Raised in the plains of North Dakota, Eric “Viking” Melland was drawn to the allure of adventuring Alaska from his parents Russ and Nancy. They told him stories of their days exploring the last frontier and Eric knew he wanted to be a part of it. When he spent his summers at his family cabin in Nevis, MN, his neighbor and AU hostess, Annessa, told him about Sitka and Angling Unlimited. He was hooked.

He began his career as a deckhand for one of the best, Captain Ben Baumann. Under his tutelage, Eric thrived and showcased his passion and knowledge for the outdoors. He deckhanded one more season on Loon with Captain Bryan before returning for his third where he split his time captaining and deckhanding. Eric loves teaching our mooching methods to our guest and helping them experience the excitement of hooking and catching fish. We’re excited to add this passionate, knowledgeable, customer-oriented captain to the great team of AU captains for 2016.

Here’s a note from Captain Eric:

“Thank you all! I am beyond excited for this next summer with Angling Unlimited. The past three summers have been amazing and they’re only getting better. I cannot wait to show everyone the wild untouched beauty that is Sitka, AK from behind a rod and reel. I’ve learned a lot at Angling Unlimited working under Captain Ben, and then Captain Bryan, and I’m eager to pass that knowledge onto the many new friends that step onto the boat. Angling Unlimited is a top notch operation full of amazing people who have grown into more of a family than anything else. A big thanks to Tom and Chuck for keeping me around for the past few years and I can’t wait for many more to come. Looking forward to the good laughs and great fishing that this summer holds for us. See you in Sitka!”

-Captain Eric Melland