Nicholas Wettstein

• I was hired to Highliner lodge as a full time Captain. We fish nearly 100 days straight, 10.5 hours fishing with typically 14 hour plus days. The weather is very shifty with massive tide movements that change conditions constantly. The vessels are 32’-36’ powered by outboards and the fishing covers trolling salmon, jigging rockfish and long cod, halibut fishing, and deep dropping for sable fish and rock fish. Out of 10 captains I stayed right at the top for daily weight landed per person and landed 35% of the halibut over 100lbs for the entire fleet. In post season my job quickly turned to repairing everything from outboards and autopilots to trim tabs and heaters.
  

• I was hired to a remote atoll in the Indian Ocean with a broad spectrum of responsibilities. As a fly fishing guide I take clients out daily for Giant Trevally, Permit, Bonefish, Milkfish and any other willing species. The days are long, the terrain and tides are dangerous and complicated and we cater to high end clientele. On the blue water side I took fishermen looking for sailfish, wahoo, marlin, along with some bottom fishing and constant runs to fill the freezers for all staff and guests. As a mechanic I am responsible for maintaining and repairing a fleet of vessels from 18’-40’. I also diagnose repair any other mechanical and electrical issues from Air conditioning and ice machines to water and fuel supply pumps.
  

• Worked as needed on many different projects. I fine tuned precise interior and finish carpentry and craftsmanship with a variety of materials.
  

Guide

• The Anvik lodge is said to be the most remote permanent structure lodge in the state by BLM. Hired mid season 2011. I flew out, received 2 hours training then a seamless entry to guiding full time. I enjoy all different kinds of clientele, and creating a fluid, entertaining day with on fly the game planning. Breaking down water and learning the ever changing story of water is my passion.
  

Head Guide

The head position came naturally. Training new guides, keeping the morale up, gear supply and logistics, keeping the boats running, fishing related correspondence with clients and guides. Daily scheduling and helping the guides with daily plans.

Hunting Guide

For 4 years I guided clients hunting for bears, moose, and wolves. 12 years total big game hunting in Alaska which taught me about how animals work outside of water. Very comfortable in the bush and with dangerous game.

Management

My position developed into management certain years. The duties as guide plus pre and post season duties. logistics from groceries to building equipment, breakages, putting out fires of all kinds. Sometimes counselor, Medic, any on or off river emergencies. I’ll take on any job from lawn maintenance to hosting dinner.

Maintenance/Mechanical

I’ve always been mechanically inclined with over 20 years of fixing fishing related breakdowns with all types of equipment. Very comfortable with Jets or props and boat rigging. I’ve been forced to figure out everything from chainsaws to washing machines and ovens . Skilled in mechanical and electrical trouble shooting and repair on just about anything. HVAC certified, good with plumbing, as well as anything construction oriented.

• Fishing for myself or other operations, learned how to push myself and work like a slave. I ran and worked so many boats and different fisheries understanding of how fish work in all situations. Boat building and advanced boat handling inshore and offshore and how to load all types of boats and keep them running. Swordfish/tuna longline, bottom fish longline, bait fisheries, inshore net fisheries, trapping fisheries, rod and reel commercial fisheries.
  

• Inshore and offshore trips for Myself, Capt. Mac Gregory, Capt. Scott Greer, Island discount tackle and others. Utilizing good weather days to take clients, learned business skills, clientele communication and stress management along with day flow planning, plus learning many fisheries.
  

• A father figure of mine, I would help in the contracted design of fishing boats and the building process to create a new mold. The hydro dynamics experience and specialty fabrication learned have been very helpful. I would also find overlooked boats and turn them into poling skiffs.
  

• Started the first commercial live bait company in Florida targeting guides. Extreme boat handling under bridges in bad weather, heavy current, driving and working nets solo in very dangerous situations with up to 30 guides per day relying on my success.
  

• I worked for Thermal Mechanical before, during, and after a year long HVACR program at technical college. I performed everything from basic maintenance to trouble shooting to installation and repair or commercial units. My hours were varying and as needed or when available.