Shelter Cove - 5/31/20

Every time we go salmon fishing, we hope for a hot bite and limits. It doesn't happen that often, but that's OK - salmon fishing is hard, and that' s a big part of why we love it.

I met Domenic down at the Cove for a session Sunday morning. I was the first one at the ramp for the sixth time out of six runs down there this month, and that's one of my secrets to success. Another one is that I adhere to this motto that describes my presentation: "Barbless all summer." Catching a salmon - or even just fighting one - is probably the pinnacle of kayak fishing skill development and shear enjoyment for most of us who pursue this sport along the Nor Cal coast. Those who wish to catch one but who can't stick with the focus are left to wonder about it and whether they're cut out for it. And those who end up hooking and landing a King with barbs or otherwise illegal gear may be faced with a dilemma that cuts to the root of their sportsmanship - not to mention ability and worthiness. The salmon chase is about discipline, and it's about honor. Those of us who religiously devote our time and energy to this pursuit in its pure form are part of a brotherhood.

Yesterday the brotherhood of kayak fishermen at Shelter Cove enjoyed a rare and joyous event. Early in the day, with a decent sized powerboat fleet not really finding the fish, 4 of us got on top of a school in shallow water and ended up all limiting out before 10AM. A 5th yakker showed up as we were making our way in, and he got his limit too.

It was an amazing morning for sure, and with the tide out and warm sun on the beach at the launch, Dom and I took our time filleting our catch at the tailgate over a couple of cold beers. It was like the best of times down in the Cove midday yesterday.

I can't post this up without acknowledging the hardships that are occurring across our country in the wake of the murder of George Floyd. We spoke of it yesterday, and we agreed that we are fortunate to live where we do and to enjoy the freedom of open space and largely open minded communities up here. I am with the protestors, and I am with law enforcement. I am for America finding a way to become whole and just for all of us. We escape onto the ocean to find ways to ease the burdens of life on land, and we appreciate the lives that we are able to lead. For me, there is no replacement for community - nothing that I do in nature would have nearly the meaning that it does if not for friends, family and other community members that I share my experiences with. I want you to know that I am proud that my overriding focus is about humanity, and I would have it no other way.

Thank you for looking for ways to bring your love and passion and community to the fore - we all need this more now than ever.

Please consider these words when you participate in this community - NCKA.

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Congrats!! Days like these would definitely not be as special without the hardships.

That said, can someone please say "here fishy fishy fishy" for me so I can catch my first chrome?? 

Tight lines~

Congrats on the fish Eric. I will need to think twice now about bleeding my fish in the water. I can just bleed my fish next to Darius and leave slowly. Haha he's not afraid of no Sharks!! 

Thank you for another great report and pictures Eric.  I plan to visit SC sometime this Summer when the SIP is over.  Hopefully you're available at that time 

Thank you for another great report and pictures Eric.  I plan to visit SC sometime this Summer when the SIP is over.  Hopefully you're available at that time 

Shoot for late July/early August, Sonny.  Hopefully we can celebrate something closer to normal life at that point.

Thank you for another great report and pictures Eric.  I plan to visit SC sometime this Summer when the SIP is over.  Hopefully you're available at that time 

Shoot for late July/early August, Sonny.  Hopefully we can celebrate something closer to normal life at that point.

My birthday in in late July so most likely I'll be there around that time frame.

I love to read your reports Eric,  but those smiles say more than any report could!  Keep grinnin!

Hell yes...love it!  Glad everyone got a piece of the action.   

Thanks for the report and pics Eric!  So sad that Ricky Bobby couldn't make it up there this year.

Hell yes...love it!  Glad everyone got a piece of the action.   

Thanks for the report and pics Eric!  So sad that Ricky Bobby couldn't make it up there this year.

The year ain't over yet, RB.   

Hell yes...love it!  Glad everyone got a piece of the action.   

Thanks for the report and pics Eric!  So sad that Ricky Bobby couldn't make it up there this year.

The year ain't over yet, RB.   

I sure hope so.  Just waiting patiently. 

Hope to see you up there sometime later this year.  Keep the fish busy for us. 

Love the report and the order of the pictures are so good!

As I said last night killing me Eric. Great report and good job on the salmon

Great all the way around, but the pictures are especially great!

Wowwwwww.