06-06-2006, 04:17 AM
[font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3]IceFishingGod and I headed for Flaming Gorge and arrived late in the afternoon on May 31. We were to meet up with Jim Williams of Creative Fishing Adventures (tarponjim) in the morning for the first of two days of pursuing Flaming Gorge's legendary gigantic lake trout. Hopefully, the fish gods would be kind and put us on some good fish.[/size][/black][/font]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3][/size][/black][/font]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3]We met Jim at the bottom of Lucerne Valley Marina ramp at 6:30 am and we headed out. Jim is known for his predatory jigging technique and his trips are more like hunting than fishing. Find the right fish put the sneak on them. If the presentation is right and the stars and planets are aligned, the wary lake trout, which have seen every type of lure so many times, may decide to make the strike and attack the the jig. Presentation is everything. One wrong move in the delivery and the fish swims away knowing the angler gave himself away and blew any chance of nailing the fish.[/size][/black][/font]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3][/size][/black][/font]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3]We started in an area Jim had fished the previous day with great results and hoped to repeat the same success. The fish had been willing and eager to feed even if it was the precisely, presented jigs.[/size][/black][/font]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3]We managed two smaller macks, both under 15 lbs, but not picture worthy. We also missed a few other strikes.[/size][/black][/font]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3][/size][/black][/font]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3]Now, one would think that large lake trout would strike with a vengeance. Not so. It is amazing how softly and how quickly these fish hit. You see the tip barely move and if the angler does not set the hook, the soft, quick strike results in a miss. If the angler sees the strike and his timing is on, the hook up is unmistakable. A bent rod and the feel of weight, sometimes, a lot of weight is the reward.[/size][/black][/font]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3][/size][/black][/font]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3]After a very subtle hit, I set the hook and felt that unmistakable weight of a good fish. the fish however rocketed away from the boat, a characteristic not exhibited by large fish but usually by smaller fish. The fish continued to run with much zest but after a few runs, the fish finally gave in. To our delight, the fish proved to be a very nice fish. Jim netted the fish and weighed it. Nice Fish! 31 pounds! Not the pup we anticipated.[/size][/black][/font]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3][/size][/black][/font] [center][font "Comic Sans MS"][size 3][black][inline 31_mack_6-2006.jpg][/black][/size][/font][/center] [center][font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3][/size][/black][/font][/center] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3]We released the fish and continued to look for more fish. We fished the same area then decided to move on. Jim decided to check out an area he had not used this season. After surveying the area, we dropped on the fish. I proceed to miss the first two strikes but third time was a charm and I finally got the hook set right.[/size][/black][/font][/left] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3][/size][/black][/font][/left] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3]This fish fought BIG. For the first 5 minutes of the fight, the fish did not give an inch. Slow but surely, I started gaining ground but I'd take line and the fish would take it back. This fish had so much heart and fought the fight we all love to see in big fish. Check this rod out. What a beast![/size][/black][/font][/left] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3][/size][/black][/font][/left] [center][font "Comic Sans MS"][size 3][black][inline 28_hook_up_6-2006.jpg] [/black][/size][/font][/center] [center][font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3][/size][/black][/font][/center] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3]We finally got the fish to the side of the boat. Both myself and the big mack were played out with me winning the battle once Jim put the fish in the net. I had figured the fish would go well over 30 pounds after tackling the 31 pounder earlier that day but no matter how much we wished, the fish went at a decent 28 pounds. That fish was a fighter and was everything a lake trout fisherman yearns for. I was very satisfied and with much reverence released the fish to fight another day. Here's the bad boy. I'm glad my face is shadowed out because this fish definitely deserves the spotlight. What a great fish![/size][/black][/font][/left] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][size 3][/size][/font][/left] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3][/size][/black][/font][/left] [center][font "Comic Sans MS"][size 3][black][inline 28_mack_6-2006.JPG][/black][/size][/font][/center] [center][font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3][/size][/black][/font][/center] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3]We moved on to another area after, as Jim says, "We cooked that spot the right way" and after surveying the area, we dropped on another stack of fish. In short order, IFG set the hook and brought this 21 pound laker to the boat. [/size][/black][/font][/left] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][size 3][/size][/font][/left] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3][/size][/black][/font][/left] [center][font "Comic Sans MS"][size 3][black][inline 21_mack_6-2006.jpg][/black][/size][/font][/center] [center][/center] [center][font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3][/size][/black][/font][/center] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3]We continued to search and fish but both IFG and I could not get another fish to the boat. Jim's presentation required intense concentration and after 11 hours on the water we both were losing our ability to focus and missed several hits. Fatigue had set in. We were cooked and headed in. The final tally was several missed hits, 4-5 fish unbuttoned, and 5 fish to the boat. [/size][/black][/font][/left] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][size 3][/size][/font][/left] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3][/size][/black][/font][/left] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3]IFG and I had barely enough energy to get back to the trailer to clean up, grab some dinner and a few brewskis at the Villa, and hit the sack before it got dark. What an great day![/size][/black][/font][/left] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][size 3][/size][/font][/left] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3][/size][/black][/font][/left] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3]We were back at the ramp bright and early, ready to do it again. We returned to the same area I had caught the 28 pound mack. The area had shown a lot of willing fish the day before. We were hoping that they were willing to play again. We made our drop and shortly after both IceFishingGod and I hooked up at the same time. WooHoo! A double![/size][/black][/font][/left] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][size 3][/size][/font][/left] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3][/size][/black][/font][/left] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3]Both fish tore drag as the fish tried to elude their tormentors. This was a repeat of the fight of yesterday and I was anxious to see Scott and I in a picture with a two fine lakers. Alas, it was not meant to be. My fish, which was stripping drag and doubling my rod, decide to change it's strategy and turned abruptly and raced towards me. I tried to take up all the line to get good tension back on the fish but it was not meant to be. The fish spit the hook and any chance to have the elusive double hook up picture was gone.[/size][/black][/font][/left] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][size 3][/size][/font][/left] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3][/size][/black][/font][/left] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3]IFG, in the mean time was battling his own fish. The fish continued to take drag and was running for the bottom when, POP! The fish came unbuttoned and the game was over. BLM & IFG - ZERO, Lake Trout - TWO.[/size][/black][/font][/left] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][size 3][/size][/font][/left] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3][/size][/black][/font][/left] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3]We moved on, licking our wounds. Wow, that seemed to take all the wind of our sails. We relocated and fished several other groups of fish but the fish wanted no part of our jigs and we could only manage a couple more bites in the next few hours and no fish. [/size][/black][/font][/left] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][size 3][/size][/font][/left] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3][/size][/black][/font][/left] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3]After the long day before, I started wearing out around 12:00 pm. The muscles between my shoulder blades were a mass of knots and my concentration was on my back and not my presentation. The wind started to come on as predicted by the weather forecast. Boat control was getting tougher but not impossible and Jim did an excellent job, After missing a couple more strikes, I decided I was more of a hindrance and decided to to put the rod down and watch IFG fish. IFG decided he'd give the fish a break just to cover my butt. We headed in with stiff breezes but still fishable. Day's tally, the missed double and several missed hit but no fish. [/size][/black][/font][/left] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][size 3][/size][/font][/left] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3][/size][/black][/font][/left] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3]We headed back to the KOA, a little humbled but still happy we were able to get out and give'em hell. [/size][/black][/font][/left] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3][/size][/black][/font] [/left] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3]We soaked our sorrow in a few beers. Tomorrow was a new game and one both IFG and I looked forward to. We were to meet Jared Johnson of Shasta Tackle (sockeyeslayer) and learn the finer points of catching Flaming Gorge's land locked salmon, the kokanee.[/size][/black][/font][/left] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][size 3][/size][/font][/left] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3][/size][/black][/font][/left] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3]We met Jared at the dock at 5:00 am. The sun was just starting to show over the mountains as we left the marina and we were fishing by quarter to six. Jared's boat, E-fish-n-sea, a beautifully outfitted Grady White, has all the bells and whistles a devoted kokanee addict requires. [/size][/black][/font][/left] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][size 3][/size][/font][/left] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3][/size][/black][/font][/left] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3]With a wide assortment of sling blades, humdingers, and apexes, Jared and IFG proceed to lay lines from the surface to 35 foot deep. I, not being a big kokanee guy but wanting to learn, hung back and watched how it was done. No sooner had we got the first line out when the line released from the downrigger and a silver rocket flew from the water. Fish on! We brought the fish in and admired the aerodynamic shape and the dark back and silver sides of the koke. What beautiful fish![/size][/black][/font][/left] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][size 3][/size][/font][/left] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3][/size][/black][/font][/left] [center][font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3][inline Rich_Kokanee_6-2006.JPG][/size][/black][/font][/center] [center][font "Comic Sans MS"][size 3][/size][/font][/center] [center][font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3][/size][/black][/font][/center] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3]We had very little time to admire the first fish when another line released and another fish broke water and flew through the air 100 ft behind the boat. The fish came in fairly easy until it neared the boat. A surge of energy hit the fish and it raced from side to side of the boat and jump three or four times before the fish could be netted. The shear energy and acrobatics of these fish was amazing and they repeated this scene over and over again.[/size][/black][/font][/left] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][size 3][/size][/font][/left] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3][/size][/black][/font][/left] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3]One fish, decided to tangle himself in the main motor's prop while up to his antics and put a temporary halt to our fishing so that the line could be removed from the main motor's prop.[/size][/black][/font][/left] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][size 3][/size][/font][/left] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3][/size][/black][/font][/left] [center][font "Comic Sans MS"][size 3][black][inline prop_tangle_6-2006.JPG][/black][/size][/font][/center] [center][font "Comic Sans MS"][size 3][/size][/font][/center] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3][/size][/black][/font][/left] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3]Jared, being the congenial host, insisted that both IFG and I reel in the fish which were quickly released and an occasional koke put into the box to take home for a fine kokanee dinner. Jared ran the boat, set the lines, netted the fish and all the while instructed us in the finer points of sockeye slaying! [/size][/black][/font][/left] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][size 3][/size][/font][/left] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3][/size][/black][/font][/left] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3]After catching 20 or more fish, Jared wanted to show us some other popular kokanee areas and hopefully hook into some of the bigger Wyoming fish. We reached the ranch house area and laid lines. The fishing wasn't as fast but the fish were larger. We boated fish and after about an hour and a half, decided to head south again.[/size][/black][/font][/left] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][size 3][/size][/font][/left] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3][/size][/black][/font][/left] [center][font "Comic Sans MS"][size 3][black][inline IFG_Kokanee_6_2006.jpg][/black][/size][/font][/center] [center][font "Comic Sans MS"][size 3][/size][/font][/center] [center][font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3][/size][/black][/font][/center] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3]We return to pipeline area of the lake and continued to catch kokanee. Sockeyeslayer showed why he is such an efficient kokanee fisherman. When things slowed or changed, Jared adapted and we continued to catch fish. I was simply amazed at the number of kokanee we boated. What a great day to learn the art of catching kokes. We boated over forty fish and took limits home to enjoy. Thanks, Jared![/size][/black][/font][/left] [left][/left] [left][/left] [center][inline ifg_kokanee_limits_6-2006.JPG] [/center] [center][/center] [left][/left]
[signature]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3][/size][/black][/font]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3]We met Jim at the bottom of Lucerne Valley Marina ramp at 6:30 am and we headed out. Jim is known for his predatory jigging technique and his trips are more like hunting than fishing. Find the right fish put the sneak on them. If the presentation is right and the stars and planets are aligned, the wary lake trout, which have seen every type of lure so many times, may decide to make the strike and attack the the jig. Presentation is everything. One wrong move in the delivery and the fish swims away knowing the angler gave himself away and blew any chance of nailing the fish.[/size][/black][/font]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3][/size][/black][/font]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3]We started in an area Jim had fished the previous day with great results and hoped to repeat the same success. The fish had been willing and eager to feed even if it was the precisely, presented jigs.[/size][/black][/font]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3]We managed two smaller macks, both under 15 lbs, but not picture worthy. We also missed a few other strikes.[/size][/black][/font]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3][/size][/black][/font]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3]Now, one would think that large lake trout would strike with a vengeance. Not so. It is amazing how softly and how quickly these fish hit. You see the tip barely move and if the angler does not set the hook, the soft, quick strike results in a miss. If the angler sees the strike and his timing is on, the hook up is unmistakable. A bent rod and the feel of weight, sometimes, a lot of weight is the reward.[/size][/black][/font]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3][/size][/black][/font]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3]After a very subtle hit, I set the hook and felt that unmistakable weight of a good fish. the fish however rocketed away from the boat, a characteristic not exhibited by large fish but usually by smaller fish. The fish continued to run with much zest but after a few runs, the fish finally gave in. To our delight, the fish proved to be a very nice fish. Jim netted the fish and weighed it. Nice Fish! 31 pounds! Not the pup we anticipated.[/size][/black][/font]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3][/size][/black][/font] [center][font "Comic Sans MS"][size 3][black][inline 31_mack_6-2006.jpg][/black][/size][/font][/center] [center][font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3][/size][/black][/font][/center] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3]We released the fish and continued to look for more fish. We fished the same area then decided to move on. Jim decided to check out an area he had not used this season. After surveying the area, we dropped on the fish. I proceed to miss the first two strikes but third time was a charm and I finally got the hook set right.[/size][/black][/font][/left] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3][/size][/black][/font][/left] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3]This fish fought BIG. For the first 5 minutes of the fight, the fish did not give an inch. Slow but surely, I started gaining ground but I'd take line and the fish would take it back. This fish had so much heart and fought the fight we all love to see in big fish. Check this rod out. What a beast![/size][/black][/font][/left] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3][/size][/black][/font][/left] [center][font "Comic Sans MS"][size 3][black][inline 28_hook_up_6-2006.jpg] [/black][/size][/font][/center] [center][font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3][/size][/black][/font][/center] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3]We finally got the fish to the side of the boat. Both myself and the big mack were played out with me winning the battle once Jim put the fish in the net. I had figured the fish would go well over 30 pounds after tackling the 31 pounder earlier that day but no matter how much we wished, the fish went at a decent 28 pounds. That fish was a fighter and was everything a lake trout fisherman yearns for. I was very satisfied and with much reverence released the fish to fight another day. Here's the bad boy. I'm glad my face is shadowed out because this fish definitely deserves the spotlight. What a great fish![/size][/black][/font][/left] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][size 3][/size][/font][/left] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3][/size][/black][/font][/left] [center][font "Comic Sans MS"][size 3][black][inline 28_mack_6-2006.JPG][/black][/size][/font][/center] [center][font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3][/size][/black][/font][/center] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3]We moved on to another area after, as Jim says, "We cooked that spot the right way" and after surveying the area, we dropped on another stack of fish. In short order, IFG set the hook and brought this 21 pound laker to the boat. [/size][/black][/font][/left] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][size 3][/size][/font][/left] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3][/size][/black][/font][/left] [center][font "Comic Sans MS"][size 3][black][inline 21_mack_6-2006.jpg][/black][/size][/font][/center] [center][/center] [center][font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3][/size][/black][/font][/center] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3]We continued to search and fish but both IFG and I could not get another fish to the boat. Jim's presentation required intense concentration and after 11 hours on the water we both were losing our ability to focus and missed several hits. Fatigue had set in. We were cooked and headed in. The final tally was several missed hits, 4-5 fish unbuttoned, and 5 fish to the boat. [/size][/black][/font][/left] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][size 3][/size][/font][/left] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3][/size][/black][/font][/left] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3]IFG and I had barely enough energy to get back to the trailer to clean up, grab some dinner and a few brewskis at the Villa, and hit the sack before it got dark. What an great day![/size][/black][/font][/left] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][size 3][/size][/font][/left] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3][/size][/black][/font][/left] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3]We were back at the ramp bright and early, ready to do it again. We returned to the same area I had caught the 28 pound mack. The area had shown a lot of willing fish the day before. We were hoping that they were willing to play again. We made our drop and shortly after both IceFishingGod and I hooked up at the same time. WooHoo! A double![/size][/black][/font][/left] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][size 3][/size][/font][/left] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3][/size][/black][/font][/left] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3]Both fish tore drag as the fish tried to elude their tormentors. This was a repeat of the fight of yesterday and I was anxious to see Scott and I in a picture with a two fine lakers. Alas, it was not meant to be. My fish, which was stripping drag and doubling my rod, decide to change it's strategy and turned abruptly and raced towards me. I tried to take up all the line to get good tension back on the fish but it was not meant to be. The fish spit the hook and any chance to have the elusive double hook up picture was gone.[/size][/black][/font][/left] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][size 3][/size][/font][/left] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3][/size][/black][/font][/left] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3]IFG, in the mean time was battling his own fish. The fish continued to take drag and was running for the bottom when, POP! The fish came unbuttoned and the game was over. BLM & IFG - ZERO, Lake Trout - TWO.[/size][/black][/font][/left] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][size 3][/size][/font][/left] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3][/size][/black][/font][/left] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3]We moved on, licking our wounds. Wow, that seemed to take all the wind of our sails. We relocated and fished several other groups of fish but the fish wanted no part of our jigs and we could only manage a couple more bites in the next few hours and no fish. [/size][/black][/font][/left] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][size 3][/size][/font][/left] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3][/size][/black][/font][/left] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3]After the long day before, I started wearing out around 12:00 pm. The muscles between my shoulder blades were a mass of knots and my concentration was on my back and not my presentation. The wind started to come on as predicted by the weather forecast. Boat control was getting tougher but not impossible and Jim did an excellent job, After missing a couple more strikes, I decided I was more of a hindrance and decided to to put the rod down and watch IFG fish. IFG decided he'd give the fish a break just to cover my butt. We headed in with stiff breezes but still fishable. Day's tally, the missed double and several missed hit but no fish. [/size][/black][/font][/left] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][size 3][/size][/font][/left] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3][/size][/black][/font][/left] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3]We headed back to the KOA, a little humbled but still happy we were able to get out and give'em hell. [/size][/black][/font][/left] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3][/size][/black][/font] [/left] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3]We soaked our sorrow in a few beers. Tomorrow was a new game and one both IFG and I looked forward to. We were to meet Jared Johnson of Shasta Tackle (sockeyeslayer) and learn the finer points of catching Flaming Gorge's land locked salmon, the kokanee.[/size][/black][/font][/left] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][size 3][/size][/font][/left] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3][/size][/black][/font][/left] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3]We met Jared at the dock at 5:00 am. The sun was just starting to show over the mountains as we left the marina and we were fishing by quarter to six. Jared's boat, E-fish-n-sea, a beautifully outfitted Grady White, has all the bells and whistles a devoted kokanee addict requires. [/size][/black][/font][/left] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][size 3][/size][/font][/left] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3][/size][/black][/font][/left] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3]With a wide assortment of sling blades, humdingers, and apexes, Jared and IFG proceed to lay lines from the surface to 35 foot deep. I, not being a big kokanee guy but wanting to learn, hung back and watched how it was done. No sooner had we got the first line out when the line released from the downrigger and a silver rocket flew from the water. Fish on! We brought the fish in and admired the aerodynamic shape and the dark back and silver sides of the koke. What beautiful fish![/size][/black][/font][/left] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][size 3][/size][/font][/left] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3][/size][/black][/font][/left] [center][font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3][inline Rich_Kokanee_6-2006.JPG][/size][/black][/font][/center] [center][font "Comic Sans MS"][size 3][/size][/font][/center] [center][font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3][/size][/black][/font][/center] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3]We had very little time to admire the first fish when another line released and another fish broke water and flew through the air 100 ft behind the boat. The fish came in fairly easy until it neared the boat. A surge of energy hit the fish and it raced from side to side of the boat and jump three or four times before the fish could be netted. The shear energy and acrobatics of these fish was amazing and they repeated this scene over and over again.[/size][/black][/font][/left] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][size 3][/size][/font][/left] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3][/size][/black][/font][/left] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3]One fish, decided to tangle himself in the main motor's prop while up to his antics and put a temporary halt to our fishing so that the line could be removed from the main motor's prop.[/size][/black][/font][/left] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][size 3][/size][/font][/left] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3][/size][/black][/font][/left] [center][font "Comic Sans MS"][size 3][black][inline prop_tangle_6-2006.JPG][/black][/size][/font][/center] [center][font "Comic Sans MS"][size 3][/size][/font][/center] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3][/size][/black][/font][/left] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3]Jared, being the congenial host, insisted that both IFG and I reel in the fish which were quickly released and an occasional koke put into the box to take home for a fine kokanee dinner. Jared ran the boat, set the lines, netted the fish and all the while instructed us in the finer points of sockeye slaying! [/size][/black][/font][/left] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][size 3][/size][/font][/left] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3][/size][/black][/font][/left] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3]After catching 20 or more fish, Jared wanted to show us some other popular kokanee areas and hopefully hook into some of the bigger Wyoming fish. We reached the ranch house area and laid lines. The fishing wasn't as fast but the fish were larger. We boated fish and after about an hour and a half, decided to head south again.[/size][/black][/font][/left] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][size 3][/size][/font][/left] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3][/size][/black][/font][/left] [center][font "Comic Sans MS"][size 3][black][inline IFG_Kokanee_6_2006.jpg][/black][/size][/font][/center] [center][font "Comic Sans MS"][size 3][/size][/font][/center] [center][font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3][/size][/black][/font][/center] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3]We return to pipeline area of the lake and continued to catch kokanee. Sockeyeslayer showed why he is such an efficient kokanee fisherman. When things slowed or changed, Jared adapted and we continued to catch fish. I was simply amazed at the number of kokanee we boated. What a great day to learn the art of catching kokes. We boated over forty fish and took limits home to enjoy. Thanks, Jared![/size][/black][/font][/left] [left][/left] [left][/left] [center][inline ifg_kokanee_limits_6-2006.JPG] [/center] [center][/center] [left][/left]
[signature]