Alaska's Best Guides
Captain Joe Calandra
It's my distinct pleasure 
to
introduce you to one of Alaska's best fishing guides, Captain Joe Calandra.
The following Q&A format will reveal much about Joe's approach to
providing Tanaku's guests with a world-class Alaska sport fishing adventure.
Steven Moore, CMA of AQMG will be asking each guide a few questions.
Steven Moore
Joe, how years have you been guiding sportfishers?
Joe Calandra
Last year was my first at Tanaku. I've had my license for around ten
years and have worked on charter boats, off and on, for over twenty-five
years; targeting shark, tuna and inshore fluke and bass on Long Island,
New York.
Steven Moore
How many years have you been guiding in Alaska?
Joe Calandra
This will be my second season, although, I first went to Tanaku Lodge
in 1997 on my honeymoon. I was hooked on Tanaku almost as quickly as
the halibut I caught. I returned several times and recommended the
lodge to anyone interested in fishing ALASKA. It's funny how things
work out.
Steven Moore
There are many different species of fish to target in the fertile Alaska
waters. Do you have a favorite? If so, what is it and why is it your
favorite?
Joe Calandra
Hands Down, DAS BUTSKY! What can I say? I like BIG BUTTS! I've been fluke
fishing Long Island for over forty years. They (halibut) are Giant
Fluke, so, what's not to like. Last year, salmon shark also came into
the picture in a big way. That's a lot of fun also - for the right
person.
Steven Moore
What fishing method do you find particularly effective when targeting
different fish?
Joe Calandra
Halibut: Depends on conditions
and where you are fishing, as to what technique to use. Drifting
with baits or jigs; or, anchoring and waiting out the SLOB.
Rockfish: Jigging or using small
pieces of cut baits on a hi/lo rig.
Shark: Trolling a split tail salmon
or lures on a dowrigger, without a doubt, produces the most
hookups.
Salmon: Trolling bait or lures
on a downrigger and jigging when a fish is hooked up. Mooching
is also very effective; although, truthfully, I know I don't
put enough time in to make it pay off.
Steven Moore
Tanaku seems like a very professional operation. What do you like about
working with them?
Joe Calandra
Everyone at Tanaku is professional enough to make it the number one lodge
in Alaska, yet casual enough to make you feel like family.
Steven Moore
What's your philosophy and approach to guiding and satisfying your client's
expectations?
Joe Calandra
Aside from the type of fish clients would like to catch; you have to
feel them out to see where they would be most comfortable fishing. So,
sea conditions, tackle, size of fish, a sense of humor and attitude,
all come into play when keeping clients happy. Even though putting fish
in the boat is a big part of our job; sightseeing, comfort, and just
the whole ALASKA EXPERIENCE is what brings people back.
Steven Moore
Besides Alaska, what other areas around the world have you fished?
Joe Calandra
Both, inshore and offshore, including most canyons off Long Island, New
York and New Jersey. Florida, Bahamas, Jamaica, Bermuda, The Keys, Mexico,
Venezuela and I'm sure a few other places.
Steven Moore
What do you find particularly rewarding about the guiding profession?
Joe Calandra
Probably, what I find most rewarding about guiding is the look on people's
faces when they see the wildlife, scenery, and that BIG HALIBUT, SHARK,
OR SALMON breaking the surface. Putting it on the scale and taking their
pictures; that's all very special to them. You don't just make their
day, you make wonderful memories. It's Great!
Steven Moore
Describe what ALASKA means to you personally.
Joe Calandra
Alaska truly is GOD'S country! Breathtaking scenery and abundant wildlife.
A true escape from reality, as most of us know it. Also, an excellent
chance of catching a behemoth flatfish. Is there anything BETTER in life?
This is why my wife and I chose this for our honeymoon.
Steven Moore
How do specific weather conditions affect fishing methods chosen?
Joe Calandra
All weather conditions must be taken into consideration, whether trolling,
drifting, or at anchor. Heavy winds, strong currents, big seas: What
can I say, you deal with it and find the safest and most comfortable
spot to fish.
Steven Moore
Describe your favorite king salmon set up.
Joe Calandra
When fishing locally, I like to fish bait on a downrigger. At Deer Harbor,
I prefer lures and jigs.
Steven Moore
Describe you favorite halibut set up.
Joe Calandra
For halibut, I prefer using circle hooks with a squid teaser. My bait
of choice would be a spit-tail salmon, or even just a salmon head. (Give
them head till their dead!) Sometimes, using jigs produce a lot more
hits, but more fish shake the jig. The size of the sinker or jig will
be determined by the current or drift. Keep it as light as possible,
it will be easier for you to feel the bite and the fish won't drop it
as quickly.
Steven Moore
There are lots of 'rock fish' in the water around Tanaku: Irish Lords,
Yellow-Eye, black sea bass, gray cod, black cod, ling cod, etc. Are they
difficult to catch? Do you have a favorite rock fish?
Joe Calandra
Rockfish are fairly easy to catch; especially, when you don't want them!
Their mouths seem to always be open and flapping' (kind of like my ex-wife).
My favorite rockfish is the Yelloweye. Not only do they taste really
GOOD, but their bright orange color and size can be pretty impressive.
Steven Moore
I did some sport fishing record research, prior to meeting you. There
is a Joe Calandra, in New York with a 614 pound Thresher Shark State
record, as of October 12th, 1994. Do you happen to know this fellow?
Joe Calandra
Yeah ...I know the fellow. I hold the New York State record for Thresher
shark since that date. No one has broken yet (knock on wood). My friend
was reeling in a 35 lb Pollack when the shark hit. It smoked an 80 International
half way down before it jumped. It took three-and-a-half hours to land.
We used a fork lift to get it out of the boat! I believe the old record
was only one week old and weighed 588 lbs.
Steven Moore
You seem to like BIG CRITTERS? What do you find particularly challenging
about catching them?
Joe Calandra
BIG Fish are always exciting to catch. Hooking them - the initial hook
up, watching the reel etc. The people getting excited. It's ALL GOOD!
If you don't get pumped over that - stay home and watch OPRA and eat
Bon Bons!
Steven Moore
Is fluke fishing still strong in your home state and how does fluke fishing
compare to Alaska Pacific Halibut fishing?
Joe Calandra
The most popular flatties to catch on Long Island would be the Fluke.
They are good eating and fun to catch. Don't let their size fool you!
A five pound Fluke fights much harder than a small halibut, and truth
be told, if Fluke went to 200 lbs., you would never land them on the
tackle we use for halibut. Pound for pound, they fight harder. My largest
Fluke was 14 lbs., which is very impressive. The fact that most New Yorker's
Fluke fish is why they are so pumped to catch halibut - A Fluke on steroids!
Halibut are similar to Fluke in eating habits also. The Bigger baits
get bigger fish. True, elephants eat peanuts, but bigger baits mean more
soak time for the SLOB. Both also hit jigs: Bucktails, Diamond Jigs,
and rubber Jigs.
Thanks for taking time for the interview
Joe! It was a real pleasure meeting you and good luck on this coming
season. Catch THE BIG ONE FOR ME!
Oh, by the way - for a great
read about fishing for Salmon Shark at Tanaku Lodge, make sure you
visit our 'fishing article' section and read the 'Shark Attack' article
by Joe Calandra!