June 18th!!! Official start 4:30am! NWKA Alaska Yak Classic!!!! Sign up here!

I realized that measuring fish based on length is not always accurate method to use.  For instance the biggest butt I caught last year was 44lb when weighed but based on length it should have been over 50lb.  Last year many halibut were underweight and this contributed the  length to weight discrepancies.  Now, I couldn't care less who gets the biggest fish.  After all, this is fun event for me to get together and fish.  However,  I would want more accurate ways to measure and record...for personal reason.

I am going to shop for a scale today and hopefully buy one if it looks legit enough.  You are more than welcome to use it at the tournament.

See you guys on Saturday!

I completely agree with ya.  All the scales I looked at that I would want to use were 1,000 bucks or more.  If you do have the time to look around, try looking for "game" scales. Personal use fish scales just don't go up high enough for halibut.  My concern is if you buy anything for $100 bucks or less, you better get two since I am willing to bet that scale fails after a few fish.  Just past experience.   What I would be looking for are the ones lodges and guides use that can be hung and typically the ones I have seen go to 200 pounds. 

Sorry folks, I wish I had more time to organize this and frankly had I even dreamed there would have been 30 participants, I would have put in more time..if I had it.  At some point and time, we are going to have to charge an entry fee and get the proper stuff.  Not this year though. 

Thanks Mak!!

For my part, I am totally content going off of measured length.  Especially for a small-scale, free-entry event.  I would actually love to see this be a CPR event in the future, but a fish the size of a big halibut would make that really hard from a kayak.  As a bachelor, my halibut needs for the year will be met with a couple more good fish in the freezer.  If I had had more time to fish this summer, I'd probably be maxed out on halibut and not looking to harvest any more. 

For my part, I am totally content going off of measured length.  Especially for a small-scale, free-entry event.  I would actually love to see this be a CPR event in the future, but a fish the size of a big halibut would make that really hard from a kayak.  As a bachelor, my halibut needs for the year will be met with a couple more good fish in the freezer.  If I had had more time to fish this summer, I'd probably be maxed out on halibut and not looking to harvest any more.

I commend your harvest only what you need attitude. 

I will say that I catch a LOT more fish AND keep a lot more fish than I could ever consume.  Fortunately a significant portion goes to my parents.  Also consider giving it away to folks who are not as fortunate as we are.  I have a hard time tossing back halibut that I know is in high demand from many of my co-workers who are less fortunate than I am.  Many single parents of kids.  At $20 bucks a pound for fillets, many of my co-workers despite having respectable jobs, cannot even consider eating halibut when their only option is to buy it.  Even I, with an executive level job, would have a hard time justifying Paying $20 per pound when I can buy a good ribeye for half of that.  And the rib eye is considered a luxury in many people's eyes.  You can't barter or sell it, but nothing prohibits you from giving it away. 

I completely understand and respect that opinions will differ.  I know I get a lot of thank you's and pictures of happy kids & family enjoying a meal of fresh halibut that otherwise they would not get.

I feel fortunate enough to eat what I catch.  It makes it so much sweeter when you have a successful fishing trip and share that bounty with friends and family.  Rarely I let it go to waste. In fact, I started to spoon any left over meat on salmon bone and turn it into salmon curry or chowder.  Even fish bones go to vegetable garden for fertilizer.  That being said, many people just don't know how to fish and rely on me to share.  I tell them to go to uncle Costco because after factoring fuel/energy/frustration/processing time, it's well worth to just buy it.  Because they appreciate my effort and my "kindness" and my love for fishing, I think they keep me around.

Just trying to be a responsible fisherman.

PKZ139-170715-
COOK INLET KALGIN ISLAND TO POINT BEDE-
1030 AM AKDT THU JUN 16 2016

.TODAY...VARIABLE WIND LESS THAN 10 KT BECOMING S 10 KT IN THE
AFTERNOON. SEAS 2 FT.
.TONIGHT...S WIND 15 KT. SEAS 3 FT.
.FRI...SE WIND 10 KT BECOMING W IN THE AFTERNOON. SEAS 2 FT.
.FRI NIGHT...E WIND 10 KT. SEAS 2 FT.
.SAT...E WIND 20 KT. SEAS 4 FT.
.SUN...SE WIND 20 KT. SEAS 4 FT.
.MON...SW WIND 15 KT. SEAS 3 FT.

Looking like it may get a little sporty out there guys with the east wind.....either way I'm in, just noticed know one has mentioned it yet.

I'm leaving for WG at 3 today, is anyone else coming down tonight?

http://www.myforecast.com/bin/marine_forecast.m?city=10486&metric=true

http://marine.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lon=-152.11012&lat=59.95850#.V2MjaUU76JK

The weather is definitely moving target. I hoping that the wind doesn't shift to southwest direction or else it might get little interesting.

I am hoping the East component keeps us sheltered.  Here's the spot forecast

A prize list update.

Here's the tropy/pinnacle for the winner.  Bigger than previous years given the additional entries!


Alaska Raft and Kayak has generously donated the following:

2 X $200 off NRS Drysuit (subject to stock on hand)
One free shipping on any Hobie kayak $150 value.

Also  Alaska Outdoor Gear Outfitters cooler's MSRP is $199.

Since many of the prizes are similar in value, it will be a "pick'em" except of course for the trophy.

I will be there in the early AM tomorrow, if I don't bunk in with my wife at the Bidarka.

 Wow... has this event ever grown 

 36 people signed up , great target species, Fair weather (hope it gets better for you all) , good friends, and a few very cool prizes . This would be so fun to join in. Ain't gonna happen this time , but I know you all are gonna have an epic day.
 Everyone be safe (too many years on slope) , catch some huge fish , and have an awesome time together.
 I'd love to win a "pinnacle" . Catchy name for the trophy.
 Bet you guys will be eating heartily and pouring late.
 To all the many new (er) guys.... pay attention and learn. ALL you can !!!

 So looking forward to some killer reports . Maybe I left Alaska too soon

I'm planning on going down to WG Friday morning and fishing in the afternoon/early evening. See you there.

Mike

This is the measuring device I am bringing down.  I will leave it on one of the logs before I launch Saturday for those needing to get fish in the cooler prior to the mass return.

Good luck to everyone be safe and have tons of fun!
Wish I could be there but taking dad fishin down here in the lower48.
I will provide one of my old broken golf clubs as a prize to whoever you all decides gets it. Good luck everyone

Is it too late to get in?  I'll be there.

Matt

never too late....except 5pm Saturday. Lol.

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