Our new skipper isn’t new to us or a fair number of our guests. We know Tyler Floding quite well and have 100% confidence that he’s ready for the helm.
Tyler was hired on as an assistant fish processor at AU in 2017, but we enlisted his help doing early-season deckhand work with Captain Bo. An unexpected opening for a deckhand came up that May and Tyler, already a proven asset on the water, began decking for Captain Tom. He continued in that role for four seasons, also filling in with Captain Sarah, and doing a knockout job. Tyler quickly made friends with customers and showed a natural sense for AU’s customer service. He paid attention to every detail, learning about running a boat, catching fish, and all phases of our operation. Tyler took a year off from AU in 2021 to pursue a full-time job in North Dakota, but the call of the North Pacific proved too strong. AU made him an offer this fall that he couldn’t refuse. He replaces Captain Jaime in our lineup for 2022.
Tyler began fishing at a very young age thanks to his father and grandpa. “I was around 2 years old when I picked up my first fishing rod and my love for the sport has grown more every year.” When asked what he looks forward to as a captain: “I look forward to meeting new clients, forming new friendships with my anglers, working in one of the most beautiful places on earth and, of course, catching big fish!! Also, it’s exciting to be joining the AU family as a captain instead of a deckhand.”
Tyler was born on June 13, 1996, in Alexandria, Minnesota. His interests while growing up? “I loved the outdoors. Whether it was turkey hunting in the spring, fishing and camping in the summer, deer and waterfowl hunting in the fall, or ice fishing and snowmobiling in the winter. I was always outside either in the woods or on the lake. If I wasn’t there you could find me in my father’s woodshop helping him with projects or making my own.”
College Career: Attended North Dakota State University (NDSU – Go Bison) for 5 years to obtain his bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. Graduated in the spring of 2020.