Notes from the Northland - December 2006
From the Captain's Helm... 2006 Season Recap
With the addition of four new two bedroom Log-Sided Cabins ready to go May of 2006, we started the season with a full house of new and returning guests to enjoy action-packed days of fishing in the Cook Inlet Offshore fishery.
Rod 'N Real Charters has two 30' offshore cruisers. Aboard the F/V Capture and the F/V Four Aces, our guests battled and landed hundreds of Pacific Halibut from "Chickens" to one huge dinosaur tipping the scales at a whopping 310 lbs. With a nice mix of saltwater King Salmon added to the fish hold, Rod 'N Realers experienced an excellent catch rate throughout our May/June "Saltwater Combination Charters."
Then, on June 10, 2006 Alaska Department of Fish and Game issued an order allowing fishermen to use bait on the Kenai River. The early bait opener on the Kenai signals a strong run of Kenai Kings, with Fish and Game biologists projecting fish escapements to reach the upper end of the spawning escapement goals... great news for future salmon runs.
Although the water in the Kenai and Kasilof Rivers was lower and murkier then most years, our guests had an excellent catch rate throughout the King Salmon season that was way above the average catch rate statistics throughout the two river systems.
Sockeye Salmon arriving in the Kenai River for 2006 were as late as the sun setting in the month of June in Alaska. Typically arriving between July 10-14, Mother Nature delayed their entrance to the Kenai River, until the last week of July, when they finally poured en masse into the Lower River, prompting Fish & Game to double the daily bag limit for our sport-fishing guests. Between the Kings, Silvers, Sockeye and Halibut, anglers had their days filled with one hook-up after another, no matter which species we were after.
Once again, the month of August was a favorite time of many of our visitors to be here in Alaska. Fishing out of Seward remains excellent fishing, especially when venturing into the Gulf of Alaska on our combo charters. With Captain Eric at the helm, our guests returned to port time after time with loads of Silver Salmon, Halibut, Ling Cod, Yellow-Eye and Black Rock Fish. Make sure you experience at least one day in Seward when you visit us in August next year. Fishing aside, you will have an excellent chance of seeing several species of whales, in addition to huge glaciers, sea lions, puffins, and wild Mountain Goats on the sheer cliffs overlooking Resurrection Bay and the Gulf of Alaska.
We so look forward to the 2007 fishing here in Alaska and invite you to join us here once again, or for your first adventure, starting the first week of May this coming spring. Until then, we wish you safe travels, a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
New for 2007
All fishing/Lodging Packages include the first box of your catch professionally processed. Includes filleting, vacuum packaging, freezing and airline approved box, not to exceed 50lbs, and ready for your departure home.
Early Reservations Highly Recommended!
For those of you planning a trip to Alaska in 2007, we highly recommend making your reservations as early as possible, due to the volume of interest we have had this Autumn for next years fishing vacation. Some weeks we have only a few spots left for lodging in our Kenai Riverfront Cabins.
Trip Cancellation Insurance Available.
Many of our regular guests have inquired about the availability of "Trip Cancellation Insurance". Through "Travel Guard Insurance" we will be able to offer out guests "Trip Cancelation Insurance" at a very reasonable rate. Just ask us for details when you are setting up reservations!
Now offering all-day charters!
New for 2007, Rod 'N Real Charters will be offering optional 9 hour Salmon Charters during the month of July. With our pilot program of the All-Day-9-Hour Charter starting in 2005 for all months except July, being a very popular option for many of our guests, we will be offering on a limited basis our new optional 9 hour charters for salmon on request. Be sure to inquire about our "All Day Charter" Availability when booking your reservations.
2-Stroke Motors to be replaced
The Department of Natural Resources managing government agency for the Kenai River is in the final stages of formulating new rules for motor boats on the River. Starting with the 2007 fishing season, horsepower will increase to 50 HP motors, up from the 35 HP we are allowed to use ince 1985. Then in January, 2008, new regulations will eliminate the use of older 2-stroke motors, if the new proposals are adopted by the state agencies. We look forward to seeing all river-users running the quieter and cleaner-runing 4-stroke motors.
Biggest King on the Kenai, 2006
A Whopping 86 lb 8oz. monster king salmon was landed on the Kenai River by Oregon angler David McCoy. Fishing with a sardine wrapped Kwik Fish near Big Eddy HOle, aboard Captain Danny Paulk's guide boat, McCoy connected with the big fish on an afternoon charter the last week of July. The fish measured 57 inches long, with a girth of 34 inches. The King Salmon record to beat is still Les Anderson's 97lb 4oz Hog caught on May 17, 1985.
Early Bird Special!!
May 1 - June 3, 2007: Save up to $700! 7 nights lodging/6 days fishing only $1295!
Join us for 6 days fishing and 7 nights lodging any time from May 1-June 3, 2007 and save up to $700 per person! you choose what you want to fish for each day! This is prime time for spectacular Halibut and King Salmon fishing.
Early bird Special package includes 6 days of fishing, inclduing your choice of Deep Creek Combos for Halibut and Salmon or King Salmon fishing on the Kenai and/or Kasilof Rivers.
Also Included: 7 nights delux accommodations at our Kenai Riverfront Cabins. And your 1st box of your catch professionally processed.
Not Included: Fishing license, salmon stamp, air transportation, car rental, meals, tax and gratiuties.
Price quoted is per person for a party of 4 guests staying in one of our deluxe 2 bedroom friverfront cabins. Call for quote for groups of 2 or 3. All Special packages are from Sunday to Sunday.
Our "Early Bird Special" begins Sunday May 1, 2007 and ends Sunday June 3, 2007 (Space is Limited for this special and deposit must be received by January 6, 2007.
2007 Fishing Schedule
May/June Cook Inlet Saltwater Combo
May 1 through June 7 - Daily charters out of Ninilchik targeting both King Salmon and Halibut on the same trip. Be sure to take advantage of our Early Bird Special during the month of May!
May, June, July King Salmon
Everywhere, including Kenai and Kasilof Rivers and salt-water through June 7. Halibut available daily throughout the season.
June 11 through October 31, Rainbow Trout
Upper Kenai River trips available daily except Sundays in July. Experience these huge native Rainbows in the most pristine setting to be found on the Kenai River.
June/July Sockeye (Red) Salmon
Scattered throughout lower Kenai River in early to late June, concentrated at the Russian River confluence June 20 to July 10. Second run Sockeyes (the bigger run) hits lower Kenai and Kasilof Rivers around July 13 to 15 and can run through August 5 to 10. Average numbers in Kenai River past 5 years have eceeded 600,000 fish. Projections for 2007 - excellent sockeye run through August 10.
August/September Coho (Silver) Salmon
Abundance of chohos in all the rivers of Cook Inlet, especially Kenai and Kasilof. Seward silvers, rock cod, ling cod available daily.
Seward Silver Salmon Derby - August 11-19, 2007
Call us for 2007 Show Dates!
How are we doing?
In order to remain a top destination for anglers world-wide, we depend on your suggestions and input. We value and appreciate any feedback you have. You can call or write to us at Rod 'N Real Charters, 266 Redwood Ct, Soldotna AK 99669. 907-262-6064. or email us at kenaifishguide@hotmail.com.
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