Ryan "Longjaw" Ashton - new Dock Manager & Head Guide at QCL Posted 17 May 2010 IN: Lodge News
BY QCL
Ryan, you are implementing several new systems and improvements for the fishing program. Making the transition from Guide to Manager will be huge for you!
What strengths/advantages do you bring to the role?
My background is in management, overseeing large crews in a union environment. I also owned my own business for many years, and I know the importance of customer satisfaction! Delivering beyond expectations is my modus operandi!
What is your first priority in preparation for opening day?
This year I am bringing up our expert guide team a week ahead of the season opening to get out there and do some scouting for the fish! When the whistle blows on opening day, we’ll have all the “where – when – and how deeps” that everyone needs to know to start their trip off with a bang!
What is the single biggest change QCL guests will notice when they land on the dock this year?
The boats! We have been working hard up at the lodge over the last few months making improvements to the fleet. The boats are really going to WOW the guests this year!
As the Head Guide, how are you drawing from your experience to create a better guide team?
I have incorporated a comprehensive training program for our guide team. We all know that fishing is a very important part of the guides day, but it encompasses so much more. Guides must be naturalists; historians of the local land and native culture; they are service specialists. Our guides will be ambassadors for beautiful British Columbia to tourists from all over the world!
Will there be a lot of familiar faces on the dock this year?
We are very proud that guests will see the return of some of our champion dock staff this season! We also have a complement of new folks who are “chomping at the bit” to get this season underway and prove their skills and abilities are unmatched anywhere on the coast!
What is new in the fishing program this summer?
I am very excited to announce we are adding a light tackle option this year, allowing anglers a truly sporting option to play other fish on a proper size-matched setup. The regular mooching rods meant to handle the big Tyees sometimes take the play out of these other fish – now those Coho, Pinks, and Cod will feel like real trophies!
What is the fishing going to be like in 2010?
The fishing outlook for 2010 is expected to be similar to 2009, with preliminary indicators showing a very good season ahead! Chinook and Coho migrations are expected to be very strong through the North Coast, with the Halibut in great shape for the recreational fishery. In addition, the quick-growing Lingcod stocks are very healthy, so there is sure to be constant action on the rods this summer!
