07-18-2006, 07:49 PM
I hope that this post won't be considered "stupid" or "silly" by those who read it. I think it could be an interesting read if a few BFTers participated.
Here goes...
What if you won a contest that entitled you to fish anywhere in the world, all expenses paid, for a week, and you could take along three of your buddies. The only catch, it had to be a fishing trip. To keep this scenario plausible, let's say it was being offered by ESPN as part of a fishing feature and your week-long escapade would be taped and aired on their network. Sound real enough?
Now, for the fun part: Where would you go?
I'll start.
As some of you know, I'm a writer by profession. Years ago I was contracted to write a series of fishing brochures for an outfitter in Ketchikan, Alaska. The outfitter sent me several dozen pictures and descriptions of what he offered by way of fishing and accommodations.
I discovered that his destination offered fishing for trophy king salmon, silver salmon, pink and chum salmon, as well as pacific halibut, ling cod, red snapper and many other species in the secluded and sheltered panhandle region of Alaska. His lodge was situated on the mainland and the waters near his lodge were protected by several small islands, which served as huge barriers against the waves and winds of the sea. Fishermen were allowed to rent small crafts from his lodge and fish for any of the above-mentioned species in calm, protected waters while being surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery I'd ever seen.
After studying all of the pictures, I wanted to visit his place BAD. He even offered me a very discounted rate, since he liked my work, but I was a newly married and very poor (financially) fisherman at the time, so I declined.
Anyway, I believe a week-long stay at his lodge would be my first choice.
I have also read/heard about some incredible fishing in the Sea of Cortez, however, and I think that a week-long stay in Rocky Point, Mexico, sampling all of the local foods and culture there might sway me in that direction as my first choice, especially if I decided to do a bit more research on the area.
I have friends and family who make yearly pilgrimages to Rocky Point and simply love the area, but none of them ever fish. I read one report years ago that said several species may be caught in the Sea of Cortez on the same fishing rig, and it's very exciting to see what's on the end of one's hook each time the rod bends there. Sounds fun.
Lastly, there's something to be said of fishing in our own backyard at Lake Powell. A well-equipped houseboat for a week and a nice bass boat in tow might be just the ticket as my choice for number one. I've only fished once at Powell for an extended period, and with all the stripers, walleye, and bass our party caught--I had the time of my life.
Well, those would be my top choices. I would have a hard time choosing a number one.
[signature]
Here goes...
What if you won a contest that entitled you to fish anywhere in the world, all expenses paid, for a week, and you could take along three of your buddies. The only catch, it had to be a fishing trip. To keep this scenario plausible, let's say it was being offered by ESPN as part of a fishing feature and your week-long escapade would be taped and aired on their network. Sound real enough?
Now, for the fun part: Where would you go?
I'll start.
As some of you know, I'm a writer by profession. Years ago I was contracted to write a series of fishing brochures for an outfitter in Ketchikan, Alaska. The outfitter sent me several dozen pictures and descriptions of what he offered by way of fishing and accommodations.
I discovered that his destination offered fishing for trophy king salmon, silver salmon, pink and chum salmon, as well as pacific halibut, ling cod, red snapper and many other species in the secluded and sheltered panhandle region of Alaska. His lodge was situated on the mainland and the waters near his lodge were protected by several small islands, which served as huge barriers against the waves and winds of the sea. Fishermen were allowed to rent small crafts from his lodge and fish for any of the above-mentioned species in calm, protected waters while being surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery I'd ever seen.
After studying all of the pictures, I wanted to visit his place BAD. He even offered me a very discounted rate, since he liked my work, but I was a newly married and very poor (financially) fisherman at the time, so I declined.
Anyway, I believe a week-long stay at his lodge would be my first choice.
I have also read/heard about some incredible fishing in the Sea of Cortez, however, and I think that a week-long stay in Rocky Point, Mexico, sampling all of the local foods and culture there might sway me in that direction as my first choice, especially if I decided to do a bit more research on the area.
I have friends and family who make yearly pilgrimages to Rocky Point and simply love the area, but none of them ever fish. I read one report years ago that said several species may be caught in the Sea of Cortez on the same fishing rig, and it's very exciting to see what's on the end of one's hook each time the rod bends there. Sounds fun.
Lastly, there's something to be said of fishing in our own backyard at Lake Powell. A well-equipped houseboat for a week and a nice bass boat in tow might be just the ticket as my choice for number one. I've only fished once at Powell for an extended period, and with all the stripers, walleye, and bass our party caught--I had the time of my life.
Well, those would be my top choices. I would have a hard time choosing a number one.
[signature]