Mike Reading has been a steady force on the QCL team since before the first pine log was laid into position in Naden Harbour back in 1991. A good many of our most loyal guests have relied on Mike every year to organize their fishing vacations and they ve become great friends over the past 2 decades. A good representative in the office can make the planning process so easy, ensuring that all members of the group are well informed, special requests are taken care of and travel and hotel arrangements are coordinated. Mike is always available to take care of the details! We asked Mike to answer a few questions this week:

 

 

I think it has changed quite a bit. Twenty years ago most of our guests were groups of buddies and friends. Corporate North America is now recognizing the resort getaway as an opportunity to bond with staff and clients. Of course we still see many groups of friends, however they no longer make up the majority of our guest list.

 

 

You are absolutely right. Dates are very important and fishermen love to keep coming back to the lodge on the same date every year. Often an angler lands “the big one” on that date or, more importantly, they may lose a big fish on a certain date. They feel that if they come back to the same place on the same date they may catch it the next time! Quite often the guest gets to know other people on the trip and they plan to get together “same time next year” so it is a lot like coming home each year to see friends. I don t know that it amounts to superstition but fishermen sure like to repeat the exact same things each trip. They get to know the managers and the staff, they re recognized when they arrive, and once they feel at home they find it hard not to come back!

 

 

There are many lodges out there and I need to be able to demonstrate that there are real differences when current and potential clients are looking to make a choice. I have always taken pride in being open, honest and truly caring about my clients. They can choose to go fishing anywhere and unless they feel they are valued, they can drift away. For me that relationship is most important. Secondly, QCL is always looking to go the extra mile for our guests. As an example, in order to provide the most comfortable and efficient way to get our guests to the lodge we explored all the options and found excellent partners in Air North and Helijet. The 737 jet service from Air North is quiet, comfortable and considerably faster than any other option. Likewise the Helijet helicopter trip from Masset to Naden Harbour is a big step above any other option; our guests really enjoy the trip, it s very comfortable and extremely efficient. Thirdly, having the Driftwood out on the fishing grounds is huge. It s like a little cafe, perfectly positioned; a great spot to stop by, have a coffee, use the bathroom or get some lunch. The crew out there is awesome; they can t do enough for you.

 

 

Very clearly our clients appreciate the added optional amenities. To be able to custom-design your trip is valued by our guests. As a salesperson it  is always great if I can meet specific needs with valuable options that are available. The guest is soon aware that, no matter what they prefer, we can provide an option to them.

 

 

In recent years we have seen a trend whereby the majority of our clients are now Canadian. I think many people are traveling shorter distances and taking less time for holidays. Of course you can t ignore the relative strength of the Canadian dollar as being a factor.

 

 

 

First of all I dont think there is another place that can produce as consistently as the Queen Charlottes. All you have to do is look at the migratory route of the salmon to know that most of them have to come by on their way home. The salmon we target – Chinook and Coho – have been doing very well. Returns are getting better each year in many systems. The fishery is well managed and I think we can take pride in the fact that runs and run sizing are improving each year. Of course salmon runs cycle but in general the numbers are on the rise. I tell guests if they come, they will find fish.