Report submitted by 'Kip'
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North Pacific Adventure Report
Alaska
Mid-July, 2009
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Sometimes my job can be pretty cool so when we were awarded a contract
to build a coast guard hanger in Anchorage, Alaska I insisted on going. I
calculated the trip at 4600 miles from Padre Island with a pit stop in Dallas
to pick up our company van, trailer, and two additional guys. My plan was
to push thru non-stop to the Canada border just above Great Falls, Montana
then take our time sightseeing and fly-fishing the many rivers we were sure
to see.
Canada border patrol are no joke, even amongst there own people. They
have a reputation of being Nazi S.O.B's and if they don't like you or what
they see in one of their super computers, you are not crossing. Because of
my checkered past they almost didn't allow me thru but I yes sir’ed
my way out of it. My buddy was less fortunate so back to Great Falls we went
to drop him off at the airport. The drive from the border was filled with
lots of scenery, rain and flooded rivers along with 20 hour days and 4 hours
of twilight. When you get above Edmonton and cut across to the Alaskan Hwy
you are pretty much in the "Bush" so when they shut the pumps down around
6 o'clock in the evening you are screwed till morning.
Mustard field
Driving conditions and traffic can be frustrating at times
Bison invasion at a gas station
My first trip was on the Orion out of Valdez, AK seeking the salmon
shark up from its yearly migration from southern California. Aboard were
four locals looking to fill there freezers for the winter, myself and the
captain, who is one of only four people ever to catch a salmon shark from
a kayak.
It took 1 ½ hours to get to our fishing grounds and we were
immediately rewarded with breeching salmon sharks slamming into schools of
salmon. Very awesome sight to see, sorry no pics. Trolling whole salmon we
caught and took down two 300 pound sharks by noon and we were feeling like
we had enough meat and it was now my turn because I wanted to release mine.
Five hours go by with several missed opportunities and the captain says those
feared words “Time to go reel em in” Oh well, I was going to be
there several more weekends and was willing to spend whatever it would cost
to catch one. I didn’t want to give up so I reeled fast then stopped,
fast then stopped and sure enough bang Fish On.
We knew it was bigger because it fought different. It took several
smoking runs before it dove over 500’ and battled every inch from there.
During this time I remind everyone my intentions were to release this fish
and the captain reassured me it was the angler’s choice. An hour goes
by before we get our first glimpse of the huge and beautiful salmon shark
and next thing I know a flying gaff was thrown in her and we just took down
our third shark of the trip………… Stunned and speechless
at this point what can I possibly say or do that’s going to bring it
back. Shindle always says “You should release your first fish so you
don’t anger the gods” I’m definitely cursed now buddy.
My shark had a tag in it so a biologist was radioed ahead and met
us on the dock. She was extremely excited because it was tagged in 1999 which
made it at least 14 years old and the largest and oldest tagged salmon shark
returned. It taped out at 8’ 1 ½” and was well over 400#.
I still feel terrible about taking down such an awesome creature but I am
content in knowing none of it was wasted and the guys at work, people at
my motel, family and friends all have feasted on this glorious animal.
Over the next several weeks I chartered two more trips for halibut
and salmon limiting out every time and even tried my luck at “combat
fishing”.
View from my room in Seward, Ak
Seward Harbor otter
These guy’s were trolling for salmon in class as the rest of us froze
are butt’s off
This lucky family had a great day fishing. Talked with the young boy
and he proudly said he reeled up one of those two big halibut by his self
and that his was bigger than his fathers
Alaska is everything I dreamed it would be from its awe inspiring
scenery to its abundant wildlife, friendly people, cool bars and kick ass
fishing. One thing they don’t tell you is how expensive everything is
so bring lot’s of cash and book everything well in advance. For all
you other eXtremecoaster’s out there, Alaska is a must.
- Kip
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