Words and Images Provided By Yellow Dog Traveler Tim L.
Just returned from my first trip to Alaska and I'm still reeling from the grandeur and beauty of Southeast Alaska. I was aboard the M/V Adventurous with the owner Travis and his two amazing and attentive crew, Todd (guide and mate) and Gabri (chef).
I've been on live-aboards before and was happily surprised by The Adventurous. She is beautifully maintained and a very comfortable boat, even during some relatively high seas passages between the islands of Southeast Alaska and Tongass National Forest. Our group of six friends enjoyed unlimited freshwater and showers, a full kitchen where Gabri blew us away with meals, comfortable bunks, plenty of storage space, and room to spread out and relax after full days of adventure.
This was also my first time steelhead fishing, and I had convinced myself that if I got only one steelhead it would be a success. I caught many more than that, and very much appreciated the complimentary use of excellent switch rods and lessons from Travis and Todd. I wasn't interested in learning two-handed casting, but I'm now hooked and will definitely put to use my new skills on single-handed rods for trout back home in the Southeast US.
We saw so much wildlife including humpback whales, orcas, dolphins, mountain goats and seas otters complete with infants riding on their bellies. I'll never forget the mink that swam right in front of me on one of the tidal rivers or the 'kill site' where we found deer hair and bones surrounded by wolf tracks.
Other added adventures included four-wheeling on an island to get to a remote steelhead river, harvesting ice from floating icebergs for our coolers and cocktails, and setting crab and shrimp pots which we filled for excellent seafood meals. Besides being a thoroughly licensed and experienced boat captain and intuitive steelhead guide, Travis is a gracious and entertaining host. The Adventurous is a perfect way to not only fish for steelhead at its best but also a great way to experience Southeast Alaska without being on a crowded cruise ship!
