The Monsters of the Kenai

So, thanks to Greg Brush of EZ Limit Guide Service in Soldotna, Alaska, I’m going to be totally worthless the rest of the day. I had been very focused on writing my column for Salmon Trout Steeheader Magazine and then I saw these pix from the Kenai River in my inbox. Now, I’ve got a case of the shakes and all I can think about is going king fishing…

And really, who could blame me? After all, the above pic is of a 55.5″x34″ Kenai River king that was estimated to weigh a mind-blowing 86 pounds! I say “estimated” because Brush’s client, Steve Huckey of Arizona released this monster!

“Kudos to Steve for letting a fish of TEN lifetimes swim free,” says Brush. “What a dandy — it even had sea lice! Check out the size of the adipose fin and the tail on this pig! I was pumped up and actually commandeered another guide boat, threw him my camera, snapped some pics and let him swim! Note: this fish was caught in June, on a bare Flashing-N-Spinning Cheater with NO eggs!”

This fish in the net was a “mere” 65 pounds and measured 53 inches. Brush says that fish was also taken in mid June and ate a baitless Cheater with his own custom trimmed and painted wings.

And how about this pic…one straight outta the O.M.F.G file. This is the biggest, baddest chromer I’ve ever laid eyes on. Brush says it was in the mid 60-pound range that was hooked just below the Rock Garden at mile 20 on the Kenai River.

“The photo doesn’t do it justice,” says Brush. “After we snapped that pic, we set him free to pass on his special genes!”

Okay, now I’m even more of a mess than before. Think I’d better get on the horn with Alaska Airlines and get a ticket already. If you head up there, Brush is definitely the man!