“That’s a fish, that’s a fish! Grab the net!”
And then we start the fast chain of events to catch a salmon: I pull the rod up off the holder and start reeling and fighting the fish. I pause for a few moments in reeling to free a hand and slow the boat and also turn the switch to pull up the downrigger. You grab the net and get ready toward the front of the boat, peering eagle-eyed into the deep water. We both communicate when we see the fish and where it is relative to the boat, trying to keep it away from the other line still in the water. As the fish comes toward the boat, I tell you when to drop the net and when to pull it up. We see the fish enter the hoop, and you pull with all your strength. All within 30-40 seconds, we have a 8-to-10-pound Coho (silver salmon) flopping around the boat.
You’re unafraid to bat the fish (though I follow-up for certainty) and pull it out of the net. I take a picture of your trophy and winning smile. We bleed it, reset the lines, and continue the adventure.
Whew.
Though I’ve only taken fishing seriously this summer, I get what it’s all about. At minimum, you’re on the water and enjoying the sights of Puget Sound. That’s an easy and given win. Every so often or not for an entire day, a fish bites and the action begins.
When your Mom and I took our fishing trip up to the Kenai to catch sockeye salmon, there were a lot of fish in the river and there was an expectationt to hook one frequently, hence the point of the trip. But down here in Puget Sound and especially Marine Area 13 (south of the Narrows), there aren’t nearly as many fish and so the bites are rare and when they happen it feels like a lottery win. We’ve lost more than a couple of fish, too, and that feels like losing a close game that you want to replay. So you keep fishing.
The downtime in fishing — the vast majority — is a nice aspect for adults (a break from the grind) but can be boring for kids coming off all the excitement of school and dopamine hits of devices. Despite that, you’ve been a great partner and willing to get on the boat whenver I ask. We mix up things up with music and dance parties that get sideways glances from the camo-clad boats we pass when trolling. To each their own.
Like with skiing or hiking, I’m just glad we can enjoy what’s nearby and outside. Now we have a good water sport to keep us busy and together. Maybe we’ll catch a fish and get to eat it, or maybe we’ll just get to hang out and eat gummy bears. Either way, I’m a happy Dad.
Love, Dad