3 Tips On Kayak Fishing

Let me start out by saying you'll never find me doing this, fishing from a kayak. I first heard about kayak fishing in the newspaper and I've seen it in action. I was out for a leisurely boat ride one day last summer when we spotted this guy in a kayak just cruising through the water, as we come closer he yelled "It most be a monster!" He told us he had it under control and off we went to enjoy our day.

It takes a long time to learn the art of kayak fishing. An apprenticeship must be served in order to transform a novice kayak angler into a veteran kayak angler, which can be discouraging and take years to prefect.

The nearest thing to a short cut is to find an old-timer and have him take you under his wing and then accompany him on his kayak fishing trips.

Generally, kayak fishing increasing in popularity and steadily creating sustainable gratifications aside from the fact that kayaks have been used for fishing for a long time.

History has it that even in early times; kayak fishing has been the primary source of fish supply ranging from "big flat halibut" to other types of big fish. These activities, which took place from the mid 18th century until the late part of it, were all noted by the Russian Orthodox priests. These turn of events are know as "The Native History"

From then on kayak fishing continued to grow and dominate the fishing industry, when once, people were doubtful if it could aid the anglers to catch fish. The steady feature brought about by its "sit-on" type has long been the primary characteristics of kayaks that made it an ideal fishing boat.

However, with kayak fishing, you have to be able to multitask, keep the kayak steady as you paddle through the water keeping the fish on the line, which is part of the whole process.

Therefore, for folks who wish to know the tips about kayak fishing, here's 3 tips that might help you enjoy this tricky activity.

1)  Safety First
Like any activity, it's necessary the before you plunge into action, you must first and fore most observe some safety measures, be sure you can protect yourself from any imminent danger.
The kayak angler must check the weather, tide conditions and any elements concerning kayaking.

2) Hatches Should Be Closed At All Times
The kayak angler should always try to keep the hatches closed while fishing. Water can never seep into you kayak when you keep the hatches closed.

3) Steady Fish
It will make things a lot easier for the angler that when out on the water to drop an anchor to help keep the boat steady while your on the verge of catching a fish.
Best of all, before you head out on your kayak, it would be a great idea to inform family or friends of your whereabouts. In this way, someone can keep track of your activity.

As we say in Alaska, safety should be first!!!

Remember that fellow at the first of this post, we passed him as we were coming into K-town. He showed us the salmon that was towing him, a nice bright King salmon about 40lbs.

Go Have Some Fun!!

K-townking

The Wizard Come to K-town

Starting tomorrow, Nov. 5th and running through Sun. the 8th, the First City Player's will be performing the "Wizard of Oz" on the stage of Ketchikan High School. The performance will start at 7:30PM each night and will end Sunday with a matinee at 2:30PM. This sure to be a great time to get the family together and enjoy a performance by the thespians of K-town and their dog too. Hope to see you there on opening night. K-townking


PS: Sorry for the short notice, to many projects, need to FOCUS,FOCUS again.

Ride the Duck, By Land & By Sea

I had never seen or heard of anything like this, but I guess these types of tours are popular from coast to coast in the lower 48. Now,I can see that, by the almost always full crafts as they leave the docks for their tours of K-town. The tours are for about 2 hours. They give a city tour and then they head for the harbor and a little sea cruise tour of the Ketchikan water front. The tour are fully narrated by locals and there is always fun to be had. They make several stop on the land tour and you can always get some great photos, since your up in the air about 12 ft. and above the traffic below you.
When your on your visit to K-town, you can get more info at the Quack Shack(on the dock) and inside the Ketchikan Visitors Bureau. So, watch your head and don't forget your water wings.
Hope to see ya in Ketchikan. K-townking

Derby Update

With the last weekend of the 62 Ketchikan King Salmon Derby just 3 days away, the leader didn't change last weekend, it's still Mark Tollfeldt with his 44lbs. King, caught in a 16' skiff off of Mt. Point. Now,I know Mark and I know he has his fingers crossed and is hoping his fish will hold on to win. He also knows that several 1st week leaders have bit the dust in the final hours of the Derby. I wish him the best of luck, because he might need it, but I don't think so.
Here are the top 15 on the Leader Board listed below. Go out and see if you can put your name on the board and win something special. See Ya on the water; K-townking

May 25 #0601 (Mark Tollfeldt) May 25 #0482 (Tim Eide) May 23 #0419 (Charles T. Denny) May 31 #0515 (Shannon Farstad) May 31 #0489 (Chris Lervick) May 23 #0056 (Gary Zaugg) May 31 #0494 (Donna Frank ) May 25 #1051 (Brett White) May 25 #0211 (Dale King) May 31 #0298 (Daniel McKelvy) May 31 #0307 (Mark Hoyt) May 30 #0402 (Clyde Campbell IV) May 25 #0076 (Floyd Kracke)

Things Are Looking Up

Boy O' Boy, things are strange in K-town. With the season ready to start in full swing this week, I'm baffled. We have about 50 jewelery stores in the downtown area and as of today I haven't seen hardly any activity in them for all most a week. They must be hiding behind the shades in the windows putting out their wares. I never understood why one would come all the way to Alaska to purchase jewelery in the first place. But people do. Must be so they can tell everyone back home they got it in Alaska, that would be my guess.
Since last Wednesday there have been just a ton of geese flying over head every day and night also. I had taken my dog for a late night walk and there where several flocks fly by while we were out. It such a fun thing to watch. You can hear them coming for a long way far, you hear the Honk,Honk them make and try to spot them. It amazes me how they fly in their"V" formation, change directions, get spooked by a helicopter and still remain in their formation. There not always perfect, they may be long on one side and short on the other, but it's still a "V". I made several attempts to get a photo of them and my camera just wouldn't zoom in well enough.
I also noticed that the bear hunters have arrived in 2's and 3's over the last week. I have yet to see any sign around my house, or heard of anyone seeing a bear around town. I know that their out of the den by now and looking for the first food of the year. So, keep your eyes peeled and maybe you'll see one early.
When your in K-town there are many, many, many things for you and your family to do and see. One of the really fun things is KAYAKING. There are a couple of outfits that can help you with that. I recommend Southeast Sea Kayaks. Greg and Gillian and their twins will take you out and show you the sites ,wildlife, ranging from whales to bears to some of the many birds that live on and near the water, to sea lions and seals. It's always a great time and they even feed you. Now, how can you beat that. The tours on average are 2-4 hours, although they can outfit you for week or more. But for the cruise ship traveler the 2-4 hour trip is the norm. You really can't bet this.
Well, that's it for now, besides the Cubs are on. Till next time, Be Safe. K-townking

FIRST SHIP CALLS

The first ship of the season arrived yesterday morning and brought about 1,400 passengers to visit K-town and they were welcomed with a fairly nice day. The sun was out and the temperature was in the low 50's. There was a good breeze, so it felt more like 40, but for this time of year we'll take it over rain and blowing.

Now, that the season is going and your planning your trip to K-town, let me answer the question that I hear most often when people approach me looking for things to do while in K-town. That would be "What is there to see and do in Ketchikan ?" Now, no matter how many times I hear this, it just baffles me. There is soooooooo.. much to see and do, that I have a hard time deciding where to start. Depending on how much time you have, it differs from ship to ship,but most port calls in K-town are between 6 and 8 hrs, and what your budget is, the possibilities are endless. First, you must decide if you would like to take a tour of the area, or if you just want to see it on your own. Do you want to try and see wildlife, visit the Totem parks, go flightseeing, and on and on. The very best place to start is by visiting the Ketchikan Visitors Bureau. In there are several different tour operators, from sightseeing tours,flightseeing, kayaking, to fishing charters to the horse drawn trolley. You can rent a car and see K-town on your own also, the real adventurous can take a tour on a Harley-Davidson.
This is just the tip of the iceberg, so to speak, you can spend your time doing and seeing all that Ketchikan has to offer, or you can do a little and spend your time meeting the locals at one of the the few watering holes in the downtown area. I always suggest the Sourdough Bar, not because of the fine company there(Larry and the crew will treat you well and their fun), but because of the collection of ship wreck photos that Larry has accumulated over the years. It's said that it is the largest on the west coast.
Now here is my list of things that I recommend that you should do when in K-town:
1. Take a tour, whether it's by bus, van, or taxi, DO IT!! Most of the tours are about 1 1/2 - 2 hours long by bus or van or by taxi. Taxi tours are recommended for quick and informative town tours, half hour covers most of the highlights and then you can decide what to spend the remainder of you time doing. Most of the drivers live here year round and most are very informative and knowledgeable of the K-town area.

2. Ketchikan Historical Museum, always something interesting about K-town

3. Totem Heritage Center, 31 pieces of Totem Poles and original Totems from surrounding areas.

4. The Discovery Center. Ran by the US Forest Service details the Tongass National Forest,
which happens to be the largest National Forest in the U.S.

5. Visit the many Native galleries. This is very inspiring and will give insight to the 3 Native
Tribes that have been at home in K-town for centuries.

6. GO and DO SOMETHING FUN!!!

Well, that's enough for now, it's nice and warm, so I'm going to go for a putt. See Ya in the Wind;K-townking

The Ships Are A Coming

Things in K-town should be getting busy this week. The first boat of the season is due to visit on Wednesday, 4-22. Things have been hopping in the down town area all last week, from the city cleaning and painting, to the stores and shops sprucing up the interiors and exteriors, bringing in the new stock for the season. The tour companies have been recruiting driver/guides and on Sunday the horses for the Seahorse Trolleys arrived on the Alaska Marine Highway. The influx of new people to K-town is on the raise. Most are returning to jobs they've had in years past and a lot are looking for that summer job in a place they just enjoy being, Southeast Alaska.
I started this Blog to give the people who are planning their trip some idea of the many different, fun and interesting things that they can do. Whether their into hiking, kayaking, fishing,flightseeing in the Misty Fjords, taking a tour of the different Totem Parks. There are a number shops that specialise in all types of art work by many of the local artist that call K-town home.There is so much to see in and around Ketchikan that it would take way more time then you have. So, my advice, to those of you who will be visiting Ketchikan, is to research the surrounding area and decide what it is you are going to have the time to do on your visit. Then, when you arrive you'll have a much better time and see what SE. Alaska has to offer you and your family.
In the next few days I will be going into a little more detail of some of the places to see and things to do on your stop in Ketchikan. Till tomorrow; K-townking

Happy Easter

This is just to wish you all a very safe and HAPPY EASTER!!!!! Hope that bunny was good to all of you and didn't make searching for the eggs to tough on ya!!!

The K-townking

Gearing Up

Things are getting busy around K-town. The streets are being cleaned, the docks are getting fresh paint, the shops are receiving their merchandise to start the summer with. It seems we are all gearing up for the season one way or another.
People are making room in their freezers for this years fresh catches. The long liners had their first opening of their season. It's still slow going, but with the price they will be getting, if they catch just a couple good size fish each time out they'll make some money. I can't wait to get some fresh fish. A nice King salmon would make a great bar-b-cue right about now. Everything is so much better fresh, da. I'm really looking forward to some fresh black cod, it's so good smoked, if you could only keep it lit. HA HA!!
I noticed that the skunk cabbage has sprouted and is letting the world know that it's back. If you've never seen it check the pictures. When it's at it's peak the leafs can be as long as 4' x 2'. The Natives used it to wrap their fish in and bake it in the coals of their fires. The process gives the fish a peppery taste, that is quite good exactly.
It's late and I have had a full day for a day off, so till next time,Be Good or Be Good at it!
K-townking

Lady Kings WIN, Boys lose out

For the first time in 8 years the Ketchikan Lady Kings basketball team has won their Region and are headed for the Girls State Tournament. The game was one of the best games I listen to all year. The team come out very cold to begin with, letting the ladies from Juneau-Douglas have a 12 point lead, but then the Lady Kings came a live and closed the lead to just 2 pts. at half time. In the third quarter the girls took command of the game and never looked back. The Lady Kings were on fire the whole 2nd half, playing very tough on defense, causing J-D to turn the ball over time and time again. The kings were making some amazing shots and it seemed they were hitting the 3pt. shots at will. They increased their lead and poured it on to finish strong. I want to congratulate them on a job well done all season and to wish them the best of luck when they go to the State Tournament. Go LADY KINGS!!!!
I'm sorry to say that the K-High Boys didn't fair near as well. There are only 2 teams in their Region, K-High and Juneau-Douglas. They played a best of 3 tournament and the J-D Crimson Bears took the tournament 2 games to none. Better luck next year boys.
Mother Nature is still playing games with us, and dropped about 2" of snow over night again. Will this ever end? I really have had enough of winter and am more then ready for Spring.
Till next time, K-townking

Quite the Show

I told you I was going to watch Richie Havens in concert last night and I did. I thought that it would be nice to invite my daughter and her husband to join me. Their both in their mid 20's and don't get out much. They told me that they enjoyed the show, but I believe that they weren't that impressed. Although, I could be wrong, it's so difficult to tell with them, their so laid back. I did notice that they were rockin' and a clappin' and tappin' to the music. I must admit that it has been over 35 years since I last show Richie Havens in concert. As like all of us, he hasn't seem to changed all that much. HaHa!! He played for about an hour and a half. I really wished he could've played longer, but that's what we all want when we're enjoying ourselves, for it to never end, but it must. So all in all a toatlly enoyable evening was had by same of K-towns finest. Till next entry. Later gator!!!

A Night of Culture

I dislike repeating myself, but it's another gorgeous day in K-town. It's sunny again and it's still on the chilly side, cold enough to still be freezing the water in the dog's bowl. Poor Luke. NOT!!! I'm so glad to have a microwave. This is my favorite time of the year, when things are coming around. The eagles and loons are showing up. Soon the humming birds will be back and we'll know spring is really here. Can't wait. Things start shooting up from the ground, flowers show up and of course the TOURIST start coming. I'm kind of looking forward to them, but I'm sure after about one 10,000 visitor day, I'll be ready for them to leave. Now your asking yourself, what does this all have to do with "A Night of Culture". Well these are all apart of the K-town culture and on very special days, just like this one, we will have the privilege of being entertained by a legend of the music scene. The one and only "Richie Havens" (7:30PM @ K-hi) will entertain us this very night. I am so jazzed,I can hardly contain myself. Hope to see you there. ENJOY IT!!!!!!!!