KINGS FOR A DAY
by Robert Ney

In July 2007 we were on Resurrection Bay for our annual multi-day fishing marathon. We have been doing this 4-5 day trip for around 10 years now and are used to absolutely phenomenal trips, lots of Silvers, bottom fish, sea life, wildlife and the majestic Alaskan coastal scenery. On this day myself, my Uncle Glen, Nephew Joe and friends Dennis, Paul and Tom were fishing off of Calisto Head using the mooching trolling technique.

We had a steady pick on the Silvers with about eight in the boat when Glen gets a solid strike and the line starts peeling off. As soon as the fish porpoised we recognized it was a "Dime Bright King"! Everyone was ecstatic!

We always catch silvers but not big kings. Glen fought the fish all around the boat and handed the pole off so the other guys could feel the "power". After a good 15 minute battle the fish was carefully slid into the net. A gorgeous 36lb. KING! This would have made the day but it wasn't over yet. (Glen left, Rob holding Glen's king right.)

We headed back towards Caines Head to find the halibut Chicken Hole we'd discovered last year. Of course no one took GPS readings so we were doing it by sighting landmarks. Dennis was steering and after much discussion from the other five backseat captains, Dennis proclaimed this was the spot. (This time we put a big black X on the side of the boat so we could find it again on the next trip.) We all dropped our baits down as if on cue. I was using a little salmon rod with a small spinning reel with 25 lb test. I felt a strike immediately after hitting the bottom and the fight was on.

Although it felt like a pretty good halibut it started coming right up after just five minutes, then at about 10 feet down it must have seen the sun because it sounded. From that point on for a solid hour it was "gain two feet, lose two feet." With my pole and light line stressed to their limits my only hope was that this fish wouldn't realize my vulnerability, make a run for freedom and spool me.

It was a really hot day and they actually turned the boat around to get us out of the bright Sun! After what seemed like an eternity we finally had color and decided to harpoon the fish. It actually took the harpoon line buoy completely down out of sight three times! Then after the fish was finally exhausted we hoisted this 53 pounder from the "chicken" hole. What a day!

The "Fish" were the perfect excuse to enjoy the Alaska outdoors with our friends and family. And like that old beer commercial saying - It don't get any better than this!

Glen's last great trip to Seward was made in July 2008. He passed in Dec 2008. It was another memorable trip, where we experienced a Humpback Whale dancing across the entire bay and the outstanding fights of those acrobatic Silvers.

You will be missed old friend. "Fair winds and following Seas."

Robbiethefisher