I-Bay afternoon 7/30/09 - 27.2# King w/ pic

[momay4000]

Chris: Fishing Report

==============

TRIP OVERVIEW

==============

Date(s): 7/30/09

Time on Water: 1-4 PM

Temp/Weather: around 80 degrees

Wind Speed/Direction: S then East around 5 mph

Waves: <1 ft.

Surface Temp: 70 degrees

Location: North of I-Bay

LAT/LONG: 32-33 lines W

===============

FISHING RESULTS

===============

Total Hits: 2

Total Boated: 2

Species Breakdown: 1 steelhead, 1 king

Hot Lure: both on DW SS Steelie Dan

Trolling Speed: 2.4-2.7 sog

Down Speed: 2.0-2.5 mph

Boat Depth: 130-200 fow

Lure Depth: rigger 125' with free slider

====================

SUMMARY & FURTHER DETAILS

====================

Other than my first salmon with my dad, today was by far my best experience on the lake. I took the biggest king of my life tonight - 27.2#, but what made it special is:

1.) I was fishing solo

2.) My dad passed away last year and I was fishing right over the waypoint where we dropped a small urn with his ashes last year.

3.) I caught it on a free slider

I realize this fish isn't a 30 or 40#'er, and to some it's just another "27" pounder, but to me it was a memory of a lifetime, especially under the circumstances

I started out running 600' of copper and one wire diver, 290', both Spinnys/Flys but no takers for about an hour and a half. There was a fantastic scum line around 160' or so and that's where the fish were. As soon as I changed to a rigger program, that's when the fish hit. The scum line was loaded with bait, marks and great temp. I would have followed it, but there was a pleasure cruiser following the same line - go figure - so I had to make north/south passes through it. I had a steelie within 10 seconds of my first pass through the scum on the Steelie Dan free slider. A half hour later on my final pass through the line, the king hit.

It took me 30 minutes to land the large king and I didn't realize it was on the precarious free slider until about 30' from the boat. It peeled of 450' of mono and at first I wondered if I had a log or a bag. It was peeling so fast I thought the line was going to melt! Nonetheless, I finally boated it after some extremely sloppy net work and about 10 misses with the net (thank goodness the fish was spent at the back of the boat). I couldn't even lift it in at first b/c my arms were gumbied.

The fish will be headed to the wall in my office......

Good luck to all,

- Chris

[JR]

Great report Criss and good job keep up the good work and I look forward to meeting you one of these times

I hope to get out this weekend

[rolmops]

Congratulations on your catch.

God willing ,it was your father's spirit who guided this fish to you.

[Cheers]

Nice fish and nice report Thats what you call a ripper!

[ray koziatek]

Thank You !!!

[CBish]

Nice fish -- you need a bigger cooler Dude!!!

[chowder]

What a great heart felt post, that's what makes this board special. Congrats on an achievement beyond compare and a great solo adventure! -Andy

[salmonite]

Great king chris!!! Maybe it was some good karma on your side enjoy the thanks again!

[Picker Pines]

What a great fish story...Not really a story, but a happening....I know how you must have felt...What a beautiful fish.....Thanks for sharing....POPS

[chinook]

Chris, good job and thanks for sharing that report- That is a beautiful king- May it bless your walls for years to come- I'm sure that your dad would be very proud of you.- Best of luck to you as well-Duane

[Pike Hunter]

Chris,

I am very moved by your amazing post. The king is not only caught by your hook but with your heart and you will have a great story to share about the king and memory about your Dad.

Congratulations and Godspeed.

[BabyJoes]

Great story!

[skipper19]

Nice post I know the feeling of "gumbyed arms" and the several attempts with the net, boat moving and pole in one hand the net dragging in the water resistance and the weight of a very impressive king Very well done

Mark

[Diversion]

Sweet!!!

[FX]

Chris, congrats on a beautiful fish and spiritual experience! As the saying goes "it doesn't get any better than that" Thanks for sharing!

Shawn

[darnet]

Great post, nice king

[Yankee Troller]

Nice catch! GREAT story! Next time just push the pleasure cruiser out of the way.

[Shade]

PRICELESS..................

Shade

[alacy]

Now that is what fishing is all about. Congrats and thanks for sharing. Andy

[LongLine]

WTG Chris. Nice fish. Welcome to the "nutzoid" club. (soloists)

Tom B.

(LongLine)

[UpGrady]

Chris,

Great thoughts.. I can totally relate as I acquired my dad's old boat after he passed away 3 1/2 years ago and think about the old times everytime I'm out... they're looking down from above and smiling.... no doubt...

[nbajack70]

that's awesome

great story and great fish

[mtboxess]

Congrat's!!! Having fished by myself quite often, I can only imagine the words out of your month when you saw that baby for the first time....... OH #$@%^&!!!!!!!! You're my hero for the day!!!!! Dad's always have a way of being with you.

Dion