Four Leaf Clovers & A Rabbit's Foot
by Bob Sullivan

Tyler loves to fish, so who catches the largest fish of the trip? Again it is 14 year old Tyler (now 15) trying his luck on the Kenai River for king salmon. First trip ever to Alaska, first morning on the river, who gets the first bite? You guessed it! Not just a bite, but a solid hook-up with a good king. Now for the first time tyler does the "king salmon dance" around the boat, trying to follow the fish while dodging the seats and other excited fishermen. When the dance ends his guide, Dan Myers, nets the 44 pound king salmon. Any luck left? You guessed it!

On the second morning fishing, guide Jim Wilson releases Tyler's 8 pounder in hopes of catching one larger. Much larger. 40 pounds? Too small, so while other guides and fishermen watch in disbelief, Jim carefully releases the 40 pound king back into the river. Any luck left??? Oh yes!

But it's a snag. Tyler cranks the reel, but the drag slips. Jim moves the boat up to the snag and tyler hands Jim the rod. He tries to pump the rod, tightening the drag a little, and suddenly says:

"IT'S A FISH!!!"

Jim quickly hands the rod back to Tyler, moves the boat from over the fish, and the fun begins. Another try at the "king salmon dance" all around the boat. The hook holds, the leader doesn't get cut, and Jim nets a bright 56 pound king salmon. That's enough luck for anyone! Any luck left?

We'll know next year (2005)!

Tyler Stanley, Bristol, TN and his 56 pounder