A Post from Paul

"After two nights in Neah Bay (the most northwestern point of the mainland USA ) the fog lifted and my my crew quit and walked away (caught a bus in Neah Bay, I guess).  Said he didn't feel good from the 12 hr. crossing the Strait of Juan DeFuca from Lopez Island. So long Tom, Good Luck on your future sailing adventures, thanks for your help on Lopez island. I single-handed out from Neah Bay and pulled in here at West Port, WA. yesterday afternoon.  About 100 miles down the coast from Neah Bay, 575 miles north of Golden Gate bridge. Had on all the clothes I have plus foul-weather gear just to stay warm and dry. Was trolling two stubbie poles with lures that "Donny," a Makah Indian 18-yr old fisherman I met in Neah bay set up for me.  1 a.m. almost full moon, I was below in cabin staying warm as boat sailed south on self steer. ( I check the radar every hour, can see out 36 miles, I was well inshore from the line of freighters out at the 50 mile line,  under the moon they looked like on a hi-way) Bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz  went the reel.  Yep, it was starboard pole with the blue squid looking lure Donny made, behind a red/silver flasher and leader.   I let out main sheet to slow boat speed, slowed to about 3 knots, but I didnt want to drop the sails.  Grabbed the rod and tighten the drag a bit and gave a tug.  Sheeeeet, whatever it is, its big!   I could not even pull it toward the boat, and when I tried, it would then pull back and take out more line from the drag setting.  Dang. So I stuck the pole back in the holder after a ten minute tug-a-war,  let him drag awhile, tire out while I wind in the other pole and get the gaff ready. Was starting to wonder how I would pull this lunker on board alone. After securing the other rod I clipped myself into the jack line (secures me in my PFD harness to the boat in case this thing pulls me over the rail)  walked to the rear deck to fight my new strong fish friend.   Now I hope he is worn out a bit. Standing on the rear deck I'd pull the rod tip up with the line so tight it was twangy, then I'd get about 5 cranks of the reel as I lowered the tip toward the fish ( just like on the "Fishin' Channel").  I did this for about 30 mins. and my left hand and arm went to sleep, but I had gained maybe 50 yds. of line on the reel.  What is this thing?  Started remembering the book on tape I listed to when painting my hull last month on Lopez, "The Old Man and the Sea." It was all I could do to pull the tip up,  must have been partly 'cause the boat was still moving forward, but I didn't want to drop the sails at 2 am, what IS this thing? I fought and gained some,  then it would run off again.   I decided to get serious, tightened the drag.  Pulled so hard I thought the line would snap, but it didnt.  New 80 lb braided line (thanks Jan).   Five minutes more and mid-way in a tug, it let go... Thought for sure the lure or the line broke.  Reeled it in and everything was still OK, how did it spit this lure after 40 mins. of being hooked up? All I can think is it may have torn out the lip?  What do you fishermen think? Well, I still have yet to "land a salmon".  Guys here I told the story to say they think it may have been a blue shark as it was so heavy.  I prefer to think it was a giant King Salmon, that's my story and I'm sticking to it! Currently hanging out in Westport.   Sit out the storms here, (pouring now and flag is blowing stiff from the south). The marine weather report is gale force winds from the south and rain. NOAA weather got it right, with another storm behind that (and they said September was the best month to run down the coast?).   I need to arrange a new crew from here.  I will stay warm and safe here tied to the dock. I'm burning lots of natural briquettes (no coal, no petroleum) in my fireplace, watching surf DVD's.  Life is good on Trimming Out, plenty to eat and drink and a full bag of natural briquettes.   Pictures to post soon." Paul S/V TrimmingOut