Fishing with Pops one more time

I reached out to good friend and kayak fishing guide Eric Stockwell to do a trip of special meaning for me on the Klamath River here in Norther California. (This trip is special to me as this is where I laid my father to rest nearly 25 years ago.)
After driving an hour and a half to meet up with Eric at 6am we loaded up and headed to our destination. During the long drive north, we discussed the days plan and I told him stories of my younger years fishing the Klamath with my dad and remembering things I had nearly forgotten. Emotions were high as we arrived at our destination .... just a short distance from where I was tasked with granting my father's last wish (to rest in his favorite fishing spot).
Together we were eager to get on the water but for myself, I needed to get moving before my emotions took over.
 We launched our kayaks and headed up river to a popular spot as Eric gave me an update on what he had heard and what he believed to be the best gear to try. We get to our destination and start working the area. On my 5th cast of the morning, I'm hooked up to a nice king that battled like the best of them. 
 It reminded me of the first King Salmon I ever caught many years with my father in this very same river.
Eric and I would spend the next several hours hooking fish after fish, some we were lucky enough to bring to the boat for a good look before releasing for another day, others were fought so hard, that we would loose the battle and never get a good glimpse. During these hours I had relived some long forgotten trips my father and I had to this magical place and for a brief time, it was like Pop was ther fishing by my side. At this point I was glad we were in kayaks, and not side by side in a boat, as it would have been difficult to explain to my friend why in the middle of some of the best fishing a man can experience,  I had tears running down my face. 
 As the day went on, we found it more and more difficult to call it a day. We stayed till nearly sunset and endured rain and wind and even though we were in shorts and tshirts, we were having the time of our lives. And I had a great visit with my Hero, my Mentor, my Father I love you Dad.
Thank you Eric Stockwell (Loleta Eric's Guide Service) for making this trip a reality and for all the wonderful pictures.

More pics of this magical day
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That's awesome.  I didn't think you could fish the Klamath in a kayak due to the current.  I have fished it in drift boats many times and love fishing there.

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Ah, now this is what I love. Thank you sir!

Thanks for sharing the memory with us Eric.  That reel looks familiar 

That’s so cool and touching Eric 

Eric,

Thanks for sharing. My father loved to fish and started taking me along on charters when I was about 7 years old. I got hooked, and now my son is too.

Wow, absolutely epic! Best report of the year, IMO. Thanks for sharing this amazing and touching story.

 

Tough write up I’m sure but it definitely hit the feel good buttons. Great pics guys and nice job!

Looks like an amazing trip Eric!

Great trip, Eric.  You brought serious mojo and caught enough fish for you and your dad both!   

Good stuff bro!

Wow. It's hard to describe how beautiful that looks. Thanks for sharing that report and the photos. 

Great and touching report. I agree that in the first photo it looks like a huge pair of kind eyes are looking down on you. Your sharing inspires me to keep being the best dad I can be. Thank you!

Thank you for your report and sharing this wonderful and meaningful day with us Eric, great pics, beautiful fish.