Launched out of Westport a bit later than usual, 8ish, since I took a nap after I arrived at 3 am from the Kirkland/Kenmore area. Headed for the 300' depth line about 23 miles from the ramp. Saw the Starfire, charter, just north of the North Jetty so I drug some gear for a bit with no takers. The trip out was a bit bumpy with the swell being a little steep occasionally... Traveling at 20 mph was too fast for conditions... I caught a lot of air and hit hard a bunch in my 17 footer. I stopped occasionally on the way out and drug some gear, various flashers, squids and lures to break up the pounding episode. I had a few takers, fish on and such, releasing all but I knew I was heading where I tied into hawgs a couple years back. I wouldn't be satisfied with any silver that didn't bust 10lbs. My arrival and subsequent fishing at the 300' depth line was a bit disappointing at first, pretty slow and no sign of bait or birds. I hooked up with a couple smallish wild silvers and was beginning to second guess my decision to travel out this far this time. Then, it happened! Tap tap at the rod and a release! I jumped at the rod and reeled in till she was tight. Got the downrigger running up. Line didn't go tearing out like sometimes but it felt like a big healthy fish and did take several short heavy runs that none of the other fish of today had achieved. With the downrigger all the way up, I pulled out the net and set it where it would be in easy reach. I slowed the throttle and put the boat into my turn to starboard, keeping the fish on the starboard side for netting. I knew this fish was big but I know my eyes got a bit bigger when I first saw it. She was a hawg and what I came here for. I whispered something to the fish gods to let me get this babe in the boat! She was wore out after a few more short runs from the boat after I saw her. The netting seemed to go flawlessly even though I fished solo this day. The thumping and thrashing of this king alongside the boat was exhilarating, I know I was smiling a big shit eating grin! I got her! Of course the hooks popped out when I brought her and the net into the boat. Close one! She weighed out whole at 28 pounds, roughly 38", my biggest this year. I was stoked! Line back in the water and fill out the paper work..... I caught a handful more silvers, some wilds with a little more size, all released. I fished the rest of the day at various spots on the way back to the ramp. Pulled into the ramp about 8pm, it was getting dark! LOL Tight lines ALL!

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