It was a rare event for us to have a Saturday off late in May like today. The forecast was near-perfect and even though we had many chores at home, we both decided that going fishing was a top priority. We headed for Anchor Point, but we considered going toward Seldovia and maybe lunch there after fishing. Good thing we took a right at the green can and made it up to the South marker in time to get in on some pretty good king salmon action. Most people that come to Homer want to fish for halibut, but most of us locals want nothing more than a king salmon fillet to grill. The spawners are beginning to show up, but we were fortunate enough to find our selves a couple of feeder kings this morning. Debra hooked up first with a nice fat 18# feeder that made our day. We decided to fish until 11AM and then head home, but it took until 11:15 to make it to our beloved rock near the green cabin just down the beach from the tractor launch at Anchor Point. Well, the tide was just right and there really should have been a king right on the up-tide side of the rock and lo and behold, there WAS! We hooked up with a nice 27# feeder hen that completed our limit for the day in that area. Now, we could have gone on the other side of the 59 40 line and tried for a couple of others or gone halibut fishing, but why? We headed home and had lunch at Fresh Sourdough Express Bakery and later grilled up some of our mornings bounty. Yum!
Author Archives: Pete
Marilyn’s Day for Halibut
Combo Fishing with the Thoms
We had a good day today fishing with the Thom family from Palmer. Actually, Barry was visiting from Portland and wanted to go fishing with Dad for halibut and salmon. Marilyn decided to go along at the last minute and it is a good thing for the Thom freezer. She managed to land the leader in the lady’s division of the Homer Jackpot Halibut Derby with a 109 # halibut. This could mean $500 if the fish holds up through the month. She also landed a nice fat 50# fish. These were caught in a known “chicken hole” where we go when the kelp fishing has failed us. Because this was a combo day, we had fished for salmon first and son Barry had landed a nice 22# king salmon before trying for halibut. We did manage to catch one more salmon for “grandpa” Thom in the afternoon. So, a couple of coolers of meat later, the Thoms headed for Palmer and a session with a vacuum packer. I can only hope that tomorrow’s trip is close to today’s action.
A Breath of Fresh Air!
As many of you know, the “Julia Lynn” became a “smoke-free” vessel last year. There were some that came fishing with us anyway and made it through the day just fine without smoking. Others declared “no way!” and went with someone else. We are happy to report that we are continuing this policy and we welcome you all to a breath of fresh air. I have a Ray Troll t-shirt that declares: “If you must smoke, smoke salmon!” and that is what I am doing today. I brined up a batch of last years silver salmon and it is now in the smoker and should be out later this evening. 
I am taking three people on a combo fishing trip tomorrow, so I will have a fishing report to post here. We have been busy lately getting the housework done and preparing the old motorhome for the summer camping season. It will be warm enough to begin planting the garden soon.
We’re On Our Way….
…and so will the Julia Lynn shortly after I return! Debra and I headed out today for Anchorage to meet an airplane tomorrow to spend a couple of weeks with our granddaughters. While in Anchorage, we stopped by Wilkie’s Heavy Equipment to see one of the completely rebuilt engines that he has been working on for us. It is a thing of beauty and should power the Julia Lynn for years to come. The pair to it will be done while we are gone and we will haul them back to Homer on the 22nd. So, I will have a project when I return getting them all hooked up and running. Can’t wait to take her on sea-trials and drop the crab pot and troll for king salmon. In the meantime, we are glad to leave the blizzard behind for a couple of weeks of much-needed rest and relaxation. I will post updates as they occur.
Winter Update
I have been very busy since December 2nd having the engines on the Julia Lynn completely rebuilt and while they were out of the boat in the shop, I cleaned and painted most every surface that needed it. The under-powered inverter was replaced with one that actually runs the microwave, so frozen burrito fans rejoice! This will also allow hot soup and tea on cold, wet days. I suppose it even could mean hot chocolate!
The photos above were gleaned from some browsing in the photo gallery from last year. I never get to see my boys fishing enough, but when I do, I sure enjoy seeing them smile. It doesn’t matter if it is a small pollack jigged up for crab bait or a tail-walking silver salmon, it is just fun to see them out there enjoying the Bay with us. I could not resist sharing the image of Pete Hopley enjoying a bite of fresh caviar! When the boat is all back together and in the water, I’ll have some fishing photos to share. I plan to launch sometime around February 26th or so.
Looking forward to a good year of fishing here. The weather this winter has been as mild as I can ever remember. Hope it means for a warm and calm summer season. Can’t hardly wait!