Oak shakedown and kings

[FX]

Finally got the chance to get my rig splashed down for the first time this year. Launched and headed West to troll shoreline before heading deep in search of silvers. Got set up with boards in 20fow with riggers parked at 5 and 9. Trolled West for about a half hour, when all of a sudden the Western sky turned black and after a clap of thunder, it was scramble time. Went to raise the starboard new to me mag 10 up and no go. Glad it was only down 9'! Got everthing in and headed back to port. Got there in time and decided to wait it out. Swapped out the mag10 with a manual spare - wouldn't be a shakedown without issues. .Had a nice chat with Capt. John Oravec, aka Troutman, who had seen the t-storm pop up on his radar and told his crew to have another cup of coffee. Skies cleared after about an hour, so we headed off shore to the N/W and set up in 80fow with a planer on top, dipsey out 110, and riggers parked at 50 and 30. Seems most had the same idea as there were a bunch of boats working that area. First fish came in 100fow off the planer on a black/silver rapala back 120' - nice young steelie - which was released. We then had our first king hit NK Mullato type spoon off the 55 rigger and tried to burn out the drag in a Sealine 27. Ahhhh yes, my first king of the year. 18+ lbs which would be the biggest of the day. Ended the day with a bunch of kings and steelies and two Atlantics, one of which was just under 7lbs. We took fish from 100 to 200fow with 2.6 - 3.0 gps being best speeds. Spoons took salmon and jointed rapala's took most of the steelies. Could not get the wire to go with a mix of spin doc's and flies. Great day to be on the water, especially with the old girl running like a top and drags a screamin. Good luck to all for the rest of the derby and for a safe season for all.

Shawn

[momay4000]

Way to go Shawn- nice report!!!!

- Chris