Tom Eaton and Halibut!

Our guests are the best photographers at documenting their Waterfall adventures! Tom Eaton (Caesar’s Palace Group) with his Waterfall Trifecta! 7/11-15!

Tom Eaton & the King!

Tom Eaton & Red Snapper! 7/11-15!

Group Leader, Howard Weiner, (blue vest) enjoyed the camaraderie at Waterfall Resort with his friends & colleagues from Caesar's Palace, Las Vegas, NV!

Text & Photography by Stephen G. Benavides

The 45 minute floatplane flight west from Ketchikan Alaska was a smooth and scenic wonder as we flew past the fiords of the eastern reaches of Prince of Wales Island. The clear skies were the calm before an oncoming Alaskan storm scheduled to almost perfectly coincide with our three-day salmon fishing tournament at the opening of the 2010 Waterfall Resort fishing season. As the pontoons of our ancient DeHavilland float plane touched down on the still waters in front of the resort on we knew that the sunshine and calm weather was only a fleeting treat. After all, this was Alaska and the Prince of Wales Island is a temperate rain forest. What does it do in a rain forest, it rains, usually a lot!
By noon on that first day the rain had started and the winds were holding a steady 15 kt. As the front arrived the gusts increased to about 25 kt. Fairly comfortable in our air ride seats aboard a 25 foot purpose built Almar fishing craft, we spent the next three days battling incessant rain, numbing cold, winds gusting 20 to 40 kt, and the occasional exposure to 12 foot seas. Trying to round Cape Addington to reach the outer gulf we were forced to reverse course after the second time we took significant green water over the bow of our small but capable craft. After all, we were in a boat not a submarine! I have four decades of ocean piloting experience and I’m sure we were traveling in gale force conditions for a good part of that day. As for me, I was just happy to survive! Then again, this was a fishing tournament…
I was the junior member of one of the best salmon fishing teams in the contest. I was fishing with real estate magnate, Jim Christiansen and shopping center guru William Buckner, Esq., both of whom have over 50 trips to Waterfall Resort and over two decades of experience fishing Alaskan waters. Our fourth was veteran ocean angler Jeff Phillips. My personal best of the three-day tournament was a 29 pound 6 ounce King on the first day just missing my 30 pound patch from Waterfall Resort and well short of the 38 pound King of the day.
The second day of the tournament belonged to us. We were delayed 45 minutes in the morning because wind and weather had black-flagged the harbor. Huddled in the fishing cabin during the delay, Jim Christiansen turned to me and asked “Steve, why is the rain falling sideways?” Battling 20 to 40 kt winds we were unable to reach the outer waters of the Gulf of Alaska and had to settle for fishing in the lee of wherever we were able to find shelter from the relentless swell, wind and rain. The conditions that day were brutal. Standing for hours in pouring rain on the deck of a boat pitching in 6 foot seas bordered on an ordeal, but I heard not one serious complaint from my shipmates and we finished the day with a 42 1/2 pound King salmon, King of
the day, and an $8,000 payoff. Did I mention the limit of halibut?
The third and final day of the tournament saw conditions little improved and we just barely made it back to the Cape where we had caught the large King the day before. We fished hard for five hours without a bite and saw few fish hooked or landed from the surrounding boats. Fortunately, we were in the hands of one of the best licensed fishing guides in Alaska. Devon White is already a legend at waterfall resort, having landed more trophy fish for his clients than almost any of his peers. With no fish in the box and the radio reports showing the weather was having a significant effect on the fishing that day, Devon decided to make a one-hour run to location known as Santa Cruz where the fish had been small but plentiful in previous days. When we arrived at the sheltered shoreline there were several boats who reported poor fishing that morning. Undaunted, Devon used his knowledge of fish behavior during storm conditions and in the next 30 minutes of hard fishing we caught four King salmon, blew the minds of the frustrated anglers in boats that surrounded us, and then left in search of halibut to fill our daily limits. Over the three days of the tournament we caught King salmon and halibut every day despite the inclement weather. We worked very hard and were lucky. We did as well or better than any other team in the three day tournament. Blessedly, the prognosis for our fourth day was clear and calm and that gave rise to the situation that is the title of this story.
The Last Day-What a Difference
Jim and I were up early, ready to go, and at breakfast before 5:00am. The storm had blown itself out the night before. The skies were broken clouds and sunshine and the sea was flat with almost no wind. Conditions were perfect has we headed out to the Gulf of Alaska to one of the most famous fishing holes in all of Alaska, the Pineapple. A combination of location, bottom structure and currents combined to concentrate the bait fish and salmon in a remarkably small area. Untold numbers of large salmon have been taken there. I’ve seen as many as 40 or 50 boats each

with four or more fishermen aboard all trying to fish the same spot at the same time. This is ocean combat fishing at its finest and only the calm hand of a seasoned guide and disciplined guests avoids conflict. On this day however we were almost alone as there were only two or three boats joining us since the tournament had concluded the day before. We had it all to ourselves except for the bald eagles sitting in the trees atop the Pineapple shaped rock
For the next 2 1/2 hours until the tide changed and shut off the bite we had wide open fishing on the school of King salmon that were all in the 20 to 25 pound range. Sometimes we had three on at once. We had another wide open run when the tide changed 2 1/2 hours later and so we had about 4 1/2 hours of wide-open King salmon fishing on this day. These were sea run, freshly arrived and took 20 to 30 minutes of constant pressure to bring to the boat so we could release them. Yes, we released them. In fact, over the next eight hours we caught 28 King salmon and released 26 of them. We were only allowed 2 keepers to finish our licenses and we had agreed not to keep anything unless it was 30 pounds or better. Jim Christiansen and I had decided that we would have a contest to see who could land the most King salmon on the fourth day. It turned out to be an epic battle that had Jim and I scrambling all over the fishing cockpit to ensure we didn’t lose a single fish during the melee. At the end of two a half hours I think we were tied at five apiece when we had to break for coffee and peanut butter sandwiches. I think the guide worked as hard as we did during the 2 1/2 hour stretch.
After that initial bite we were in desperate need of food and coffee and spent some time pumping blood back into our arms. We convinced Devon that it was time to get halibut in between the tide changes and so we headed out into the Gulf of Alaska to find a high spot to see about the big flat ones. We settled on a prime location in 230 feet of water and began to work baits across the bottom. Bill Buckner and I elected to use large white artificials and Bill immediately hooked up and landed a 60 pound halibut. This is accomplished by yo-yoing a 5 pound weighted lure up and down off the bottom at the end of 230 feet of line. It’s a lot of work. Not to be outdone, I redoubled my efforts and managed a 70 pound halibut. These were terrific fish for early in the year and are absolutely the best size for harvest. I also managed to land a 35 inch lingcod which is the largest size you can legally take in Alaska this year. With enough bottom fish to make a nice addition to our take-home freezer boxes we headed back to the Pineapple for the tide change enjoying the best fried chicken in Alaska from our well-stocked lunchbox.
(Captions: Devon nets a giant 42 pound King Salmon in heavy seas at the Cape. Note the bend in the net.
Author with tasty Lingcod.

Here I am hooked up on a King Salmon in the storm tossed waters of The Gulf of Alaska at the Pineapple”)

About 20 minutes after we arrived back at the pineapple the tide started its move. As soon as the current started running, the salmon started biting and bit hard for the next two hours. Jim then engaged me in what he said was the most important wager of the trip and we agreed that the next one of us to get King salmon will pay the other the princely sum of five dollars. Jim and I both dropped our baits in the water and within a minute or so each one of us were hooked up to a King salmon. All the salmon we caught that day were about the same size; between 22 and 25 pounds. They were mostly clones of one another and probably came from the same river. One thing they did was fight well. As Jim and I were following our fish all around the boat I told Jim I did not want to see him thumbing the reel spool and horsing his fish in. Each of us was desperately trying to get a freshly hooked King salmon into the net in order to win the $5. Unfortunately, our salmon had no intention of cooperating with us. I did notice that Jim’s thumb spent a lot of time on the spool, but then I was in no position to criticize since I was thumbing my line at the top of the reel seat trying to force my fish in ahead of Jim’s. King salmon are sometimes very difficult to find and hook and sometimes even harder to get into the boat. They are powerful fish and will do almost anything to spit a hook, something they are very good at doing.
There were a couple of times when I had my fish close enough for Devon to get a net under it. Somehow, he always found something to do or be busy when my red hot fish happened to make a high-speed pass close enough to the boat for a desperation grab with the net. (Not too sporting but then there was money involved.) I do remember falling down when the boat lurched through a large swell but I never let the fish have an inch of slack and kept the rod up and the line tight. Meanwhile, Jim was cranking his reel like a madman and pumping hard trying to turn his fish for a run to the boat. We were both doing everything possible to distract the other in vain attempts
to get our opponent to dump his fish and give up the five bucks. In the end, Jim and I both got our salmon to the boat at about the same time. I will admit that it was almost a tie but then, for some strange reason, Devon reached out and netted Jim’s fish - to my eternal and pecuniary dismay. What was worse, it put Jim one fish up on me for the daily total. Then again, it was probably the most fun I ever had losing a bet. I was happy to pay up.
I think Jim overtaxed his equipment trying to horse that last fish in because from that point until we headed for home he had trouble landing another fish and he lost the overall battle to me 9-7 for the day. To be honest I think he fried the drag on his reel but then again I can always rely on the old maxim that it is a poor craftsman who blames his tools. LOL :-}
On the way back to the resort we had a little over an hour to engage in pre-dinner cocktail hour which is a ritual that my fellow anglers specialized in. I really appreciated the use of the sipping cups (screw on tops and folding straws) our bartender used. It is very difficult to enjoy your gin and tonic when you’re flying off the tops of large swells and battling high winds and 6 foot chop for the 90 minute ride home. Trying to drink from an open cup was impossible. We might spill some! It is amazing what 25 years of Alaskan fishing experience will do when it comes to ensuring the comfort of your fellow anglers trying to enjoy a well-deserved beverage at the end of a tough day fishing. I also learned never to ask for a refill since one of the sipi-cup cocktails on that boat was enough to seriously stagger me when it came time to get off the boat and weigh in my fish. After being properly lubricated I was able to feel some small shred of sympathy for our guide who was required to abstain from all alcohol while he attempted to get us and our vessel home through the storm in one piece. All kidding aside, we were at times in some really scary weather and Devon did an incredible job piloting the craft so we arrived safely, albeit well shaken, back to the dock at the end of each day.
I do need to say something about Waterfall Resort. I like everything about Waterfall. I’ve been there four times and hope to visit again soon. The location is unsurpassed. The managers know what they’re doing, the staff is well-trained and competent and they strive to make each stay an experience you will long remember. You will not lose any weight while you are at Waterfall Resort. The food is spectacular with a variety that always includes a liberal helping of fresh Alaskan seafood. The food is as good as any I have ever eaten at any resort. The first night’s dinner we had a seafood chowder that was so good I had it for dessert. I was even able to get the chef to share his recipe so I can continue to enjoy a little bit of Waterfall at home.
In retrospect this was one of the best days of fishing I have ever enjoyed. We had wide-open King Salmon fishing for almost 5 hours and we released 26 of the 28 fish we managed to get to the boat. This total does not include long-distance releases. We lost many more Kings during the course of this incredible fishing day. We caught some fine eating halibut and lingcod. There are few places on earth where you can have great fishing while you enjoy spectacular scenery alongside granite cliffs that soar hundreds of feet into the air, crowned with emerald green rain forest conifers. We saw humpback whales, a pod of Orcas, dozens of sea otters and unbelievable numbers of bald eagles known locally as the Alaskan Pigeon. The resort prides itself in “Legendary Fishing”. I am very glad to say that is still true. It is still legendary; and what a difference a day can make.

© 2010 Stephen G. Benavides
All Rights Reserved

Alaska Salmon Fishing Jewel Launches 2010 YouTube Contest
Waterfall Resort, Alaska’s premier fishing resort, launches a YouTube contest for the 2010 Season. Accepting Entries: 6/15/10 to 9/30/10!

Santa Barbara, CA – July 27, 2010 – The Santa Barbara marketing department of Waterfall Resort announced today that they have partnered with YouTube for the Resort’s 2nd annual fishing video contest for the 2010 Alaska fishing season. According to local resident and Marketing Director, Chuck Baird, Alaska salmon and halibut fishing gets no better than at Waterfall Resort, long considered Alaska’s top fishing lodge.

“Waterfall Resort is known to be the premier fishing lodge in Alaska and beyond and we wanted to make sure our new website reflected that,” explained Baird. “We also wanted to show off our new look and our renewed excitement by launching a fun and enticing video contest and YouTube was the perfect vehicle for us. We believe that a contemporary first-class web contest is the best way to announce that, although we are a historic cannery, we are also a 21st century fishing resort.”

The video contest will accept entries through September 30, 2010 with a winner being announced November 5th. The Grand Prize is a 2011 Waterfall Resort
3 night / 4 day fishing trip land package that includes accommodations, all meals, guided fishing and more.

Full contest rules and prize information can be found at: www.waterfallresort.com/youtube

To view the Fishing Contest Video, click here: http://www.youtube.com/user/fishbox1

“We’re very excited about this contest,” admitted Baird. “Voting is determined by a combination of YouTube views, ratings and social media bookmarking to give everyone a say in which video is best.” Baird emphasized, “One of the most interesting aspects of this contest is that the videos don’t have to be shot at Waterfall to be eligible. We encourage anglers from all across the globe to submit their fishing videos.”

As Waterfall’s fishing season passes the halfway point, the Resort hosts adventure seekers, serious anglers and novice anglers alike. With high-end, comfortable accommodations and world-renowned fishing, the Resort is experiencing another “trophy size” season.

“The 2010 fishing season has been fantastic,” Baird concluded! “Waterfall has a very loyal following. After just one visit, most of our guests are hooked on Waterfall Resort and return the following summer.”

For more information about Waterfall Resort and the YouTube video contest, please visit www.waterfallresort.com

ABOUT WATERFALL RESORT
Since 1983, Waterfall Resort has provided Guests with the ultimate Alaskan fishing experiences. Ideally located for top Alaskan Salmon fishing and Alaskan Halibut fishing, the resort is considered one of the jewels of Alaska.

The Resort attracts all skill levels from novice to avid anglers, celebrities and professional athletes. World-class accommodations and fishing are what bring people back year after year.

To learn more, visit www.waterfallresort.com or call 800-544-5125.

Donald Roberts, Scottsdale, AZ, hoists his 53 lb. KOD! 7/18!
The Buckner Party (top) displays their rack of Kings & Silvers!
On board, the Halle Party celebrates their catch! 7/6.

Waterfall’s annual YouTube Fishing Video Contest now open to entries! Send us your favorite fishing video & you may win a trip to Alaska’s Ultimate Fishing Destination! Fishing videos other than those taken at Waterfall also are eligible! For details on how to enter, click here.
To View Waterfall’s YouTube Channel, click here.

Veteran travel writer Pete Ottesen (standing, left) fished Waterfall in June with retired banker Max Bojiko. Both men are from Stockton, CA. This was Max’s first ocean fishing trip and refers to his visit to Waterfall as “the fishing experience of a lifetime!” Pete details their adventures & catches in Stockton’s www.recordnet.com. Click here to read Pete’s article.

Pete Ottesen Party

Waterfall’s Summer Specials! Don’t miss out on fishing Waterfall this season! A few late July & early August dates still available and Booking Quickly! Contact Mike Dooley now to take advantage of our last-minute special rates: 800-544-5125 or wfreservations@kpunet.net ! Are you the next “Donald Roberts?” Don’t let the “big one” get away, call Mike Dooley now!

Mike Dooley, Reservations Manager

Azmin Ghahreman, San Juan Capistrano, CA,
with his 191.6 lb. Halibut on 7/10.
Guide Everett Athorp.

Azmin Ghahreman

James Kalhorn, Colorado Springs, CO, enjoys his King of the Day photo op! Guide Colin McCrossin. Ryan Warling, Simi Valley, CA, caught a
48 lb. King the same day! 7/14.

James Kalhorn

Guest Victor Dubois, Henderson, NV, tops the King of Kings Tournament Leaderboard with his 51.3 lb. King caught on 6/18. There’s still time this season to break Victor’s record! Largest King caught at the Resort to date by Staff is the 63.6 lb. King caught by PM crew kitchen chef Aaron Polar Bear Day on 6/23! Victor’s Guide: Kurt Ferse. Aaron’s Guide: Matt Romaine

Victor Dubois