Back From Alaska! Goodnews River Finishes with Hot Silver Salmon
Capt. John Kumiski
September 7, 2010
Titusville - Saltwater Fishing Report
Fishing Report from Spotted Tail 9/5/10
I am back in Florida safely. However, I need to wrap up the Goodnews trip.
I fished Belgians (humans, not horses) the last three days I was in Alaska, all father and son pairs. Sunday was Jan and Jan, Monday Charles and Antoine, Tuesday Dirk and Jeff. For a change the weather was pretty good and I was able to get a few photos.
I like fishing the Belgians for a variety of reasons, even though most of them have never fished before. Their angling skills are non-existent, which makes it challenging. But they are invariably easy-going and they want to have fun. They also want to learn all they can about fishing in the three days they are there. Since it's Alaska and since I can get them wading, they catch salmon with whatever tackle they choose to use. Some only fly fish. Some start with spin tackle and switch to fly. They all end up fly fishing, badly of course, but they all catch fish anyway. It is the Goodnews River, after all.
Also, somewhat selfishly, since Belgium is part of the EU and since no EU countries allow their citizens to carry fresh fish back into the country, I don't have to clean very many fish while fishing the Belgians. At the end of the season, after having filleted and packed at least a couple hundred fish, not having to do it any more is wonderful.
Also selfishly, I get invited to visit. Since my bride wants to go to Europe next year I may just cash some of those invites in. Do you hear that, Antoine?
I have discovered that taking a mild sedative on a long airplane trip really helps the flight go by more quickly. Just eat one little pill and next thing someone is waking you up to tell you you're there!
I was in Publix yesterday and in the seafood section they had wild coho salmon for $10 a pound. Somewhere in Alaska a river has no salmon in it. I hope the netters don't make it to Goodnews.
Susan and I went to Playalinda Beach this morning. Didn't bring any tackle. Just sat and watched the water. The waves were small and the water fairly clear. Mullet were coming down the beach already, not in huge numbers yet. I saw numerous large splashes out past the surf and at least four free jumping fish, either tarpon or big king mackerel, maybe both. When I got home I greased the steering arm of the Yamaha, hooked up the battery charger, ran the motor, ran the pumps, and generally got the boat ready to go. Tonight and tomorrow I'll go over rods and reels and terminal tackle. Tuesday son Maxx, Scott Radloff, and I are going out in the Mitzi, out onto the Atlantic. I hope I have some good news to report next week. I'm optimistic that I will.
Embrace simplicity.
Life is great and I still love my work, lucky me!
Life is short- go fishing!
John Kumiski
www.spottedtail.com
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