fast actions of owner Robert Abner towing the smoking boat away from the dock thereby preventing damage to other boats tied up. Shortly after moving the boat to an isolated area away from other boats the Phoenix burst into flames that burned for around an hour until the Seiku Fire Department was able to put it out. The boat is a total loss.

NWFR crew Rob and Hilary Holman and myself had fished with Capt. Bob, his wife Amber, and daughter Haley just yesterday. We had a wonderful day of fishing for Chinook salmon and caught a couple keepers, and a whole lot of just sub-legal 18-21” fish. We fished off downriggers down to a couple hundred feet, trolling flashers and herring strips or spoons. There was never a time we weren’t catching something, and Rob, Amber, and Haley worked hard to get us on some bigger fish, but it just wasn’t our day to find the big ones.

We were going to go out fishing with them for a second day today when we arrived to find the Phoenix in flames. This is a real tragedy and great sadness, as Rob and Amber had just completed expensive upgrades to the Phoenix. I can say that the boat was one of the most comfortable I have ever fished out of, perfect for the waters around Seiku. The Phoenix was a historic boat as well, having had several owners dating back to the early days of Seiku as a fishing charter destination. Capt. Rob had shown me a filet knife going back 50-60 years old with notches lovingly cut into the handle. It was obvious Rob, Amber, and Haley loved the boat and took great pride in it. Our hearts and prayers go out to them.

If you would like to help out Sekiu Charters they do have a second boat that they will be able to take customers out on. Please consider booking with them if you plan on fishing the waters of Seiku for Chinook. I’m sure they would be very grateful for the support of the fishing community. You won’t find a nicer charter crew to fish with.

You can contact Seiku Charters at 360-640-4857. Their web site is Seiku Charters and they can be found on Facebook as well.

---