Chinook Salmon Fishing In Sekiu, Washington

by Shane Smith
(Everett, WA)

Sekiu Washington, August 10th, 2011 - After fishing in near zero visibility with large swells and chop, the water settled and we pushed out to 400 feet. Dropped the downrigger and green triangle flasher and Brad's Super Bait Black Cut Plug to 35 feet.

Within five minutes the fishing rod kicked out of the clip and folded over. The drag started screaming, and I knew we were in for a fight. I knew it was not a small fish to start.

After the fish had pulled off 150 yards he started to come up. I got my 150 yards back and he took it again. After three runs he surfaced. When I saw his tail I knew he was big.

15 minutes later he came to the boat. I handed off the rod and I knew I needed to net it myself. The fish barely fit in the net, and then I saw he was wild and knew I would have to release him. Took a picture with the Chinook Salmon and let the Indians take him later.