Post by: bearhunter99 on July 28, 2025, 08:47:23 AM
Biggest halibut (biggest fish for that matter) I’ve ever caught. 135#. We caught three over 100#. Second halibut was probably around 50#.
A little over 700# of fish for the group.
Spent a little time chasing grayling in the lakes but never really connected. Guess I should have stuck with original plan to hit the Kenai - record numbers of reds running up the river there!
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Post by: bearhunter99 on July 28, 2025, 08:48:51 AM
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Post by: bearhunter99 on July 28, 2025, 08:52:23 AM
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Post by: bearhunter99 on July 28, 2025, 08:55:43 AM
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(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20250728/1775f74b06982c63dd77e4788f2bb099.jpg)
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Post by: metlhead on July 28, 2025, 11:54:46 AM
Post by: Crunchy on July 28, 2025, 12:05:02 PM
Post by: 3boys on July 28, 2025, 12:11:28 PM
Post by: bearhunter99 on July 28, 2025, 01:16:47 PM
Nice haul. Been up to Alaska many times but never caught squid. Nice bonus to the pile of fish you caught.
1st time for squid for us as well. Definitely a different type of fishing - very subtle when you have one on and any relaxing of the pressure and they are gone! Electric reels help but you have to be quick with the lever when jigging 600-700' deep
Post by: teanawayslayer on July 28, 2025, 02:04:39 PM
Post by: Sitka_Blacktail on July 28, 2025, 02:57:51 PM
Post by: CastleRocker on July 29, 2025, 09:52:36 AM
Post by: bearhunter99 on July 29, 2025, 12:10:20 PM
Wow! That was an incredible trip! Looks like you had fantastic weather too. We took our Grandkids up there last month, and they had a ball. My daughter and son-in-law want to move there now Hahaa. I told them the weather isn't always that nice. We were down by Petersburg, and it rains there...a LOT.
This was the second annual trip to Valdez. Last year the weather was more like what they usually get but this year was absolutely gorgeous the whole time we were there! Fishing was a lot better this year too but the coho were in earlier than normal.
My brother has lived in AK for 20+ years. I would love to move there but my wife and I take care of my mom and I don't think she could handle the weather there.
Post by: bearhunter99 on July 29, 2025, 12:11:43 PM
Those PWS squid are my favorites. Nice and meaty. I do a mean marinade on them, sort of a squid salad.
Is it a secret family recipe or care to share? :dunno: :chuckle:
We have only made calamari rings with it so it would be nice to try something different.
Post by: Gentrys on July 29, 2025, 12:30:05 PM
Post by: bearhunter99 on July 29, 2025, 02:19:04 PM
You must have a huge freezer :chuckle:
I think we have 4.... Might need another one if an elk gets within bow range in Idaho!
Post by: Stein on July 29, 2025, 02:49:32 PM
Post by: Whitenuckles on July 29, 2025, 05:09:18 PM