Rockpile Halibut

[Pilar]

Thanks Don and Vickie for a good day on big blue.

We tested the replacement lower gearcase on 'Kismet' Saturday. It howled as old outdrives do but seemed to work. After some bay crabbing we headed out to the south end of the pile. It was short and choppy heading into the south wind and seas.

We made one good drift and released one shorty and kept a 40 incher. The next drift produced the remaining two fish about the same size. Two hours effort for a limit. On retrieving the mooching rig Don hooked a salmon right behind the boat. It was released as a wild. The color was wrong and later I heard from Tom Thompsen that there were some Pink salmon in the area and that he had caught quite a few up by Depoe on Saturday.

Pinks have a rosey, rainbow hue in the water. Silvers are blue-green and silver and Kings purple green and gold. I realize that there are very specific things to look for on a landed fish but color works for me on a fish that is still zipping around the boat.

Anyway we headed in with our limit and about 1/2 way back the used lower gearcase failed. It started grinding and clunking. We shut down and went to plan 'B'.

The solution is a new outdrive. Not in this years boat budget. So I am on the dock now with a bucket in one hand and a rod in the other.

Many thanks to HiTekRdNeck for picking me up for the OTC on 'Dance Floor'. Outriggers and experienced fishers .. look out.


Peace .. out.

[StickFish]

Oh man, John you can't catch a break. Happy you made it back in, but gheesh where is all that Karma you got banked up.

It will be a blast finally fishing with ya next weekend, wish it was under better circumstances - lets go kill some fishies

PS I won't forget the cactus juice

[Small Fry]

John this just hasn't been your year with boat problems. I hope your able to get everything resolved and ready for next year.

Lori and I will be headed out on the Columbia for URBs if you want a ride just say so. I plan on doing some bobber fishing this year too, again your always welcome to loin us.

Lori's ladies day trip on the Maverick was more then worth the $, she ended up taking home 19 tuna and 1 halibut so we won't go hungry this winter. I'm still hoping to catch a ride before the season ends just so I can say I've caught more then one tuna.

Tight lines

Steve

[Something Good]

If that's the worst thing that happened to you all day then it wasn't a bad day at all. I know you'll get her going soon.

[Pilar]

Ted and Steve .. not looking for sympathy but thanks.

To put it all in perspective. The motor had 26 years and 1300 hours on it when I repowered. The outdrive has about 1700 hours on it and is worn out. So time to replace it. One of the things about old boats is that things wear out. Most of the time this causes the boat to sit in someones yard and rot.

I just ran out of money for this year. All I have to do now is put it away so nothing else breaks while it sits. Running the boat is fun. Now I'll try riding with others. This may prove to be fun also ... educational at the very least.

[wak'm&stak'm]

[I know it sucks being boatless for a year. I am glad I am not pouring money into that 2004 26 wa striper piece of crap. I would not be a good sales person for these boats....thats another story.

I have been invited on a few boats and the freezer is full of tuna. salmon and halibut for the winter.

YESTERDAY....Troy and I caught over a dozen on the pile and kept a 62.5 and a 54, then caught our salmon on the way in. Fun day for sure.

The home remodel projects have come to an end and I will be boat shopping this winter....I got a Bighorn sheep tag to fill now.

[Woody]

Thanks again for a great day, John.

[Moldy45]

Bummer on the outdrive.I too have had my share of boat dollar expenses this season and hope it ends for now .I am sure you wont have any problems getting rides to get your salt fix.I will have a spot for you I am sure ,just shout!

[retaliate]

Yep! It's a B.O.A.T. Sorry to hear about your troubles....Again, Good your able to keep a good Attitude.

[HOGGEMIN]

Dang John sorry to hear this But you will get many rides for the remaining of the year, look out next year as she will be good as new.