Shelter Cove - 7/3 and 7/4/21

Shelter Cove with Brian and Chris on Saturday the 3rd and then again with Adam on the 4th of July. 
Thick fog persisted through Saturday, but navigating to the bite zone with my guests from Wyoming and Sacramento was no problem.  We loaded up on the rockfish and lingcod before hitting the hali grounds for a keeper and a shaker.  My guys were back after originally going out with me 5 years ago.  It was so cool to get caught up and do another trip together. 

Hordes of people at the Cove for Fourth of July Weekend made for an interesting scene at the launch ramp, and it was nice to visit with some other kayaker buddies in town as well as the skiff crew.  Had to tear myself away at 5PM to get home, prep for Sunday and try to get some sleep!

Sunday's trip with Adam started out with the fog being up off the deck for once - a welcome change along with a calming ocean.  Morning chop gave way to smooth seas as we pursued a salmon focus.  Adam has been camping with his family down there for the better part of a week, so he already loaded up on some rockfish and lingcod.  I'm all about following whatever focus is desired by my guests, but the salmon focus is a treat for the guide for sure!  On a pretty good but not wide open bite, we managed to scratch out two kings, so we were stoked.

As we wrapped up at the Tailgate Fillet Station there were tons of people playing in the Cove and partying all around town.  4th of July is a big deal down there, but don't show up expecting a mellow time!  It's pretty wild.  Again, I had to tear myself away so I could get home, wash my gear, have a good meal and get some much needed time in the sack.  Back at it soon, and I can't wait.   

Sunday's pics:

Nice, as always! Thanks for the great post and pics.

Thanks NM.   

Here's a couple more action pics from afar of Max - AKA Road Warrior here on NCKA.  Cool dude who hangs with FishLoomis - they're both CDFW employees and have some serious salmon mojo going!

Nice Eric! I have heard some remarks about the advanced ripeness of roe for this point in the season. What are your thoughts/speculations on this topic?

Nice Eric! I have heard some remarks about the advanced ripeness of roe for this point in the season. What are your thoughts/speculations on this topic?

Interesting - I'd not heard that, but I have seen that the Klamath fish are already in the estuary.

One of our 28" fish from yesterday had roe, but it was BB sized at best.

For how we have this planet out of whack, I wouldn't be surprised to see Mama Nature throw some bizarre shit out in the coming months/years.

good times, and nice catches...buck Yah!

For how we have this planet out of whack, I wouldn't be surprised to see Mama Nature throw some bizarre shit out in the coming months/years.

Understatement of the century right there....My colorblindness caused me to mistake the ziploc of fillets in your photo for a bag of monster roe

Thanks Eric! Way cool pictures. I don't have many photos of in-action kayak fishing. I'm usually too in the zone...

Glad we all got some shiny chrome Sunday. It was a great day on the water.

See ya next time,

Max

Thanks NM.   

Here's a couple more action pics from afar of Max - AKA Road Warrior here on NCKA.  Cool dude who hangs with FishLoomis - they're both CDFW employees and have some serious salmon mojo going!

Great job Eric, you did as good or better than most powerboaters with your clients!

Great action shots, Eric! It was so awesome passing you after you bagged your second fish and getting that ripping take-down in the middle of our conversation, so exhilarating! I can't get enough Cove, but I guess I have to retire now...

Max's redemption brace

My hat trick limit

So many big smiles, and nice fish caught!  Da cove is looking pretty dang nice!  Thanks as always for the great report!