44 years ago when I was about 5 years old and I discovered fishing. On a camping trip to Buffalo Creek with my family and Grandpa and Gramma Ramaker in tow is my first recollection of catching a fish. Armed with a Zebco 202 and either a can of worms or a jar of Salmon Eggs I hit the creek. I remember most of it like it was yesterday.
I approached the creek, studying the water, seeing a beautiful deep pool with the current blocked by some big logs. I remember the cast and watching the drift and feeling that distinctive tap tap as a small trout took my bait deep in that hole. I remember taking that one and only fish still on the line up to our camp. I was the proudest kid in Colorado, and knew then I was hooked on fishing for life. I remember my Dad laughing and I think maybe he was even proud, probably thinking it was a fluke but he would find out later that his son was a born fisherman. I also remember grandpa Ramaker frying that fish on a coleman stove. Dredged in flour and cooked in butter. It was great. Maybe thats where I got my love for cooking.
My Father still reminds me that when we arrived at a new camp site, I always found a way to slip away and be fishing while my Brothers helped set up the trailer. It was a blessing to have a father that loved camping and fishing. We had some awesome fishing trips together and he was responsible for introducing us to the trout catchin lure in the world the famous Koops family secret weapon, the "PANTHER MARTIN" Spinner.
So after becoming addicted to fishing, I became addicted to reading every outdoor magazine that was available in the late 60's and 70's. Reading all the magazines cover to cover. Learning and keeping up with all the new trends, tips and techniques in the fishing world. And anticipating Satuday and sunday to Watch Kurt Gowdy and the American Sportsman on TV. And dreaming of being able to travel to those exotic and remote places in the world where the fishing was the best. I spent so many hours daydreaming and reading stories about fishing, and hanging out in the fishing section at "Dave Cook" and "Gart Brothers" and every other Sporting Goods store I ever had the chance to go to. All I ever wanted was to go fishing.
During my childhood we spent most of the summer in Kansas up on my Uncle Chucks Farm. And this was another great fishing adventure. From going to the pond with Grandpa Koops with his LONG Bamboo rod stickin out the back window of the old Chevy Belair, to runnin up and down Oak Crik with my all time childhood favorite fishin Buddy Steve Renken. My life in the summer was to see how many times we could go fishing! When the folks asked us to help them work on the farm, we would do our best but still it seemed they always said why don't you two go find something else to do. I guess we weren't very good workers. LOL We were the "Bullhead Kings"
Just like goin to school, fishing has it levels and I was always trying to get to the next level. Bullheads to Bass - Worms to Lures -Beetle Spins to Plastic worms.-Spincasting to Baitcasting-spin fishing to Fly Fishing-paying a guide to being a guide- fishing for Fun to Tournament fishing- (I won the first Walleye tournament I ever fished) Bass Tournaments to Walleye Tournaments-Fresh Water to Saltwater- Colorado to Alaska-Kansas to Canada-Hawaii to Cabo
Now another new chapter in my fishing history is about to begin, and I am back to the way I felt when I was a kid. I have read every book, every article I can find about Commercial Trolling for Salmon in S.E Alaska. After reading and talkin to several people in the industry I am excited about having a chance to live a dream I have had inside me for 25 years. The people involved intrigue me, thier lifestyle, work ethic and most of all thier OFFICE!!!
I hope I have some time during my trip to write and post photos for all my friends and family to enjoy.
I guess I should explain what put this Alaska Dream into my head.
25 Years ago When I started working at Myers Sporting in Downs, Ks I became great friends with a lot of the local guys. One of those guys and now one of my best friends in the world is Brad Latta, and he is the main reason that I am taking this trip. After listening to Brad and a few of his buddies telling stories about Commercial Fishing in Alaska during their summers after High School and during College, I have always had a urge and desire to the same thing. So 25 years later another of Brad's Friends Kenny Baird has invited me to spend the summer in S.E. Alaska fishing aboard the "Sidney". Kenny has been fishing for the past 30 years and I told him I would love to join him for the summer, but that I could only go for a month. Kenny says he knows I am gonna love it in one sentence and in the second sentence he says you will wanna go home after the first week. He says it might look like a Romantic Job, but it is LONG Hours-total lack of facilities.(Bathroom-shower-nice mattress) Aint happenin. (Bucket-dirty sink-hard bunk) Happenin. 70-90 % chance of rain everyday.
For those of you wanting to know, this aint like the "Deadliest Catch" We will be fishing most of the time just a few miles from shore. And at night will go into protected coves to anchor. That being so there are also many dangers and also risk involved. Going with Kenny a 30 yr Veteran I feel safe but understand there is some risk. I am gonna try and do something I am not used to. Thats being careful and watching everything I do to make sure I stay safe and dry.
As I get ready to head to Petersburg Alaska I have decided to set up a Blog so I can share some of my trip with my family and friends. Hopefully in the month I spend on the "Sidney" I will have a chance to download a bunch of photos and maybe a short video or 2 also. I Leave June 21st from Denver via Seattle-Juneau-Petersburg, Alaska. 18 days till my big adventure begins and I am already packing and buying things for the trip. More to follow
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