Hello everyone, I wanted to bring a special report today from the Lake Stevens Kokanee Derby. I got to experience an amazing opportunity for this derby. Last Weekend I was chosen from a drawing to fish with the Northwest Wild Country boat during the derby. I had the pleasure to fish with Duane Inglin and his wife Sheri for the day (even Wilson got a chance to make it as well). I could not have asked for two better people to be on a boat with. They were and absolute joy to be around and I could not have been more happy to experience the trip on that boat. That boat is an absolute a dream!!!
The fishing side of things was tough. We had a big low pressure system come in as the morning progressed that pretty much killed the bite. In fact, the weather systems the last few days were all over the map and today's really put a damper on the bite for most. Some were finding fish, but it was a struggle for many, including us. Changing scents, speeds, depths and rigs was the name of the game trying to find what the fish wanted but combined with the angling pressure it was tough. We had a few hours of hard rain thrown into the mix that made the experience between bites definitely challenging in itself. We did have some chances at fish, however soft mouths played a role today as I lost multiple fish before Duane put one in the boat. We also had a fair amount of drive by bites as well that just never converted to fish. But that is fishing sometimes in these conditions.
At the end of the day, wet and all, I had an absolute blast. Fishing is not about catching but the experience you make of it. Getting to be on the NWWC boat and fish with Duane and Sheri was a true pleasure and honor for me. I want to say a big thank you to all the people involved to make that a possibility in the drawing.
One of the best parts about the Lake Stevens Kokanee Derby is the weigh-in events. Not only are there chances to win prizes, but there is the chance to interact and meet some great people. I love being able to see old buddies and meet new people at these events. Everyone there has a passion for the sport and loves to fish. Being able to bring people together for that is great for the community. I have developed a lot of friendships that started at these derbies. One cannot forget either that there are some great prizes to be had. Even though I did not get on the leader board with my fish, there was still a great prize pack of lures, dodgers, hooks and bait from sponsors to go home with. That alone was worth the price of admission. To all that were a part of putting on the derby this year I want to thank you. To Duane, Sheri, and the NWWC Crew thank you for chance to get out and fish with you! Until next time, take care, God Bless and Fish on!
Rick