   
Captain William Smith (Riptide)
New member Username: Riptide
Post Number: 16 Registered: 9-2003
Rating:  Votes: 1 | | Posted on Saturday, May 06, 2006 - 3:37 am: | |
April 25, 2006 Ahoy there one and all! Monday was a true awakening of the season for us aboard the RIPTIDE!! We had a private family charter on board and they were pretty much locked into going on Monday, which actually was a very nice weather day. But, I was so worried about taking them out and having to stay so close to the beach as everyone knows is not really where the salmon are thought to be (what an assumption!). Off we went in search of one of the true sportfish that can be caught on a rod and reel. After hearing about one boat that had run south the day before (Sunday) I decided to go exploring down that way. Knowing that the fishing had been slow on the inside and everyone thinking the same thing I did not have very high expectations. Around 11 AM I was still praying to just get one fish! For those of you who know me, you know I like to chase whales. I was figuring that if nothing else I can at least show them some magnificent creatures! When we found them, they were feeding on anchovies. We were watching them lung feed through these huge balls of bait. As soon as we hit one of these first haystacks of bait I heard Deckhand Zack screaming out “FISH ON SMITTY!!!” After boating the first one and noticing the current was screaming down to the south I turned and started to tack back up to the whales. We did not quite make it as we had a double go off with two rods screaming off line with a pair of 15 pound salmon! Losing one and getting the other I thought I better stick with these Whales! Man was I right!! We had a steady pick from then on with singles and doubles landing some and losing some. I just feel frustrated when that happens but what the heck, at least they got to play the fish and feel the thrill of the salmon fighting! Still fighting the current and working around all of these great “riptides” on the surface we had an OUTSTANDING DAY!!!!!!!!! The final tally at the end of the day was 19 salmon to 19 lbs for 12 anglers! SO WHO SAYS THERE ARE NO FISH ON THE BEACH AT THIS TIME OF THE YEAR!!!!!! Till the next time!! Tight Lines! Capt. Smitty |