Story from the North

RIPPLE · 06-18-2002, 02:52 PM

I just returned from the Kenai and have a tale to tell. It is not about a 70 lb. monster because the Kenai was closed. It is not about amazing 30 fish days on the Kasilof because they were only 2 or 3 fish days, and it is not the tale of a Halibut that sunk the boat because we left that one up there, but it is the story of a special fish.
We were fishing the Kasilof by driftboat on the morning of what would become an amazing 70 degree day. A day up north where you can not stay up late enough to see it get dark. We had a few take downs and one to the boat, but nothing spectacular. There were a few on around us but the river was not on fire, just a timing thing really the "A" run was tapering off. But good god what a beautiful morning, the sun filtering through the trees, that special color of the glacial fed river and oh what an amazing peacefulness, then........... SMACK! what in the hell was that? did we hit a rock? I felt something, the guide is in absolute shock, are we sinking? where was that life jacket? now the guide is scrambling around on the floor of the driftboat claiming he'd been slimed. NO WAY! it's a fish, a chromer, 20+ pounds. The damn thing jumped up nailed the guide in the back and landed in the boat :shocked: It's all registering with us now and were bustin' up and trying to get a hold of this incredibly fiesty fish. Trust me it is very hard to tail a fish that has not been played out. Those fishing around us that saw it were wide eyed and laughing. Those that did'nt actually see it happen must of thought that either our boat was on fire and they could'nt see the flames or that maybe they missed the bend in the river that was selling drugs.
Well we finally got a hold of it and it was a 20-25# mint bright beauty, but it still had it's adipose. The new regs instituted several days earlier had foiled us again, because let me tell you, if that fish was clipped, hooked or not it was goin' home, destiny don't ya know. We could'nt stop talking about it all day, laughing and making jokes. The amazing thing, is that it's not like they were silvers jumping all over the river, I had not seen one of these nooks clear 1' all morning. the stern of the driftboat has to be 2 1/2'

I know that we all like to "catch" but remember that some of the best memories can come from the fish that we never hook.
:grin: RIPPLE :grin:

[ 06-19-2002, 11:38 AM: Message edited by: RIPPLE ]

troutguy04 · 06-18-2002, 04:17 PM

Great story. I have had silvers jump into the sides of my boat on the Kenai, but never into the boat. That is pretty cool

bigshark · 06-18-2002, 05:27 PM

I love these stories Ripple so thanks for the post. We plan to fish the river in July. Can you tell me the name of the spot it happened. I have seen some funny stuff at the so called powerline hole. On three different occasions
I have seen nooks swim up onto the dry gravelbar and cross it while hooked and go into the small channel on the other side. How do they know its there? Goofy stuff that makes that little river so much fun.

TheRogue · 06-18-2002, 06:24 PM

great story, thanx for sharing it!!!

shakerfish · 06-18-2002, 07:32 PM

Man, Bet that kinda hurt getting hit with a fish that size! Great story! :grin: ...shakerfish!...

crabbait · 06-18-2002, 09:42 PM

"I've been slimed!" Usually when I am saying that I am looking into the big brown eyes you see to the left.

RIPPLE · 06-19-2002, 10:36 AM

Bigshark, It happened a little ways down from where we put in, on the tailout of what the guides called the "peoples" hole. I'm still amazed by the event, I wonder how many times in my life I'll say "let me tell ya about..." The stories are just part of what makes this sport so wonderful!
:grin: RIPPLE :grin:

Get Bent · 06-19-2002, 02:10 PM

Somewhere in the Midwest there is a spot where these unusual fish will jump several FEET out of the water, and locals will boat around catching them in their boat. Saw it on the news awhile back and the sight was amazing, for sure.

I've heard a story told of a peeler landing in a guide's boat on the Columbia several years ago. :shocked: Not the way I would want to land one of those, as the power in those babies could break bones.

bigshark · 06-19-2002, 09:09 PM

Ripple......I know the spot well. Do Coho Flats,
Grassy Bank, Satillite and Last Chance ring familiar? :grin: Who was your guide?

RIPPLE · 06-24-2002, 10:20 AM

Bigshark - Those all sound familar, what a gorgeous river eh? We stayed at a place called Angler's Lodge located upriver on the Kenai in Sterling. We used their guides, and I highly recomend both the lodge and the guides. I am headed back to the Kenai July 28th to stay at a different place, can't wait for a shot at the biggies!
:grin: RIPPLE :grin:

Torchman · 06-24-2002, 01:20 PM

Get Bent, I believe that one, as it ALMOST happened to ME!!!! :smile: I had launched at the dam, and was running downbound full throttle. Right around Warrendale, a 7-8 Peeler did his best impression of a Polaris missle....RIGHT in FRONT of the boat!!! I didn't even have time to back off the throttles....and had he arced to starboard rather than port.....he would have been caught by the center console!!!! :grin: It was a definite come to all stop, "Holy Schnikeys!!!!" moment for the crew!!!!

4Salt · 06-24-2002, 02:37 PM

Ripple,

I too just returned from the Kasilof on 6/21. My wife and I did our annual trip where we rent a motorhome in Anchorage and stay at the Crooked creek RV park for a week. We found the fishing this year considerably better than last with ALOT more bright fish. The emergency reg. for keeping clipped fish only sure helped reduce the pressure, plus the Russian had the Sanctuary open and there were plenty of fish up there to be kept. We go to C&R the 1st run kings and fish barbless. There were also quite a few early reds in the river this year, more than in past years for sure. Luckily, those 30 fish days you referred to, haven't totally disappeared yet, although with the reduced plants and the situation with the early Kenai fish, they could just be a fond memory very soon.

bigshark · 06-24-2002, 07:56 PM

Ripple
We like to stay at Deal's Den on Coho Rd. It overlooks the Inlet and what a view. You keep the salmon carcuss and put them next to the porch of the cabin. The eagle swoop in and put on a real show for you. Mammy moose and calf are usually there to greet you when you get up. Bill and Peggy Deal are teriffic hosts. The house is nice if one takes the better half with him. $ 75 buck for two beds and you get a great caribou sausage and egg s breakfast.Its only about 6 miles to the launch at the bridge. We use a couple of the Oly Pen guides that are up there. The cabins at Crooked Cr are our second choice as its only a mile to the launch. $ 125 for a cabin that sleeps four and has full kitchen in it. Hit those silvers while your there and post how it goes.

RIPPLE · 06-25-2002, 08:32 AM

Thanks for the feedback and info guys. Caribou sausage, my mouth is watering! I will definitly report back after the end of July, Have a great day!
:grin: RIPPLE :grin: