Ryu's 2016 Homer Winter King Derby - My personal Fav video to date

So we had a few issues as I have already posted and I am trying to get to the bottom of things.  The official results will tell.

I'll let the others who caught a king tell their own tales, but here's Ryu's fish.  He out-fished me again!!! The funny part is I lost a fish that was a potential contender but lost it because I couldn't follow my own advice.  But that is a video and story for a later time.  As I said, out of over 200 videos I have posted, this is my favorite...not so much the fighting of the fish, but my son's reaction afterwards. 

Ryu and I enter the Homer Winter King Derby along ten or so other kayak anglers.  We had a great time!!!

Ryu is the first Kayaker to hook up and he did great!  Despite dad yelling instruction (which he couldn't follow himself later to lose a big fish...video coming), Ryu keeps his composure and successfully lands the fish with me netting the fish.

At first Ryu thought he was reeling in a pollock as the king steadily swam towards him.  Once at the kayak, Ryu realizes that its no pollock...not even a small king...but a possible contender!  He was worried about the fish coming off because he felt he had not set the hook at all, but that point was moot after the fish takes a screaming run after it sees the kayak.  I had to hustle to get over there because I thought it was something smaller as well. 

Its hard to fully understand without being a parent but I'd like to think just about every parent would do just about anything to make their kids happy.  I think Ryu is generally a happy kid.

But how fun is it to see them smile and get a big thank you for a long awaited Birthday gift or Christmas present?   That kind of happiness is something to cherish.  But how often do you get to make a kid so happy that he loses a little composure like he does in the video below. Ok, sorry buddy that I have to embarrass you a little bit, but this has to be the best video out of 200 I have ever shot!!!!

Ok, we didn't win any of the official prizes though he was only a pound off of winning the youth division (youth winner was off a powerboat of course) and maybe 18oz from making a top 20 finish!!!  But without a doubt, I think I was the biggest winner of the day along with Ryu.

This experience is going to be tough to beat.  Video is a tad longer than normal, but his reaction after landing the fish is priceless.  Its something I know I will remember forever.  I hope he does too. They are only this age once, and my daughter at 14 is proof they grow up in a hurry!

I am proud of ya buddy!

That's a fish (and a kid) to be proud of, for sure. Good job, Ryu!

That is freaking awesome! Something tells me you have a fishing buddy for life. Good job little man!!

Pure Joy!  I can only wish for MANY more of those experiences and feelings to come in the future!!!  Congratulations, Ryu.

Nicely done, Ryu!  That kid is taking all your fish mojo, Rudy. I'm glad some of you can capture fish action and archive it.  Every time I take my GoPro I skunk out.  I noticed you and Jacob had downriggers.  Did you guys used them at all?

AWSOME, my 4 year old grandson watched that with me and can't wait to get him out on the water way to go and keep out fishing your dad.

Way to go Ryu. Rudy I think you have created a monster

Good job guys looks like a great time

That's an awesome video and a great fish it was fun to watch him hold it up for a picture and I highly doubt he will ever forget that.  He is the real winner that's a special memory and what it's all about at the end of the day GREAT FISH Ryu !!!!

  That is a great video caught by a great little fisherman and captured by a great dad. Ryu's reaction was nothing to be ashamed about. Heck-- I would probably shed a tear of joy too. To have captured that on video is priceless.

  It really sucks that there was a cluster with the finalists. Not the 1st time that's happened. It should be squared away today.
 
   Great representation Alaska kayakers. You all kicked ass.
 

Priceless memory!! 
Don't we all wish we were still just as overwhelmed by the emotion of it all! 

Great job!

Nice!!! Congrats!

What a great memory, and to have it on video makes it all the sweeter, I's say you won 1st prize.

John

Nice fish Ryu!!! Look forward to fishing with you and Rudy soon.

awesome sauce!!!