All in the family......

Well, reports at Nehalem really sucked last week.  Top guides were getting blanked.  Hardly any boat traffic at Wheeler or Nehalem.  Last year at this time, there was a steady bite at Nehalem with decent action every day at this time.

Figuring it had to turn on at some point, I took my 7-year old daughter out fishing in the Oasis while her 10-year old bro fished off the dock at Wheeler.  My 12-year old graciously stayed at the house watching after out new lab pup.  He is not quite as in to fishing for salmon like the rest of us.

We started out fishing against a pretty strong incoming enjoying an almost empty bay.  As the tide started to ease I began talking with my daughter about staying positive, letting her know that anything is possible with salmon fishing.  A few minutes later, our rod gets absolutely slammed.  It was so much fun chit-chatting with a 7 yr old while fighting a beast of a summer run nook.  Finally in the net, we are both stoked beyond belief.  25 lbs of pure chrome.  36.5" and fat.  Back to the dock and grab some ice, a celebratory beverage, and 3 Snickers for the kids!

Next day was the 10 yr old's (Aidan) turn.  Sam drill, except running 2 rods.  I get a drive by and figure that could be the only action we see.  5 minutes later, Aidan's rod is being pounded.  Not quite sure he is hooked up he begins to put the wood to a nice 17 lb buck.  First ever nook and the boy is clearly excited.  Was not quite sure he would even be able to get the rod out of the holder if we did hook up.  Anyway, back over to the store for another round of ice, beer and snickers!

The 3rd day I'm not even sure we should push our luck.  Later tide, so I decide to repeat day 1 and take my daughter out while Aidan dock fishes.  First pass we hook up instantly with a really nice 13 pounder.  We're off the water in less than 30 minutes (this never happens to me).  Back to the store - we clear them out of snickers and head home.

There is really nothing better than getting your kids out on the water.  Nehalem is such a great, safe fishery with lots of friendly folks enjoying some amazing scenery and a great summer run!

(btw, I attempted the Eyefish dude's method of cutting these fish for the first time.  Cut along the lateral line straight down the fish and carve off sections right against the back bone.  Very little waste!)

That is too cool!

-Mark-

AWESOME!!!

I was wondering when the Nehalem reports would start popping!

Nice fish and nice post. Love it when the next generation gets pumped about fishing! Kudos to you for exposing them to the sport-

Too much fun! Great write-up.

They're going to remember this trip forever. Way to go Dad!

That is so awesome! Thanks for sharing the story - a great time for your family.  Looking forward to hitting the Nehalem again this year...

Sam

Well, reports at Nehalem really sucked last week.  Top guides were getting blanked.  Hardly any boat traffic at Wheeler or Nehalem.  Last year at this time, there was a steady bite at Nehalem with decent action every day at this time.

Figuring it had to turn on at some point, I took my 7-year old daughter out fishing in the Oasis while her 10-year old bro fished off the dock at Wheeler.  My 12-year old graciously stayed at the house watching after out new lab pup.  He is not quite as in to fishing for salmon like the rest of us.

We started out fishing against a pretty strong incoming enjoying an almost empty bay.  As the tide started to ease I began talking with my daughter about staying positive, letting her know that anything is possible with salmon fishing.  A few minutes later, our rod gets absolutely slammed.  It was so much fun chit-chatting with a 7 yr old while fighting a beast of a summer run nook.  Finally in the net, we are both stoked beyond belief.  25 lbs of pure chrome.  36.5" and fat.  Back to the dock and grab some ice, a celebratory beverage, and 3 Snickers for the kids!

Next day was the 10 yr old's (Aidan) turn.  Sam drill, except running 2 rods.  I get a drive by and figure that could be the only action we see.  5 minutes later, Aidan's rod is being pounded.  Not quite sure he is hooked up he begins to put the wood to a nice 17 lb buck.  First ever nook and the boy is clearly excited.  Was not quite sure he would even be able to get the rod out of the holder if we did hook up.  Anyway, back over to the store for another round of ice, beer and snickers!

The 3rd day I'm not even sure we should push our luck.  Later tide, so I decide to repeat day 1 and take my daughter out while Aidan dock fishes.  First pass we hook up instantly with a really nice 13 pounder.  We're off the water in less than 30 minutes (this never happens to me).  Back to the store - we clear them out of snickers and head home.

There is really nothing better than getting your kids out on the water.  Nehalem is such a great, safe fishery with lots of friendly folks enjoying some amazing scenery and a great summer run!!

(btw, I attempted the Eyefish dude's method of cutting these fish for the first time.  Cut along the lateral line straight down the fish and carve off sections right against the back bone.  Very little waste!)

We really need a like button.    That truly is one fantastic story!   Well Done!

Devon, you are one bad ass Dad! What a fantastic experience; those fish will help provide life long memories for you & your kids. Thanks for sharing & looking forward to seeing more from this fishy family. 

excellent.

Awesome dad! Very cool.

Excellent. ..wish my daughter would have stayed with it. Great report and beautiful fish. Congrats onefish family!

   Great report and a wonderful end to your story. But we all know that it is just a beginning for you and the kids. Keep iy happeninb for all your sake.Wonderful stuff.

Awesome!

Great job! Beautiful fish as well.


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Wow!  Very nice!!!  Great job!