We waited for the rising tide to leave Campbell River. However, after we were out of the influence
of the tide leaving Campbell River, we were against the tide on our way to
Comox. It’s just the way the water flows
around the various islands in this area.
We know that the current leaving Campbell River is quite a bit stronger.
Along our way, (slowly - 3.5 knots/hour,) during Marty’s
watch, he slowed down the boat and started getting the fishing gear ready, as
there were lots of boats fishing northeast of Comox. We don’t particularly like fishing within a
large crowd, so we went a bit south from the rest of the boats. First we dropped our downrigger line 150 ft.
and caught a tiny fish. So, we dropped
the line to120 feet and had some sort of nibble. Once again, Marty cranked up the downrigger
and probably a little fish came off.
Cranking the downrigger is good exercise for our arms. Finally, the third time lucky….VERY
LUCKY! Mae grabbed the line and watched
the line pull up. At first, we thought
we had bottom. Then Mae said, “NO!
Definitely a fish.” As the fish rose to
the surface, Mae saw it’s big tail and knew it was going to be a good
fish. The salmon just continued ripping
out a lot of line. We lost track how
many times the salmon ran.
Marty was video taping Mae as she was fishing. During the videoing, Mae used very
descriptive words to express her excitement as she fought the fish; especially,
when the fish cleared the water. That’s
quite a feat for a 36 lb. salmon. We
don’t think we can post the video, as there would be too many “Bleeps” in
it. Netting a big fish like that from a
sailboat was not easy. Marty did a
fabulous netting job, especially, when the salmon was halfway in, and it
decided to back out. With a quick dip of
the net again and reaching as far down and out as possible, Marty got the fish
in the net. Mae had to help Marty lift
the netted salmon over the stern rails.
Both pets gave the salmon a ceremonial kiss; however, Sugar
took a bit of time to tippy toe to the fish, as she was a bit overwhelmed by
it’s size.
