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july 2014 BCBusiness 171 BCBuSINESS.CA t r a v e l Grange and Brian Legge. Since the 1980s the Ontario duo has brought clients and colleagues to rustic outposts on northern B.C.'s salmon- and halibut-rich waters to drop lines, talk shop and bond. As they matured, so did their tastes, and in the 1990s the pair set their sights on building a more lavish place to hang their rods each evening. The Clubhouse, the largest of the WCFC's three lodges, was born. Where better to retreat after a day hauling in tyee than the Clubhouse, with its grand fireplaces, fully stocked bars, billiard tables, cognac-coloured leather furniture and stately dining room. And let's not forget the hot tubs and fire pits on its ocean-front expansive decks— perfect places for a post-fishing scotch while whales ease gracefully by and dozens of bald eagles soar overhead. It's little surprise the concept of fishing- meets-luxury caught the business world hook, line and sinker. Which isn't to say that the WCFC has been immune to the ebbs and flows of corporate tides. Yet when times got tough, instead of adding more beds, Grange and Legge decided to up the ante—and the price tag—on the experi- ence, adding better boats (three new 27-foot Whalers now bring their fleet to 20), fine dining, a stunning private din- ing room and higher levels of service and non-fishing experiences such as a visit to an ancient Haida village. Celebrity chef David Hawksworth has also become something of a mainstay at the Clubhouse, co-hosting culinary adventures that include cooking classes, wine tastings and, of course, multi-course meals prepared by the man himself. Corporate clientele—if the Clubhouse's myriad advanced bookings are a reliable indication—are eating up the changes. And a new group of guests that includes couples and families—and even the entire Vancouver Canucks hockey team— suggests they aren't the only ones. • Day One 06:30 Check in at the South Terminal of Vancouver Airport. 07:15 Charter flight from Vancouver to Masset (1 hr 45 min). 09:15 Arrive at Masset Airport—brief helicopter orientation. 9:15 – 11:30 Helicopters shuttle guests to the Clubhouse (about 15 min). 11:30 – 18:30 Fishing on state-of-the-art Boston Whaler boats; 1 guide, max. 3 guests. 19:00 – 20:00 Pre-dinner hors d'oeuvres and drinks served in main lounge, hot tubs (drinks also served to hot tubs), fit- ness room, sauna, steam bath, spa facilities, billiards and shuffle board. 20:00 Dinner Service (three-course meal: fresh seafood, organic meats and vegetables, chickens and herbs from Grange's South Beach Gardens farm in Masset). 22:00 Free time (outdoor fire pits blazing, billiards, movies, satellite sports, etc.). Day Two 05:30 – 06:30 Breakfast (smorgasbord of fresh eggs, bacon and sausage, pastries and fruit). 06:30 – 11:30 Morning fishing session (salmon, halibut). 11:30 – 13:30 lunch and rest time (spa facilities, hot tubs, gym, business centre). 13:30 – 18:30 Afternoon fishing. Sample Itinerary Trips starting at $4,745 let the good times roll The West Coast Fishing Club now has a fleet of 20 boats (above); happy fishers celebrate their catch. Haida Gwaii The Clubhouse north island Lodge The Outpost p168-177-OOO_july.indd 171 2014-05-29 10:44 AM