OP Report: Up Close And Personal ~ July 21, 2017

Up Close And PersonalStanding on the dock watching the helicopter’s decent, I am always reminded of my first season. The novelty and freshness of the whole experience comes rushing back and I start to see, if even just briefly, the excitement of a first time patron. Loading on to the S-76 and flying over Haida Gwaii’s mythical landscape for the first time is always an unforgettable journey, and one that never fails to impress.Over the course of a season here, the reality can sometimes become muddled for the staff. Spending close to 100 days away from your home can do that. Time can seize its firm, tangled hold and turn your days all to one long afternoon. From time to time it can be good to remember the people around and spend some time to get up close and personal.When we left you last, we were skipping rocks across this glassy water that reminded us of the west side. With Bruce and the crew from Delta moving out, we welcomed in The Britch family, headed by patriarch Bill.

At a demure age of 92, Bill was the most chronologically seasoned angler I have ever had the pleasure of welcoming to the Outpost. Bill did not disappoint spending more time on the water than I would have.Grandson Kris didn’t disappoint pulling this trip topping 34lber on the second day.

Back at the dock, Bill couldn’t help but be proud and mention he taught him everything.

Meanwhile in Danger, guests Jim Funk and Glenn Peet, enjoying a little tidal bite

I caught up with them later that day at lunch spot and the scenery was not too shabby. Here is Jim on another one of many that day.

Well into July and the fish are hanging around. We have spent much less time travelling and more exploring the local shores in search of Chinooks. The Cohos have started to show in greater numbers, and we have been taking advantage. It seems the fish are a little picky this season, with the usual cuttys and rollers getting less action than the chovie and coyotes. Carl has just got one thing to say…”strip!!”Welcoming back the Merrill’s, Louis wasted no time getting into the lunch spot groove

Here is Louis' son Curtis showing off a nice 20.

With my swinging back past Danger, I caught with Carl and his guests adding another one to the tub

You know Carl he’s always got his eye on that tub.

As well we should celebrate Big Carl’s first KRUD victory of the season.

With July half in the bag we welcomed back Northern Mat and Bridge. It has been a few years since we have fished with the guys and we are glad to see them return.

Scott Vyse and Greg Mackle with a pair of perfect turkeys. These boys cleaned up on the trips Derby with the biggest Hali, Chinook and Coho all coming out of their boat.Meanwhile maintenance wizard Dougie Doug Doug, was busy getting the movie room all prepped and ready for some serious GOT marathons

Brian Madigan shows off his prize in front of the sign. Not quite like the old great lakes eh Brian.

At meet & greet night, we celebrate the Butchers fist KRUD victory. I thought a Nicholas style master’s shot was in order

With the weekend over we said goodbye to Northern Mat for another season. Hope to see you guys again soon. Interesting side note, on that far left we have Connie. Connie was the oldest ever NHL rookie at 38, as well as being Don Cherry’s line mate in Spokane in the AHL. Pretty fun fact!

Meanwhile the staff are busy getting some very flattering portraits taken by your truly.

This season the dusters have hung around for a extended period. Looks like it’s time to get that 40 lb'er and shave off those nose beardsMost recently we welcomed back long time guests Clay and Allan Dowling, Paul Drost and Tony Roberts

Along with the gang of usual suspects we welcomed Erin and John Strong. Great names, great names

Paul and Tony wasted no time, getting stuck in at the high slack in danger, with Carl chanting Strip, Strip Strip!!!

To summarize, the fishing locally has cooled a bit, but we are still seeing good size on the slacks. We have seen considerably more NW wind and with that bringing the sunshine. The Hali grounds have shifted, and the chicken patch has become the impromptu turkey patch. Fishing in tight with the slck tides has produced good numbers, while off shore is still a bit of a goose chase.That’s the story until now. Don’t forget to check in again soon for another dazzling string of events from Port Louis.Until next time we get up close and personal