It was a tough stretch of fishing this past week. Faced with increased boat traffic, coupled with the tail end of the first run of kings, willing biters were at a premium. We had our chances, but luck was not on our side. Thanks Jeff, Wally, John, Sam, Laine, Jerry, Brian, Rachel, Al, Vince and Zach for making the most out of difficult fishing conditions. Your camaraderie and conversation reminds me that it isn't all about the dead fish count.
I started the week fishing part of Team ABC Seamless. Jeff and Wally usually make it to the Kenai a couple of times a summer and have experienced the good and the bad when it comes to fishing. Our only bite of the day was a red salmon that crushed a K16 kwikfish. That's Wally in the photo above. Who says red salmon don't bite lures?
I had John and Sam out for a half day trip on Saturday and along with a half a dozen trout, and a few misses with king salmon, they caught this jack king salmon. If you don't know what a jack king salmon it's a fish that measures under 20". Although petite, this size fish is excellent on the barbecue and it doesn't count towards your two fish annual Kenai king limit. We often refer to it as a "bonus" fish because you can keep it and continue to fish and try to get a bigger one.
Did I mention the boat traffic is picking up? As the July run of king salmon progresses, so will the accompanying traffic. The near, wilderness experience in the first run, is now in the rear view mirror until next May/June.
How about this photo? Al was able to hook and fight this fish for about five minutes before it came off next to the boat. Ever the sportsman, Al said he would have released it if we were able to get it into the landing net.
For the week ahead, I am hoping that the daily run of king salmon will be more than the hundred fish a day average we saw last week. If not, my story telling skills are finely honed and I'm not afraid to spin a yarn or two (ask your grandparents what this means or google it). If the Kenai king fishing is quiet, the reports I'm getting for the Russian River is that there's still plenty of fish there. And, my saltwater reports have been excellent. One captain in Homer told me July 1st was his best day of the season.
See you next week.
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