Meet Your  Captain...

My name is Rafael Ramirez Ruiz, “Rafie, Rafa, Raf.” I was born in Jalisco, Mexico.  After living in California for several years, my family relocated to Craig, Alaska where I attended middle school and graduated from Klawock High School in 2005. Recently, I graduated from the University of Alaska Fairbanks with bachelor’s degrees in Linguistics and Spanish.

During my formidable years, I was introduced to fishing our local waters by Stu Merchant, owner and guide of Forget-Me-Not charters (907)401-3039. Stu has fished from California to the Gulf of Alaska and our local waters for over 20 years. Stu is not your average guide who makes promises of getting his clients into fish and fails to deliver.  After working with Captain Stu for several years as a deck hand and fish cutter, I could not help but notice how he consistently came back with bag limits and trophy- sized king salmon and halibut, while others would struggle for only a few fish. 

By working closely with Captain Stu and learning from one of the best in the business, it is no wonder that I became a highly sought after guide by a wide range of lodges.  In 2005, I began guiding professionally for Alaska Best Fishing.  During my four years of service at this company, I helped provide many happy clients with their ultimate Alaska fishing experience.  In the 2010 fishing season I worked for Kingfisher Lodge as captain of the Trinity.  While there, I was able to log over 50 successful trips for the lodge, and consistently received positive feedback and exceptional commendations from their many guests.

I believe that doing what you love is not just a job, but a way of life.   I find it thoroughly rewarding to share my passion for fishing with my guests and assist them in experiencing a trip of a lifetime.  With these things in mind, and with the help of friends and loved ones, I decided to start Tranquil Charters. My priority as your captain is to provide you with a fun, safe, and memorable fishing experience that you will want to share with others, and will keep you coming back for years to come!

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Meet Captain Stu Merchant

Stu and the crew aboard the "Sea Merchant" with a big halibut.

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