Don’t Be Like “Jim”

Recently a guest came to Alaska West Lodge to fish the Kanektok River. We’ll call him “Jim,” protecting his true identity. Jim is packed, has all this clothing (maybe too much clothing), Spey rods, single-handed rods, reels to match, leaders, tips, and flies…everything you’ll need and can fit into an assortment of bags up to 50 pounds for a fishing trip of a lifetime.

Jim’s week of fishing started great. He hooked chrome Chum Salmon, Leopard Rainbow Trout, Dolly Varden, and Sockeye Salmon all on the swing. Jim even stuck a good size, King Salmon. Jim’s blue and chartreuse fly worked really well for King Salmon. Then a huge King Salmon decided to take Jim’s fly.

This huge King Salmon went on two runs taking Jim into his backing both times. On the final run, Jim was doing all he could to manage this fish to no avail. Finally, the fly unbuttoned. Upon examining the fly, the hook was straightened out by the huge King Salmon. Jim lost a fish of a lifetime because of a crappy hook.

All this to tell you, make sure you have a good hook. Your hooks must be super strong and super sharp, especially if you’re fishing for King Salmon at Alaska West Lodge.

Here are some hooks that Jim should have used.