For lovers of the sea and dry land alike, Peter L. Gordon’s novel Stalking Salmon & Wrestling Drunks: Confessions of a Charter Boat Skipper provides a pleasing read about the complexities of people. Recalled in first person are true tales that took place aboard his charter fishing boat from 1978 to 1990.
Born in Vietnam and having travelled extensively, Gordon settled on Vancouver Island to give proper attention to his great love, the Pacific Ocean.
His book showcases the highlights and close calls that the MV Kalua endured throughout the years. The book features local landmarks such as the Inner Harbour, the Race Rocks lighthouse, and our view of the Olympic Mountains.
Written with a simple yet descriptive narrative, the reader finds themselves comfortably situated on deck alongside the captivating west coast scenery. Although some of the stories take place within similar weather conditions, each one has its own identity thanks to its cast of characters, who come from around the world.
Gordon’s writing flows as smoothly as Race Passage on a clear day. As something of a memoir, Stalking Salmon & Wrestling Drunks stands in a league of its own, capturing not only the beautiful landscapes of the Gulf Islands but also the eternal effort of working in customer service during Victoria’s tourist season.
As a fellow enthusiast of our west coast waters, I thoroughly enjoyed spending time aboard the MV Kalua. Gordon has made his mark among Vancouver Island’s authors, and readers will be grateful that he did so.
Correction: A previous version of this story said that a glossary of terms should have been included in the book. The book does include a glossary; we apologize for the mistake.
I am so glad that you enjoyed reading this book .if you had gone to the stern of the book (stern refers to the back of a boat) you would have found a glossary which explains all the nautical and fishing terms used in the book