Played hookie from work this morning. On the water about 8am. New at this saltwater fishing and I guess its better to be lucky than good sometimes. Bathroom scale says 11-12lbs so probably about 10lbs, whatever. Water was rough for my boat and rain coming down pretty steady. Trolled south from Mukilteo towards Shipwreck.

Trolling along about half asleep not really expecting to catch anything. Thats when the comedy started. Downrigger popped and drag screaming. Coffee cup went flying, kicked the tackle box all over the place. After about 15 minutes I finally see the fish and it occurs to me all I have is my small trout net. Great. About then the fish takes off and I remember that its my very first braid to mono knot. Butt puckers a bit.

Finally got him in the boat after 5 or 6 strong runs, and I collapse. Critter wore me out. Really wanted to let him go but its the biggest fish I have ever caught so he got to go home with me.

Off the water about noon.

Flasher, Ace Hi fly and herring scent. About 85 feet on the downrigger. Quarter mile north of shipwreck.

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