 |
|
|
If I look a little shell shocked, it is because I’m struggling to hold a native wild rainbow over 20 pounds. Big Kings are easier to hold then this beast was. Even with the squeeze on his tail, he would not relax and kept rolling back. You can even see the wild look in his eye. This was the only picture we got before sliding him back into the Kenai. The photo does not do justice to the fact that this fish had a girth of at least 22 inches. I tried to get measurements while he was in the water. The length appeared to be between 33 and 34 inches.
Jack Blair of Anchorage hooked this incredible fish on June 13. Jack has fished all over Alaska for 40 years. This was his largest rainbow. He is looking forward to having a replica mount made of his trophy.
No, this fish was not taken on a fly. We were fishing for King Salmon with diving plugs. Even so, the fish was a big challenge and illustrates the potential the Kenai has. I have my doubts if he would have been landed on the 6 or 7 weight rods we typically use for trout. This rainbow took plenty of 20# line against a very tight drag. It was 15 minutes and ¼ mile of river before we saw him for the first time.
Over the years, my guests have hooked a dozen fish of this stature on the fly. We have brought to hand only two. Maybe next year, some lucky angler will have a shot at Jack's fish. Congratulations again Jack!
|
 |
|
|
|
 |