David Mullins and Esteban Celis, impressed by Jim Swann’s talk, launched a canoe at John B. Sargent park and targeted panfish. David reports there are tons of panfish in that part of the Hillsborough River, and they caught plenty. David also reported the canoeing is very easy.

Nick Colantonio again went to the Goodnews River in Alaska. This is the year for pink salmon (they only return in even years) and this was the best run in years. Pinks were caught everyday while trying for silvers that were just beginning to run. That said, Nick came home with 20 pounds of silver fillets. Chum salmon provided the heavyweight action whenever desired. Overall there were 9 Pacific salmon slams among 16 anglers that August week, including a camp record slam in 1 hour 19 minutes. Nick spent one day wading and floating one braid of the river, 20 miles upstream, for Dolly Varden, a.k.a. arctic char. He was on dollies all day with catches of 18 to 21
inches. Walking out of the river for the final time on the final day, he saw a brown bear to his right not 100 feet away. The bear was exiting the river and heading for the willows with a fish hanging from his mouth.

Capt. Rick Grassett reports, anglers fishing with him caught and released tarpon, snook, reds, trout,bluefish and Spanish mackerel during the period 7/18 through 8/16.

Jim Swann reports that fishing on the Withlacoochie and Hillsboro Rivers is the best in years right now, so encourages members to head out for some fresh water excitement.

Tight Lines,
Bob Gaulin
Rjgaulin@yahoo.com
813-782-8605