Army Veteran and former Professional Rodeo Cowboy, Phil “Hawkeye” Hawkins, has been leading Alaska West clients on phenomenal outdoor fishing experiences as a Guide and Set-Up Lead for the last nine seasons. This Veteran is a lover of all things fishing, outdoors, and dogs. During the offseason here at Alaska West, Hawkeye also serves as a fishing guide in Oregon. Seasoned with experience and mindfulness, this former Bronco Rider will take you to find your own fish rodeo here at Alaska West.
There have been many articles written in the past years about “ More ways to catch Kings”. The articles range from rods, lines, shooting lines, reels, flies, and on and on. All of which are important. I think we’ll all agree that having a balanced tackle and a fly that you can cast is key in success to all forms of fly fishing. That being said as a guide with 25 plus years of experience the tackle thing matters but that’s not the only thing.
CONFIDENCE. I was guiding an angler that hadn’t got one for about a half an hour that asked me “ what would you be doing differently than I’m doing right now.” I thought for a few seconds and said “ well I’d probably be casting 40 feet farther because I can, and I’d be using an intermediate or fist head, because I have one, the main thing I would definitely be doing that your not is THINKING POSITIVE. I said your thinking negative.” What am I doing wrong, why am I not catching them. Is it the fly, is it my cast.” Probably not, he already got a couple of nice fish. Think Positive. Think about every cast that I’m going to get one right here. Feel good about what you’re doing. Feel confident in your self and your guide. Know that you’re in an excellent run and have the patience to wait for them to show up.
I’ve been an angler my whole life and a professional guide almost half of it and one thing I know for sure. IF YOU DON’T THINK YOUR GOING TO CATCH ONE YOUR NOT…..
Change that. Take a deep breath of fresh air, Smile, laugh at yourself when you screw up and pat yourself when you nail it. And always think positive.
See you on the Kanektok. Stay safe….. Hawkeye.
Other King Salmon Tips
Gotta love that attitude! Same thing riding broncs, bulls, team roping, picture yourself winning!
Hawkeye is the man, Fishing with Hawk on what was an incredibly wet day even by Alaska’s standards, Hawkeye kept our spirits high – I lost an absolute monster (Firetruck) whilst fishing (the wrong bank) of Churchbell, on Hawks advice I went straight back in and within a couple of casts got a 35lb+ chromer – He’s a top dude, I am blessed to have known and fished with him.
Hi David,
Thanks very much for your comment and sharing a special moment on the river with Hawkeye, we think he’s a top dude too. Please let us know if there’s anything we can do for you in the future.
Be well and be in touch.
Our best,
The Deneki Team
Hi Larry,
We agree, picture yourself a winner, have confidence and good things will happen.
Thanks for being in touch and keep having fun out there!
Our best,
The Deneki Team