This is a very impressive lingcod caught by David L. The picture does not do it justice, and the experience is one I will not forget.
We were fishing in difficult weather on the Gulf of Alaska, with a big incoming tide pushing hard. The wind blowing whitecaps from the crest of steep chop on top of ocean swells. We were looking forward to a good day of fishing with a favorite group of long-time clients, but I was really nervous about the ocean and tidal conditions.
With the tide rushing us across steep rock pinnacles, I was even more nervous! We timed our drift to put 16-ounce jigs on top of difficult structure, and used our motors to slow the boat and keep our lines in a fishable position. At first drop, this fish hit hard and fought hard, stripping line and doubling the rod over ...absolutely the hardest-fighting ling ever!
This fish weighed 74.4 pounds on a certified scale, and if David follows-up on the paperwork, it will easily qualify for an ADF&G Trophy Fish Program certificate (55 pounds and larger).
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Gallery: Homer Fishing Charter Pictures
Tags: Alaska deep sea fishing, Alaska fishing charters, Alaska fishing trips, artificial lures, big fish, clients, combo, Gulf of Alaska, Homer Alaska, huge, jig fishing, jigging, Kevin Staib, ling cod, lingcod, long range fishing, monsters, Ophiodon elongatus, Red Ryder, Ultimate Combo