(Day 10, Salmon fishing on the Kenai)
On July 5, Crystal and I went out fishing with Mark on the Kenai River for King Salmon. The weather was damp and overcast. One of the other passengers loaned Crystal some rain gear, and I decided to use a space blanket if the weather got too bad. We neglected to purchase rain gear before fishing that day. As it turned out, the weather was cool, but not very wet. We were back drifting large gobs of roe (salmon eggs) with a Spin 'n' Glo attached to the line. Long slinkies were used for weight. Within the first half an hour, I hooked a salmon. It was a "small" fish of about 23 pounds and Mark suggested that I release it so that I could keep fishing for a larger one. It was early and this fish was small by Kenai standards. While the fish was at the side of the boat ready for the net, it threw the hook and this made my decision easy. Keep fishing! The view from the river was simply outstanding.
Here is a picture I took of an eagle in a tree along the
river. The telephoto was handy, but taking a picture from a moving
boat isn't easy when using a telephoto lens!
Later, we saw the nest.
The view of Mt. Redoubt, an active volcano, was very impressive
from the river. Three years ago, this volcano covered Anchorage in
3 inches of ash.
Here is a closeup of Mt. Redoubt. Mind you, these
pictures were taken from a moving boat.
I must say that Mark is a very good guide. At one point we saw one rod tip go down. We figured it was a hookup. Then a second rod tip went down. A double! Then my rod tip went down! Mark yells "Snag!" Quickly, he maneuvered the boat upstream to unsnag our fishing lines. Two immediately came loose, and mine broke, as fate would have it. However, within 2 minutes, Mark had taken out the spare rod, baited it, and I was back to fishing. I appreciated Mark's professionalism and efficiency. I also learned some of Mark's philosophy regarding the river and its management. Mark is truly a "Guardian of the River." His concern for the resource was evident when he took the time to ask some Fish and Game personnel why they were netting fish at the mouth of one of the tributaries of the Kenai.
Mark Glassmaker
