What a season!

[Pete]

Has anyone else stopped fishing long enough to think about what an unbelievable chinook year it's been? I tagged my first springer on February 23rd ... just yesterday I missed two takedowns but the catch rate around me was one bright fish for every other boat. There hasn't been a day in the last 10 months when I couldn't go somewhere and have a good chance at a bright king! Think of it; the Willamette spring run, the record Columbia run, the excellent numbers of fish on the coast ... It must be nearing the holidays. I'm feeling Thankful!

[Hookset]

Yes, counting my blessings Pete. My chinook tally started a little later then yours, but the salmon season has been fantastic this year. Even the ocean really produced with kings caught into October.

The Columbia buoy 10 fishery was good, except I caught more chinook after the closure then before. The silvers more then made up for any loss with the chinook though.

We were truley blessed with a great season and the season is not completely over yet. Hard to imagine.

Let's hope the opportunites exist next year for another great salmon season.

Gregg

[Vinny]

It has been a good year, an incredible year for a new guy like me.

At the end of April, I was in my local Bi-Mart. Dan, (now sporting goods manager) said enthusiastically, "Salmon fishing opens in two days on the Snake River." From the excitement in his voice, I inquired further. I was soon fishing "The Wall" at Little Goose Dam, thinking that was "Salmon Fishing." I later learned it was "Combat Fishing."

Soon I ventured west, learning of other rivers, becoming acquaited with my region and fishing here. I first learned of Piscatorial Pursuits, then Ifish.net.

Ifish.net is now my browsers "Home Page."

I made the journey to Ifish 2001 and met many of you. Since then, I've had the opportunity to fish with, and learn from several ifish members.

Now's a good a time as any to say, "Thanks!"

Special thanks to (in fishing chronological order): Mike, Pete, and Steve (FNF).
I am fortunate to have fished with these three very knowledgeable, and very different individuals . I learned an incredible amount from you and know that I have just barely scratched the surface.

"IT AIN'T OVER YET!"