Crew

Captain Manny has been fishing since age five, when a cane pole and coffee can of nightcrawlers first hooked him in Southeast Michigan. By his teens he was chasing perch and walleye on Lake Erie, and by his twenties he was guiding offshore in Kona, Hawaii for blue marlin, tuna, wahoo, and mahi-mahi. Manny arrived in Alaska in 2018, guiding rivers, Southeast islands, and eventually the Gulf of Alaska and Prince William Sound. A versatile angler who loves the challenge of multiple species, halibut is his favorite target, “fun, dynamic, and strategic.” He also believes that “sometimes a little luck goes a long way”—so leave the bananas at home.

Waldo moved to Alaska in 2013 to work as a fisheries technician and quickly fell in love with everything the state has to offer—especially the fish and the snow. He went on to become a full-time fisheries biologist with the State of Alaska, but couldn’t resist spending even more time outdoors. Fueled by a love for fishing and backcountry skiing, Waldo became a charter boat captain and a Heli-ski guide, happily trading office walls for ocean spray and mountain views. He can usually be found at the helm of the F/V Offshore Hunter, sharing Alaska’s wild waters with his crew and guests.

Tony Smith grew up on the water, spending his childhood tagging along on his dad’s hunting and fishing adventures and around charter boats whenever he could. Those early experiences built a strong work ethic and a deep respect for the outdoors. Tony is known for his hard work, attention to detail, and positive attitude on deck. He enjoys helping guests learn the ropes and takes pride in making every trip fun, comfortable, and memorable from start to finish.

Tyler Lands has been around the charter fishing industry from a young age, starting out cleaning charter boats at just 10 years old and stepping into a deckhand role by age 14. Growing up on the docks built a strong work ethic and hands-on knowledge that shows on every trip. He’s known for his positive attitude and attention to detail, making sure guests have a great experience on the water. When he’s not working on the boat, Tyler enjoys trout fishing, hunting, and spending as much time outdoors as possible.

Hunter Forshee-Kurtz has been a long-time friend of Tony and Tyler and part of the Puffin Fishing Charters family for years. He’s known for his strong work ethic and positive attitude. When he is not on the water, Hunter is a collegiate wrestler at Dickinson State University in North Dakota, where discipline and hard work are a way of life– qualities he brings right back to the dock. Hunter’s favorite part of the job? Seeing guests hook into fish and have an unforgettable day on the water. Whether it’s someone’s first fish or personal best, he loves being part of those moments.

Dora is the heartbeat of the Puffin Charters office. After retiring from Alaska Fish & Game, she brings decades of fisheries knowledge, organization, and calm leadership to the team. A longtime friend of Captain Nate and Eric, Dora keeps everything running smoothly behind the scenes–helping the guests get ready for their trips and making sure no detail is missed. Puffin Charters simply wouldn’t be the same without her.

Tony, Tyler and Hunter are lifelong friends who grew up learning the value of hard work, teamwork, and showing up for the people around them. That same mindset carries onto the dock every day at Puffin Fishing Charters. Beyond running great trips and helping guests catch fish, they’re proud to support local youth–encourage kids to get outside, build confidence, and learn the rewards of effort and respect. Puffin Fishing Charters believes strong communities start with investing in the next generation, both on and off the water.