December 15, 2009

Dear Friends,

This festive time of year and the summer fishing season have a great deal in common. They come around once each year and provide the opportunity to share special times with family and friends. With child-like anticipation, we look forward to both seasons and the epic myths that surround each annual happening. There is, however, one significant distinction for the adults. Very few fishermen are grateful to see the fishing season come to an end.

We reminisce about nostalgic events that took place during these memorable and magical times of the year. We’ve had many unforgettable moments at Waterfall. One such event took place this past summer. Dan Rowe of Sammamish, Washington had included a return trip to Waterfall on his wish list for some time. In July of 2009, this wish came to fruition with a little something extra in his stocking. Or should I say, net?

Waterfall Wish & Monster Fish!
Dan and his party were fishing with veteran guide Mark Schaefer on boat number 22. The happy group of fisherman patiently plied the waters at “Pineapple,” one of our more productive holes, for big salmon when suddenly Dan sensed something nibbling on his cut-plug herring. A few seconds later, the fight was on. Dan had hooked a 55.9 lb. hen. The big female salmon made a couple of short powerful runs. Dan thought he had turned the hen when she began ripping out line on the run of her life. Mark attempted to chase the fish with the kicker motor, but she was too fast and he had to switch to the main engine. After a tense 30-minute battle, the big hen was in the net and the celebration began.

Mark later commented that Dan had done an excellent job of fighting the fish and that Dan is a skilled angler that all professional guides would like to have on-board when there’s a trophy fish on the line. I’d say Dan’s Waterfall wish came true and then some! He didn’t even seem too concerned that his King was knocked from the top of the leader board a week later when Brian Mayberry of Sahuarita, Arizona took the lead with a 60.5 lb. King Salmon.

Family Fishing Traditions!       

The holiday season and fishing season are all about tradition. We have many families that choose to celebrate their fishing season at Waterfall, year after year. One group of extraordinary anglers is the Porter Family of Newport Beach, California. Gretchen, Roger, Jennifer and Heather have been coming to Waterfall for 20 years. On July 16, 2004, Gretchen and Roger were fishing with their good friends Tom and Julie Rielly on boat number 2. Their guide, Devin Rowe (no relation to Dan), well known for tracking down big King Salmon, had taken them to the “Rockpile.” The mission that day was to harvest one of the trophy kings known to frequent this legendary fishing hole. At 9am Gretchen, while power mooching, got a big strike. The fish immediately dove about 75 yards and then swam furiously toward shore and the safety of a kelp bed. Devin skillfully maneuvered the boat to prevent the fish from becoming entangled in the kelp. Gretchen wasn’t sure what she had, but she knew it was big and powerful. Gretchen, whose walking around weight is about 90 pounds, gradually tired from the strain of reeling and told Devin they needed to land the fish soon. After about a 30-minute struggle, Devin netted the 79.2 lb. King Salmon. This broad-shouldered bully, who measured 53 inches long with a 36-inch girth, still holds the record as the largest King ever taken at Waterfall.

Apparently the apples didn’t fall too far from the tree. Jennifer Porter caught a 53.2 lb. King that was the largest of the month for August 2007, and Heather Porter was Queen of the Day on August 10, 2007 with a 30.7 lb. King. Roger Porter, patriarch of this angling clan, began this amazing legacy when he bagged a 65.7 lb. King on July 7th, 1997, which just happened to be the largest King Salmon of that season. How’s that for a family fishing tradition!

As you can see, both “Holiday Seasons” create timeless memories that we all cherish. But fishing season does have one or two more advantages; we don’t suffer through nearly as much depression or anxiety over fishing, and you can always choose your “Fishing Family.”

Happy Holidays and remember there are only 173 shopping days until Opening Day at Waterfall Resort!

All the best,
Steve

Gretchen Porter (right) & her 79.2 lb. Resort Record Catch! 7/16/04!

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