The Clubhouse Report - More 50lbs fish!

A foggy night in here, calm seas, a few fish around, things are good in here.

I am happy to announce we have had our ninth 50 lb release this season, this fish measuring 51lbs, angled by Mike Iverson, guided in boat 18 and guide Ryan's career highlight. This fish was hooked down at Green Point, and was one large fish among a school of high teeners. I might add strong chickens everywhere down there, lots of 15 lbers.

We had 14 tyee on the trip, top fish Don Elkington's 54 lber, which was released. I say that again, because it is so important to put these fish of size back. I can hardy imagine smacking that monster on the head, we have plenty fish in here to eat. I hope all guides look in the mirror when they whack these fish. On that note, I am proud to say all our guided 50,s, now sitting at eight have been returned. This is a philosophy started here in the early nineties by my head guide, Rick Grange, passed on to all of us at the time, the kennys, Tomickis, Ridges, Whiteys, and now passed on to our new generation of guides. What a tradition, and absolute necessary way to angle with ethics and responsibility.

The Kingsdown group made us proud, carrying on our tradition, releasing three 40,s. Terry Hyatt released a 43, Bill Jenkins returned a 44.5, and David Black angled a 47.5 with Hans as his guide. I think this was a Gunia fish, there are some Hippas trickling through the pass for sure.

This is a time filled with tension, every guide wound up and zeroing in on big bites and large Hippas. That said there is disappointment as well, and mini meltdowns and blown stacks. One of our guides was seen punching his seat behind his console, out of sight from his guests, throwing his arms up, and around and generally breaking into tears. Nothing another big bite wont cure.

Bud told me at lunch he raised a fish at Gunia, so big that when he lost it, he claims he vomited! Now that is commitment. Bud does not say much, but told me this thing was ridiculous, big back, big black head, with a yellow dot the size of a hockey puck. The paddle or prop was 17 inches. Bud is still shaking, that sounds like a big fish to lose, but he has pulled himself back together and had a decent tub tonight.

This is that time of year! Teamwork, some knowledge, some luck, with some skill is a formula needed to hold onto one of these monsters. Every bite might be the one, a 71 was taken in Masset today! They do exist and are cruising through Parry Pass as I write this. Guides like myself can hardly sleep, second guessing where to drop the lines in the am, offshore for action? Or somewhere in the pass, searching rock piles, kelp beds, structure and the shallows, 10 pulls or 33 feet on the wire, it is a challenging task we all love to do. The rewards? A shot at a hippa!

The beer tastes better, nothing like that ride back to camp with a large release under the belt, I hope you all experience it one day.

A big week ahead, foodie time here in the Clubhouse,Hippa time out on the chuck, you will find me in Boat 4, armed and ready for battle in the pass, see you all soon, Mike Tonnesen, Head Guide, Screamer.