Looking Back on 2017.....

January is the beginning of the awards season and, we, here at Beaver Creek Cabins & Guide Service Command Central, are no different in honoring the participants of the 2017 fishing season. Sure, I'll be using photos of fish that made their way to the grill or freezer, but I also want to highlight the many anglers who chose to release fish. I wish I had more photos, but when I know we're going to release one, I waste little time in getting the fish out of the net and back into the river. Snapping a photo with my phone is an afterthought (I appreciate the people who shared their catch and release photos with me). So, to you, catch and release anglers, I tip my hat and give to you the High Five award for Stewardship. In the immortal words of Bobby Boucher, aka The Waterboy, "slap hands, slap hands, slap hands..."

The first award of the 2017 season is for the Biggest King Salmon. Congratulations Glenda Kunde for being the winner. Sorry, Coon Dog, your wife, (and this fish), is the Big Dog in your house. When I look back on this day of fishing I really think it was meant to be. You see, Glenda and I went to high school together so I think the combination of a shared history, a positive attitude, skill, and the "Warrior Way" put this fish in the box. I don't think Craig will completely agree with this assessment but he's not the guy writing this blog and giving out the awards....Anyway, this was the first trip to Alaska for the Kunde's and their friends the Marlatt's. Do you think it will be their last? Me neither.

The next honor is the Big Silver Salmon award. This years winner is Jason Olson. Jason and I have fished together many times over the years and have experienced great fishing and not so great fishing. We've also experienced all the weather that Alaska can dish out. This day was memorable for two reasons. The first, it was cold, wet and miserable. The second, the fishing was awful up until the last hour of the day. Jason's can-do attitude paid off with this jumbo silver salmon (I'd be neglect if I didn't say that on this day Bill, Brian, and Bob had the same can-do attitude as well). I guess a kid from Fargo knows a thing or two about not letting weather get you down...

The person who wins the award for the Most Experienced Angler is Gene Miller. Gene, Gene the Fishing Machine is 85 years young (now 86) and brings a Zen like quality of positiveness to the boat every time he's out. He's already booked his seat for the 2018 fishing season and my money is on him to repeat this honor once again. Can't wait to see you in July, Gene.

Winner of the Youngest Angler of the Year award goes to JD Webb. This young man was 7 years old when he hopped into my boat this past August. A crummy weather day soon became a very memorable fishing day. The final score: JD 1, the seals 0.

Usually with awards presentations there are Memoriams. It's always sad to see which actor, writer, athlete, quasi celebrity, etc., left us during the year. For me, my very creative, funny, loving, mother-
in-law passed away on December 19th. If you click here you can read a couple of blogpost I wrote about her. A more detailed description about her life accomplishments can be read here. You will be missed, dear Evelyn! I also said good bye to my cousin Renee who bravely lost her battle with cancer. You too will be missed by all that loved you.

Evelyn Matthies at her studio

So, that's it for the 2017 awards; short, sweet, and on point. Next week my blog topic will be about my expectations/predictions for 2018. Come back and see if I have anything important to say.

The music is starting to play me off.

My time is done here. Later.




Beaver Creek Cabins & Guide Service