2011 Guest Comments

“Wonderful trip, beautiful British Columbia is an understatement.”
Lenard, Barrhead AB

“Good times, great hosts as always. Already looking forward to the next one.”
Phil, Kelowna BC

“Our trip from my perspective (Anglers wife) was nothing like what I was expecting! The experience was amazing… the fishing was so much fun…. the accommodation wonderfully clean… scenery spectacular and the warmth and attentiveness of our hosts was genuine and engaging. Kudos to chef Deb.”
Vicki, Calgary AB

“Over twenty years of fishing and kayaking on the west coast I have enjoyed great fishing, friendly hospitality, and world class food. I have never had all three delivered at once the way Doug and Deb have done aboard the Thunder 1. First class way to enjoy a day, thanks so much!! Best day on the west coast goes to you.”
Cam and Ben, Wolesly SK

“This is our 4th trip and all we can say is FANTASTIC! WONDERFUL!! AMAZING!! And a whole lot of fun with two great hosts. Doug and Deb so great to be with you once again.”
Kerry and Sue, Edmonton AB

“This experience should be added to everyone’s bucket list. I am thrilled to say I can check it off mine. Doug and Deb contribute to the magic along with a little help from Mother Nature. “
Terry and Maxine, Edmonton AB

“Thank you so much for the great trip!! Over the years I have heard so many great stories from Jason, being here greatly surpassed expectations. Certainly a once and a lifetime must! Deb the food was fantastic, I’ll be first in line for your cook book. Doug thanks for getting us into plenty of fish, all of your work with all of the gear, your stories and of course your wit! I had a great time!”
Neil (Suds), Edmonton AB

2010 Guest Comments

“Thank you for making a dream come true with a fantastic history making trip. A triple header of Chinook salmon; 21lb. 27lb. and 35lb. Tyee. From the mouth watering food to the exciting fishing, we will never forget this trip. It may have been our first experience but certainly not our last. We’re hooked now!! We could not have asked for a more hospitable, awesome couple to spend this time with.”
Gratien and Lorraine, Edmonton AB
Butch and Nicole, Calgary AB

“Thank you for the opportunity to realize a lifelong dream of catching a “big” salmon. We certainly hope to do it again.”
Marcel and Helene, Falher AB

“We really enjoyed our getaway. I completely forgot about work, caught up on some sleep and ate like a queen. Bruce relaxed completely which isn’t very common for him and he finished a book!!! Thanks for everything. We loved your boat and may be back to do the coastal tour with you. Looking forward to enjoying the wonderful halibut and salmon at home.”
Linda and Bruce McKenzie, Devon AB

“What a wonderful four days that got me into the joys of fishing again. The food, the hospitality, the bed and the whole atmosphere were second to none. We can forget the rest of the world exists out here. Can even accept the black flies too!!! Thanks for everything, may the wind always be at your back. Cheers.”
Alan and Dawn, Edmonton AB

“You are wonderful hosts. I can’t imagine what you could have done to make this trip better. Great food, great friends, great fishing, great hosts. You two ROCK!”
David, St Albert AB

“Another great adventure aboard the Thunder 1. Thank you for your hospitality. Deb, the food was over the top. It’s great to bring friends and have the trip totally exceed their expectations.”
Fishhead Kerry, Sturgeon County AB

“Thanks Doug and Deb for a fantastic trip. Every part of it was top shelf. Great fishing, great meals Deb. I especially enjoyed the bottom fishing. Always exciting to see what you are dragging up from the depths. Can’t wait to show and share all the stories and pictures with everyone back home.”
Kale, Sherwood Park AB

“Total satisfaction! Lots of big beautiful salmon to keep us on our toes. Never a dull moment with the pink hootchie!! Hats off to Deb and Doug who introduced us to their “sea home”, the Thunder 1. We loved every minute and leave with reluctance. Please do the cookbook Deb. Your recipes and food are delicious. Love the Tyee award also.”
Shirley and Rudie, Pacifica CA

“We came aboard as clients and left as friends. We were treated as part of your family. Thanks for the wonderful experience. The fishing was just the icing on the cake. Memories of a lifetime. Best wishes always. We will see you next season.”
Ray and Joanne, Fort Saskatchewan AB

“ ‘The Perfect Charter’ no longer a myth! Travelling and fishing with Thunder 1 was fantastic. Superb cuisine (cannot call the meals we had just food.) Excellent fishing and the best ever; Doug and Deb. You are amazing. Love spending time with you two. Happy Birthday Doug. See you next year. Thanks again.”
Fran and Dennis, Quesnel BC

“On behalf of us all, thank you to share with a beautiful simplicity, your passion and your lifestyle. Your hospitality and the big fishes, Deb’s good cooking and finally your patience towards us in all our French-fooling around made a beautiful and memorable trip.”
Stephane, Vital, Nicole, Christian Quebec

“Deeply satisfying and simply beautiful.”
Joanna, Edmonton AB

“What a great trip! We had it all: a salmon frenzy, whales galore with even an unbelievable bubble feed show and photography session, evening stars and unheard of reflections. On top of all that, your companionship was outstanding, outdone by great cooking! No one could have more laughs or a better time. Thanks for everything. We would love to come again.”
Peter, Edmonton AB

“Thanks to our gracious hosts, Doug and Deb. We had an amazing trip. We ate like kings and slept like babies. In between we saw humpbacks breaching and bubble net feeding. We also saw porpoise, seals, sea lions and wolves. We even had time to catch a few salmon and halibut. Did I mention the food yet? Thanks again for a great time.”
Paul and Aiden, Ardrossan AB

2009 Guest Comments

“Thanks for making our survey charter very very exciting and enjoyable!! We had a great trip with great weather, food and hosts. Hope to see you in the fall.”
Katie, Karen and Ben

“Couldn’t have asked for a better trip. Your hospitality was exceptional, the fishing great, and the food outstanding. We’ll pass the word on.”
Byron, Dave and Dean, Edmonton AB

“I’ll buy your cookbook, Deb, as soon as you make one!!”

“Again a wonderful trip. Your hospitality was above and beyond. The fishing was outstanding, thanks for the monster hali.”
Mark, Edmonton AB

“We liked it so much last year we came back for more great scenery, food, fish, friendship and weather. Thanks for everything!”
Deb and Doug. Kerry and Sue, St Albert

“Don’t make us leave! We want to stay on. All the concerns of the real world disappear quickly on the Thunder 1….. it’s just the three f’s , fishing, food, and friendship. Oh make that four f’s, it’s all FABULOUS!! We’ll be back.”
Norm and Arlene, Calgary AB

“An incredible fishing adventure. Superb hospitality and delicious food, thanks for the wonderful memories.”
Andrew, Calgary

“This was my introduction to open ocean fishing. What an amazing adventure. Too many memories to keep track of. Deb and Doug are amazing hosts. Deb also has the best cooking I’ve had for a very long time. Doug keeps us smiling and the fish on the hooks. Thank you very much and I can’t wait for my return to the Thunder 1.”
George, Calgary

“Our days on the Thunder 1 exceeded all of our expectations! The fishing was great and the food was top notch. Thank you Doug and Deb for a fishing experience that we will always remember.”
Blaine and Bev, Edmonton AB

“Definitely world class salmon fishing and hosts. Lots of Coho and a big Chinook and halibut . Thanks again for an awesome experience aboard the Thunder 1. You made us some happy and well fed fisherman.”
Brian, Ottawa ON

“Doug and Deb, thank you for the tireless work, excellent hospitality, tasty food, and fabulous fishing. You are a hard working couple and I enjoyed spending time with you. Life is Good!”
Shane, San Francisco

“Thanks again Deb and Doug for sharing your home on the ocean and a quality time and hospitality second to none! A truly fist class experience in all respects , terrific food, fishing, scenery and lots of fun.”
Jason, Curtis, Craig and David, Edmonton AB

“What a beautiful place, a lovely boat, a fun captain, and a fabulous chef. Not to mention dinner with a show of whales, dolphins and a seal. We had a wonderful day together with you.”
Jeff and Katherine, North Carolina

“I will not soon forget the perfect dinner of cashew crusted halibut, asparagus, cherry tomatoes with basil and basmati rice with pine nuts, it was such a delicious dinner.”
Leslie, Vancouver BC

“This was my first salmon trip ever, it was amazing. The fishing, food, comradery, and experience will be very difficult to duplicate. Deb and Doug thank you for the best experience, I will be back. Now I am no longer the salmon virgin.”
Bob

“This trip was so fantastic words cannot fully express how great my time was with you. The food the accommodation, the fish , the scenery and best of all the attitude and quality both of you provide. Hope to see you again next year.”
Dave

“Deb and Doug, thank you very much for an unforgettable trip down the inside passage. I am certain we saw so many whales is that they have all heard of Deb’s cooking. The entire cruise could not have been better, both for Conde Nast Traveller and for me. I can’t wait to return!”
Gary, Conde Nast Traveller

2008 Guest Comments

“……….ditto to all the above, best birthday present I’ve had in 83 years.“
Moe, Fort Saskatchewan, AB.

“The voyage was thunderfull! Thank you Deb and Doug for the terrific hospitality, awesome food, and great stories. This is defiantly the best way to fish. Thank you very much!!“
Henry, Seattle, Washington.

“The food was absolutely amazing!!! Fishing fine and really glad we had the best weather. Thanks for putting up with us. Here’s hoping we can come aboard again in your busy schedules.“
Crew from Edmonton.

“Great food, great fishing, great company, exceptional Hospitality. Hope to see you next year.“
Derek and Pauline , Kelowna, BC.

“Doug and Deb:  This has to be one of the “Must do’s” in your lifetime holiday plans. Wow! The fishing , the scenery, wildlife, spectacular. Your hospitality went far and beyond expectation.  Thank you so much.“
Rob and Sue , Edmonton, AB.

“Doug and Deb: Thanks for hooking me up with that beauty Spring salmon. Every minute of the trip is a great memory, Excellent meals, accommodations and hospitality. Many many many thanks.“
Terry, Edmonton, AB.

“Once again the Thunder 1 and Crew prove to be my destination of Choice. Already looking forward to next year.“
Dan, Edmonton, AB.

“3rd time out and the best hosting by far. Keep doing what you love, it shows and makes for a great adventure. See you again soon.“
Andrew, Kelowna, BC.

“1st time out but not the last. All I have heard is absolutely true, great people, great boat with exceptional cooking and fish finding skills. Thanks a million.“
Bud, Kelowna, BC.

“I have fished for black bass in NG, Barra in North Australia, trout in New Zealand and Tasmania, but none come close to Spring Salmon in Prince Rupert. Doug and Deb run a fantastic boat and I hope to come back soon. Fantastic!!“
Norm P., Australia

“Another memorable trip. No Ryan, no Karen, just a couple of misbehaving Aussies. Lots of great times, great fish, great food, great laughs and great hosts. Doug and Deb you folks are the best, and thanks for another great fishing trip.“
Bill, Calgary, AB.

“What a lovely trip from our first greeting to our final day of cruising, fishing, orca and whale watching. The menu was exceptional and served with ease and style. Everyone was catered to, and each person in the party would feel they had been personally catered for.
Many thanks for a super trip, it was a holiday to remember with warmth and a multitude of memories.“
Barb and Eleanor, Ottawa, Ont.

“Thank you Deb and Doug. It was great to see the Canadian Coastline, God’s Pocket, birds, whales, fish and various kinds of weather. Everyday was different and had it’s own special charm. The professional, friendly trip was all one could wish for from an Aussie new to this area.
I’m glad the halibut finally jumped on my hook. Thank you for a great holiday.“
Cheryl, South Australia.

“We were promised an adventure tour and it sure was with many humpback sightings, seals, sealions, birds and our limit in halibut. What a great time with Doug and Deb our great hosts, nothing was too much trouble.
We saw orcas playing on the journey back to Prince Rupert, fantastic three days.“

Sue, Edmonton AB.