Your Safety is at the Top of Our List
Fishing is king on The Akela. But even as experienced as The Akela crew is, even we cannot guarantee smooth sailing every trip. This is why The Akela comes equipped with special safety features in order to make your experience as safe as possible.
HeartStream ForeRunner - This is a self-contained, portable defibrillator for use in the event of a heart attack. Rugged, small and weighing only four pounds this mobile life saving device performs daily automated self tests to ensure operation when needed.
Weather Channel® MarineTM system delivers up-to-the-minute marine weather and forecast information directly to the Akela via satellite broadcast allowing us to remain aware of changing weather situations at all times. (info)
EPIRB - This is an emergency satellite location device. The EPIRB will determine The Akela's exact latitude and longitude by communication with orbiting satellites. This allows The Akela to relay its precise position to the Coast Guard or other emergency support services.
Other safety support features include Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Detectors in each stateroom, 7 Fire Extinguishers, Oxygen, 2 Life rafts, 2 or more Certified Captains, 3 or more Differential GPS (Global Positioning) Systems, numerous Navigational Plotters and a crew trained in administering First Aid.
Whether you need emergency assistance or happen to get a little sea-sick, The Akela is prepared to help; even if we can't promise to cure what ails you!
Would You Like to Pilot the Akela?
Well... maybe not get behind the wheel, but how about receiving one-of-a-kind, "street-wise" instruction that will maximize your own fishing experiences. If you are a new boat owner, a seasoned "old salt" or just thinking about getting a boat, The Akela's Special Instruction Program can sharpen your boating skills in navigation and instrument operation (GPS, RADAR, ECHOGram), boat safety or deep-sea fishing techniques.
Navigation - Learn how to correctly pilot a large or small craft. Learn how to use the equipment you might have on-hand to determine your location. Gain experience with state-of-the-art instruments such as the Furuno 8 Mile Radar, Furuno GAS Radar, Decca Radar, Ritchie Magnetic Compass, Furuno Fish Finders, GPS tracking systems, SSB Radio, Warner Electric Motion Control, Dual Side Scanning Sonar, Knot Meter, Navonics Chart Interface and the North Star Loran C.
Safety - Learn what's needed in order to have a safe and exciting fishing experience. Learn the Do's and Don'ts of water safety and how to avoid common mistakes made by inexperienced boaters. Learn how to be prepared for common safety situations that arise when out in the Gulf or on your own area lake.
Fishing - The Akela crew will provide you with hands-on, personalized instruction in the best techniques to catch a wide variety of fish. We will show you what bait to use when fishing for Ling or the best tackle to use when fishing close to off-shore structures. We teach you about bait, tackle, fishing styles and how to reel in "the Big One."
Big Game Hook Systems - Designed by Capt. John Cochrane, this advanced system decreases the frequency of pulled hooks when marlin fishing with lures.
After many years of research and development, Stinger Lures are averaging a hook-up ratio near 70% on Blue Marlin. That's double the ratio of conventional-rigged lures.
Each lure comes pre-rigged with a premium quality SUFIX leader and custom hookset with hand-sharpened hook. (info)