Petersburg Sport Fishing And The "Little Norway" Connection

Petersburg, Alaska, July 25, 2014 (Newswire.com) - Petersburg Sport Fishing has close ties to "Little Norway" in Alaska − also known as Petersburg − and invites families to enjoy different getaway vacations, plus fisher people can indulge their passion and catch more fish in this centuries-old quaint fishing town. 

From a historical standpoint, it is interesting to learn that the area had long been used as a fishing area by earlier indigenous tribes, including the Tlingits, for thousands of years.  So it was no surprise when in 1896, Peter Buschmann, a hard-working Norwegian who was a shrewd, hard-working immigrant, immediately saw the combined potential of seas full of fish and the nearby LeConte Glacier next door would provide limitless ice.  Peter proceeded to build a cannery, sawmill, docks and early structures for the town.  The settlement was named Petersburg after him, and it flourished as a fishing port.  

Thanks for the great trip yesterday. It was a lot of fun, and very productive! We're taking home a large amount of fish for one day's worth of fishing! ... Thanks again, I plan on coming back and will be contacting you!

Anthony Dorsey, Happy Fisherman

Petersburg originally incorporated as a town on April 2, 1910, though as of 2013, it has incorporated as a borough.  Through the years, the town had attracted mostly immigrants of Scandinavian origin, thus giving Petersburg the nickname "Little Norway."  The Sons of Norway Hall was built on one of the piers.  Three other canneries were built and the four have operated continuously since.

But what makes "Little Norway" alluring for travelers?

For family travelers seeking a bit of local culture and simple kid fun, the quaint village of Petersburg is a wonderful stop distant from the cruise ship routes. Located in southeast Alaska on Mitkof Island, in beautiful Frederick Sound, Petersburg has managed to stave off the hordes of visitors who frequent other Inside Passage communities, wholeheartedly embracing their Norwegian heritage.   And Petersburg is right in the middle of the summer feeding ground for humpback whales, not to mention hiking trails, and fabulous seafood.

On the Alaska Marine Highway route, passengers who choose to sail the Inside Passage will be treated to gorgeous scenery and a dose of Alaska culture as locals also utilize one of the few ways to get in or out of town.  One can jet into Petersburg on Alaska Airlines, which is handy for picking up the ferry or a charter en route to other Alaska adventures.

For such a little place, "Little Norway" packs an adventure punch for those so inclined. Halibut fishing, salmon fishing (and a healthy dose of dock fishing at the boat harbor, too), whale watching, hiking, and kayaking are just a few of the kid-friendly activities awaiting visitors.  Families can hike along Hungry Point trail where the north end of Wrangell Narrows meets Frederick Sound and offers some great views and interesting landscape. Sandy Beach picnic area is another great place to visit for its ancient fish trap, petroglyphs, and excellent tide pools. A paved walkway extends the length of town, too, from Nordic Drive all the way to Hungry Point in one direction, and to Sandy Beach and Overlook Park in the other.

Walking through downtown Petersburg is a lesson in Norwegian culture and small-town cohesiveness. From the boat harbor, wander down Nordic Drive and see the architecture of the Sons of Norway Hall and Wikan Memorial Park, or hang out at Sing Lee Alley Books before eating lunch at Coastal Cold Storage, where visitors actually eat in a real packing facility that offers the best fried fish, ever.

But for those wanting an exceptional sports fishing experience, there is none better than Petersburg Sports Fishing Charters.  Situated deep inside the Tongass National Rain Forest, guests can experience unmatched beauty, unparalleled sea life, crystal blue glaciers and exceptional fishing.  Some of the fish that can be caught locally are salmon, halibut, cod, rainbow and cutthroat trout through Petersburg Sport Fishing's packages.  In fact, the readers of Yachting Magazine have overwhelming chosen Petersburg, Alaska, a fishing community located about 100 miles south of Juneau, as the best yachting location for 2013 − even more reason to book a fishing adventure with Petersburg Sports Fishing Charters!

So, if one is looking for a break from traditional getaway vacations, contact D'Ann Hayes at 925-457-7211 to book at a special weekly summer price, whether for a regular charter or to book the new self-guided boat at a very special grand opening sale for 2014.  Just call and put down a deposit to hold the weeks of one's choice for 2015.

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