Nice fish just off Lopez! West side represent!

7th Annual Frank Wilson Memorial Winter Blackmouth Derby: "After three hours of trolling, no fish. I had, however, lost two entire downrigger set-ups, 12lb. ball, snubber, rudder, cable and all. I was fishing solo, and down to one last 10 lb. ball.

Debating whether to run in and go shopping I figured I might as well make a pass on the west side of Lopez Island while heading in the direction of the tackle shop. I got the gear down and started marking fish.

A lot of bait and birds showed up, and the place was looking a little more interesting. My rod soon yanked down, and I had a hold of something pretty big. After a good fight I scooped it one handed with the net, dropped the rod, closed the purse and hauled her aboard. Beautiful, about 19 and clean shaven. That was the one I had been looking for all year."