Rocky
Here is the pix of my first salmon. In late September I was tracking small mouth in the Delta, and I found some great spots in the Sacramento river and along sloughs below Walnut Grove. While catching smallies in the current along the banks, I saw a troller bring in a large salmon. I vowed then that, this Fall, I would learn about salmon fishing and catch one salmon from my tube. What adventures I have had.

On the first day I back-trolled a Silverton spinner. I got pretty tired paddling against the current. On the second day I tried a casting method. Within 45 minutes a large salmon hit my Flying C sinner, and in a few seconds broke the surface twice. A mighty silver beauty. I was only using 14 pound test line for casting, so I played the fish out. As Mr. salmon got within 8 feet of my tube, I saw a sea lion surface close by. I horsed the salmon close, put down my new folding net. Damn. The net had a big opening, but it was not deep enough. Twice the salmon got out. My tube was chaos. I was freaked. (This was the second time I brought a too-small net, the first last year when I tried to use my bass net for a halibut) I quickly pulled the salmon next to the tube and grabbed him under the gills. When I got him on my lap, he flopped, and suddenly the sea lion pokes up his head right in front of me. He wanted that salmon, and i was scared he would go for it--and for me too. I could not hold down the salmon with one hand. It turned out to be 20 pounds. With my second hand I grabbed Salmon under the gills. My rod began to slip into the water, my net began to slide off the tube. I paddled fast to shore. I was pumped, and the crowed on shore clapped and cheered.

If you look closely at the pix, you will see an indentation mark. The salmon had the fish in his mouth, and apparently let go for a moment. I caught another salmon, a 12 pounder, the next time out, plus some nice stripers. I will get the pix and keep you posted. Remind me to send you my great recipe for salsa-mango salmon. I have 30 filet pieces in my freezer.
Rocky


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