Ham

Hey guys I wanted to let you know there is new walk in access to the White River in Cotter just above Roundhouse Shoals. One of these days when there are washable water levels again, it might be really handy for some of us. Three distinct trails down to the water with nice steps. Good parking lot. A couple of picnic tables. And there is also the access down near the water treatment plant. I appreciate AGFC, Trout Unlimited, Federation of Flyfishers, and the City of Cotter for getting this done. I hope they are able to provide more accesses like this one in the future.

D*** things are everywhere. Decide what you are looking for (length, width, year model range) and place an ad on Craig’s List, OA, Baxter Bulletin, and Harrison paper. You should get multiple offers. if you were local, I’d say drive around and look for negelected ones in ppl’s yards, carry a few $100 bills and drag home your “new” boat.

Bull might be tough when the water temp is < 40 degrees and during the summer, but March thru June is great and mid October thru mid Jan is pretty darn good too. Hiring a guide in the different seasons is a Great idea

You shouldn’t have any trouble. Excellent part of the lake. Man.....I’m a BassCat guy. I’d say Pantera 2 or Cougar, but that’s just me. Lots of boats will work.

They were a week ago.

Freaking Sea Lion

Well John IF I was left to my own devices, I would have caught an even 100 before moving on to the next group of desirables. I kinda pushed on the acceptable boundaries as it was. I have now gotten another nick name. Halibut Ham because I got lucky and caught a bunch and because that Big One kicked my butt so hard.

A lot of ppl tell me “ at so and so place you can catch all the fish you want”. My response is “that’s a really big number for me”. well... with Black Rock Fish I could catch all I wanted. Rocky Points with Kelp. Loaded with them. I swear more than you can imagine. To say they are willing biters is a vast understatement.

We got the two salmon Godfrey needed to finish his limit this morning. Did a little boat tour and whale watching before heading in. Waiting to board helicopter back to Masset.

If you go hungry here, that’s your fault. I can explain how much food is available. Breakfast, Lunch, and Supper of course. Then a pastry bar. Daily soups that you can take in boat or get when the safety boat checks on you. Sandwiches, sausage sticks, cheese, veggie snacks, fresh fruit, and yogurt cups. Sodas, canned tea, or fruit drinks. Of course, coffee or Hot Chocolate. its crazy good. .

Another fun afternoon on the water. We had some more heartache with lost King Salmon, but I got my second Ling cod. About 8 lbs. a million more black rockfish ( hands were literally bleeding from catching them). Added Copper Rockfish to the tally. My buddy caught a China, but I didn’t. The other guys that made the trip with us caught Yellow Eye. Which hurt my feelings a little.

So far today, Coho’s , Kings, Ling Cod, Quillback, Halibut, and Black Rockfish.

Super Excited! Got my Last Two King Salmon. Lost what I think was a mid teen King to a freaking Sea Lion. Godfrey and I were doubled up on Salmon and they we were doubled up on Sea Lions! That sucks.

You and I certainly would John. I have areas where I can catch a Black Rockfish nearly every cast. I can’t get them off the Salmon to go abuse them. got on an acre of needlefish. Tried 4 different baits and never even bumped into one.

So you are allowed to keep up to 8 Salmon, but only 4 can be Kings and only 2 Kings per day. I was in a hole, but dug myself out today very late in the day. I got 2 today. I still have an opportunity to get 4 King Salmon to bring home. 2 Down and 2 to Go

My Buddy Lincoln Godfrey introduces me to this Lodge. I think this was his 11 th trip up here.

I packed rods and some baits. I had to make em work. Black Bomber aka Black Rockfish

New Lifer! Kelp Greenling

This was the smaller of the two halibut Zi caught this morning. He was 131 cm and the legal max is 129z i got amucj larger one boatside. Longer than me. Way too big to keep and no way to safely get it in the boat. I never want to catch one that BIG again.

Quillback

Kept this Ling. Right st 7 lbs

Little Ling Cod. Quickly released. I cant explain how much the kidney stone hurt nor the stress of thinking I might not get to fish at all. I still have significant levels of PTSD that another stone will drop.

Left the house Monday at 0730. Got to Memphis in plenty of time. Flight to Phoenix was on a tiny plane. I couldn’t even stand up to get down the aisle. Phoenix to Vancouver was better. Up early the next day to Masset on Chartered 737. Comfy. Then a quick helicopter hop to the lodge. Got settled in and took off to catch some fish. Took off and hit wind and tide huge swells. Total beat down. Got to Andrews Point and got baits out. I immediately started feeling bad. Lower Back hurt and I was cramping. I tried to fight thru it, but after 30 minutes I had to go in. Langara has a nurse onsite 24/7. I never thought I would need her help, but I sure did. The jarring boat ride knocked loose kidney stones. I traveled a long way to be unable to fish. My traveling buddies whacked em. I got IV fluids, Toradol, and IV morphine. I couldn't pass the stones until this morning. It was a long hard night. I had to rest until midday. I got out this afternoon. Weather was iffy, but I caught a few Coho’s and a Ling Cod. I was thrilled to be pain free and fishing.

You need to find a place to anchor the boat and splash around in that cool water. Refreshing! I’m Glad you were able to get out with your Son. I’ll probably have to live long enough for him to get a serious girlfriend or go to college to get to fish with you again, but that’s OK. I understand.

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