Shelter Cove - 11/30/24

I was so pleased to close out the nearshore rockfish and lingcod season at Shelter Cove with a couple of return guests who brought strong skills and all the right gear.  David's a frequent participant on my trips, both as a client and sometimes filling the role of Super Assistant Guide of the Year.  Rodney has been out with me on one other trip several years back, where he and a second guest that day, Skye, joined me for steelheading on the Mainstem Eel.  That day turned out to be the coldest outing ever for my guide service, as we got snowed on while kayak fishing below Dyerville!  Catching a wild steelhead that day managed to help us stay warm.

Saturday's forecast was excellent for a closing day at the end of November, and it was actually one of the best calls of the entire year for wind and swell.  The predictions came true, as we enjoyed slick water and no wind through early afternoon.  A light breeze did kick in around 130PM, but by then we'd put together a diverse list of catches and loaded our stringers with a selection bound for home.

We made our way in with the tide dropping toward a sunset minus, and even with cool late Fall temperatures the locals were out in force, enjoying the beach in the shelter of the cove - I've said it so many times:  the place is aptly named!  We got the traditional Stringer Display Photos taken, and the Tailgate Fillet Station saw its final session of the year while we enjoyed warm conversation and a cold beer to cap our day.

Big thanks are in order, for my guests, David and Rodney.  It was a great season-ending outing, where we enjoyed good conditions and great company on an adventure to be remembered and cherished.

In the coming weeks I'll be fleshing out the details and announcing the schedule and format for the 19th Annual Gimme Shelter event to be held in May of 2025.  It's a family event where many aim to get there a day or two early and make it a long weekend of fun with the community and activities for all to enjoy.  I have long had a goal of developing more of a festival that honors the fishery that has been so good to us, along with the usual tournament with special harvests, shared food and drink, and focus on diversity and inclusion.  Reverence for the fish, respect for each other and the locals, and maintaining priorities of generosity, compassion and committing ourselves to envisioning and supporting a strong future are what I have in mind - not just for Gimme Shelter, but also on every trip that I guide.

Thank you for your love and support - that's what this gig is all about.

Can't post some of the pics.  Here's a few that will load.

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Cheers! I hope to make it next year

Thanks for the great report and pictures Eric.

Thank you for the great report. I'm sorry I missed it this year. I will visit Shelter Cove next year and use your outstanding guide service.

Paul