As the lake shimmered against the glaring sun, the fishermen of Alpena began to get ready for another day of fishing. The water was still, waiting for a new day of adventures as people began to rise from slumber. As they get onto the water, gorgeous blue water could be seen for miles. While searching out the perfect track of water, they could hear the slight hum of the motor pushing through the waves with a water rippling effect. The boat full of people were there to spend a day catching fish, have a good time, and enjoy each other's company. The lake was silent besides some laughs coming from the boat. The captain of this boat is Ed Retherford, a northern Lake Huron charter boat captain who has become one of the most inspirational leaders of the fishing industry to this day.
Ed has been a charter boat captain for the past 50 years, which makes him the longest running charter boat captain in the Great Lakes region. His boat the Trout Scout V, brings many great things to the city of Alpena: tourism, Great Lakes awareness, and a recreational enjoyment on the water. There is no one quite like Captain Ed. He’s a very caring, funny, knowledgeable and also extremely hard working. He has brought so many great opportunities to this little city in Northern Michigan. The stories he is able to tell because of his experiences are not only interesting, but once in a lifetime types of stories. For example, he has attracted people such as Bob Seger & the Silver Bullet Band, Lee Lacocca (created Chrysler Motors), and also other major athletes on to his boat for fishing. These just to name a few. These influential people traveled to Alpena not only once, but multiple times over the years to enjoy the fishing of northern Lake Huron with Captain Ed. He and his crew clean the fish for you and leave you with an amazing experience along some fresh fish to eat.
Fishing with one of the most influential boat captains in the Great Lakes is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity. He has countless fishing stories that just reel you right in and his experiences offer stories that make you want to listen to him all day. The things that this man has accomplished are extraordinary. Ed is a local legend and Alpena is proud to have him along with his charter boat services in this coastal community. Consider a day on the water with Captain Ed to hear first-hand some of his stories and experiences experiences while enjoying a day of fishing on Lake Huron aboard the Trout Scout V.
¨...if the customers are happy then I am happy.¨ Ed Retherford
Written by Emma Allen, Alpena High School, Science in the Sanctuary 2019
Sources:
Retherford, Ed. “Ed Retherford and Trout Scout V.” Http://Www.greatlakesfisheriestrail.org/.
Personal interview with Ed Retherford
Image credit: https://www.troutscoutcharters.com/