Alaska Salmon Fishing - Draggin’ Eagle Rock Old School 2014

Jason Gallego got to step back in time, dragging (boondoggling) the Kenai River in July just below Eagle 
Rock. This trip was significant for a few reasons.....

First, no bait and single, barbless hooks only is a difficult way to hook, albeit land, a giant King Salmon. Second, that particular Friday was the last King fishing on the Kenai due to an emergency order shutting the river down a week early. Third, Jason, Luke and Jeff announced their desire to fish for reds when they got in the boat at 5:45 and only after some gentle prodding did we fish for Kings.

Finally, dragging is a lost art and Cap’n Gilz learned the technique in 1987 ....”back in the day” and only a handful of the 300+ Kenai guides even try this technique. After a couple unsuccessful drifts, Jason’s rod almost was jerked out of his hand. The reel actually came off the seat and fell to the floor (Vibrations during boat and car travel sometimes loosen the plastic nut) Jason quickly got the reel back in place and the fight was on. 

A complete salmon back flip drew an “OMG and Holy S....” from Luke. After a couple strong runs and a mile down river, the 47 inch 48 lb. behemoth was wrestled to the net. We helped the great fish catch its breath, pulled out the harmless, barbless hook and off he went......to “Spawn On” (The Alaska Hooksetters/Russell Fishing trademarked logo). This was the largest King of the year for any Alaska Hooksetters guest.

Hopefully, the So Cal 3 will be back next year!