It is mid-June, 2010 and I am on the “Fishin’ Mission” on our way out to Stannard Rock Light, a reef located about 35 miles south west of the Mendota Lighthouse. I have on board my new boat, two of my kids and 6 excited customers looking forward to catching their share of the healthy and delectable lake trout.
For the past week, I have fished almost every day with different clients and came back to port with many fish. We caught many more fish than we wanted to keep, so we released most of them. I have booked 18 more trips (a total of 26 for the season) for fishing, touring and general sightseeing out of Bete Grise and the other local harbors.
My printing business, Designotype Printers, Inc. is being run very expertly and efficiently by our staff of experienced and competent people. I have no concerns or worries for the shop or my customers, because I have utmost confidence that our employees can get it all done in a timely manner. They do not need or want me to be there.
The first 6 months of the year have been very good, thanks to our sales and marketing efforts. Additionally, I was able to justify a truck and trailer large enough to haul my boat to Copper Harbor and Eagle Harbor when needed.
Margaret is at our cottage at Lac La Belle with our other kids and she is able to do her design work by internet while keeping an eye on the kids. Our kids are all happy because they love it at the lake and they have their mom and dad with them most of the time. We rarely have to go into town for work and when we do, it’s just for a short time do tie some loose ends and get groceries.
I have done the maintenance on the boat and repaired all of the minor things that crop up. The oil is fresh in the lower units and the boat has been inspected and approved by the DNR since it has all of the safety and navigational equipment required by the US Coast Guard.
My fuel is being supplied by the resort at a substantial discount and they have referred many of their customers to me for charters. I have also worked out an agreement with someone to keep my boat at their dock.
The local restaurants and motels are also in partnership with Sand Point Charters and we refer people back and forth to keep each other in business.
Many of my clients find Sand Point Charters on the Internet and book long in advance and most of the ones that have fished with me are booking for a repeat trip next summer.
Brian Helminen
