Tales From The Tyee Pool........2022

[Stosh]

Yesterday two fellows who are working on a documentary about the Tyee Club of BC and the spectrum of characters involved in rowing for Tyee arrived back in town to meet a few stalwarts, historians, famous rowers, hugely successful rowers and such-like.

Instead, they ended up with me.

We set up a scenario where I would be sitting in the rowers seat and answer a few questions based on what and how does a rower prepare before going out with rod-holders at the ready.
Naturally, I waxed eloquently on the topic, pointing out my gum-boots, my floater coat, the basket of weights, pliers and a priest at hand, the tote with my floating throwing line, my floating flashlight, my whistle and a few other things sure to be handy in any emergency.
I then demonstrated how a rod-holder should hold the rod, let out line, do a weed check and a few other subtleties not to be shared in a public forum, and then we noticed it was slowly getting darker as the Sun was sliding away behind the tree-line.

No worries, we scrunched the tripod with camera, a couple of back-packs, two large men and the rod I'd used for demonstration purposes into my boat, then motored out to the pool.
The plan was for me to row around, show a few of the markers we rowers use to guide ourselves, point out some notable names and generally try to capture on video as much of the experience as was possible, without actually fishing ourselves.

We had covered both ends of the pool, the Sun had just finished its last peek at us and I mentioned that we were now in the "magic time" when most evening bites happen.
And then a rower started pulling hard and we saw a boat heading out of the pool, a sure sign someone was hooked up.
At the distance we were from it I couldn't tell who it was, but upon closing the distance in order to video what we could of the just engaged battle, I saw it was the Gage boat, with Mike on the rod and son Roger on the oars, both accompanied by Betty Gage and favorite dog Cindy.

We kept a respectful distance and watched as the battle went on and on and on, leading to some speculation as to whether this could be the first Tyee of the season, and how neat would that be etc. etc.
Roger stood up with net for a few moments, sat down and resumed rowing, stood up a few minutes later, then sat again and resumed rowing.
This was a strong and stubborn fish, or Mike was getting old and feeble, but boy it took some time to finally get the fish in the net.

We heard the priest being applied as I rowed us closer to get an opinion as to whether or not it might be a Tyee.
"What do you think?" I asked.
"It's built like a steelhead ,"Roger replied, whereupon he hoisted the fish up so we could see it.
It was a silver slab and looked slightly bigger than the 27 that came into my boat last Tuesday, but not a lot bigger nor was it definitely a Tyee.
We offered congratulations then, as we'd been carried by the ebb past the end of the spit, we decided to motor in and perhaps catch the bringing ashore of a fish and the whole weighing in procedure on video too.

I gave instructions on starting the engine, the usual check that it's out of gear, pull the choke and align the throttle with the starting icon and give it a sharp pull routine. These were followed perfectly so I sat back in order to relax a bit from rowing steadily and my operator pulled, nothing, pulled again, nothing, pulled again, nothing.
"Double-check everything," I instructed.

That accomplished led to another pull, and nothing. Pull, pull, pull and nothing.
"Push the choke in," I instructed.
More pulling with slightly muted mutterings best left imagined, and nothing.

"Is the curly cord attached to the engine properly?" I asked.
It was.
More pulling, more consternation, more inner thoughts, new engine last year, never had this happen before, what the heck?

And then, slowly but finally, the awful truth dawned on me.
Despite my in depth earlier explanations of how the well-prepared rower should be and all that, I had overlooked one small detail.

We were out of gas.
Once gas was added to the engine it started right up, just like it would have, had the rower been properly prepared. (sigh)

In the end we missed Mike bringing his fish ashore and the weighing of it, but just as well, as it was a mere 29 lbs. and four ounces, therefore not a Tyee.
Darn close though.

Maybe tonight as none registered yet that I know of.

Here's the Sturgeon Moon over the Tyee Pool last night.
View attachment 83436


Take care.

Another great story from the Tyee Pool Pro! Close but no cigar.
Stosh

 

[Aces]

Another great story from the Tyee Pool Pro! Close but no cigar.
Stosh

That's why it's so special!

 

[Totally unexpected]

Its legendary.

 

[Dave H]

We have the first Tyee of the year registered, and it wasn't rowed by me. I feel like I've let you all down. LOL

Instead, that Mike Stutzel guy rowed it, and now a young lady named Darla Hunt is the newest member of the Tyee Club of BC.
Ardent followers of our annual doings may recall that Mike rowed five Tyee last year, thereby earning the unkind nick-name................................... Fish-Hog of the Year.
Not really, but he was the man last year for sure and earned everyone's respect for his achievement. He certainly has mine.
Seems like he's off to a good start this year too.

Good going Mike and Darla.


I rowed another of my long-suffering and so far fishless pals tonight and while we did see one boat row out with a young fellow on the bent over rod, we know not what happened in the end. They didn't take a fish in, nor did anyone else that we saw.
We did nothing and I didn't see any rollers or jumpers at all.
Tonight is best summed up thusly.
Lovely evening.
No fish.

NOTE: Mike and Darla caught their fish during the flood tide day-shift that some rowers favor, and the fish fell for a spoon.
Live and learn.



Take care.

 

[Dave H]

Good Sunday morning to everyone and a wee bit of good news to report.
This morning, unlike normal people who are still abed, the duo of Jim Clowes on the oars and Paul Curtis on the rod managed to boat a fish that looked like it might make it.
While looks can be deceiving, this AM they were correct and the fish weighed in at 30 lbs. and 3 ounces, a Tyee, but barely.

Nonetheless, it's on the board and is the second Tyee of this season, and taken by two of my favorite people to boot.
Good going Jim and Paul.
Jim on left and Paul on the right.




Last night I rowed an old pal again and lo and behold, we had a good strike and a brief hook-up, but not for long.
We saw one other boat row out but a minute later they were un-hooked, the only other action we saw.

So, again, a lovely evening in the pool, but no fish.

Tonight, we'll get one tonight.



Take care.

 

[Aces]

Good Sunday morning to everyone and a wee bit of good news to report.
This morning, unlike normal people who are still abed, the duo of Jim Clowes on the oars and Paul Curtis on the rod managed to boat a fish that looked like it might make it.
While looks can be deceiving, this AM they were correct and the fish weighed in at 30 lbs. and 3 ounces, a Tyee, but barely.

Nonetheless, it's on the board and is the second Tyee of this season, and taken by two of my favorite people to boot.
Good going Jim and Paul.
Pics to follow.

Last night I rowed an old pal again and lo and behold, we had a good strike and a brief hook-up, but not for long.
We saw one other boat row out but a minute later they were un-hooked, the only other action we saw.

So, again, a lovely evening in the pool, but no fish.

Tonight, we'll get one tonight.



Take care.

You sure will tonight

 

[Stosh]

Good Sunday morning to everyone and a wee bit of good news to report.
This morning, unlike normal people who are still abed, the duo of Jim Clowes on the oars and Paul Curtis on the rod managed to boat a fish that looked like it might make it.
While looks can be deceiving, this AM they were correct and the fish weighed in at 30 lbs. and 3 ounces, a Tyee, but barely.

Nonetheless, it's on the board and is the second Tyee of this season, and taken by two of my favorite people to boot.
Good going Jim and Paul.
Pics to follow.

Last night I rowed an old pal again and lo and behold, we had a good strike and a brief hook-up, but not for long.
We saw one other boat row out but a minute later they were un-hooked, the only other action we saw.

So, again, a lovely evening in the pool, but no fish.

Tonight, we'll get one tonight.



Take care.

Wonderful News Amigo!
Thanks
Stosh

 

[Dave H]

Tuesday near noon and nothing much to report.
Saw a 27 caught last night plus a couple of fish showed themselves by jumping, but pretty quiet overall.
High tide at dark tonight which may or may not mean anything, but we'll be out there giving it a shot.

Always hopeful.



Take care.




Filler photo from many moons ago.

Showing why I lived there for nearly 12 years, back when I could still surf.

 

[Gear'n'beer!]

Tuesday near noon and nothing much to report.
Saw a 27 caught last night plus a couple of fish showed themselves by jumping, but pretty quiet overall.
High tide at dark tonight which may or may not mean anything, but we'll be out there giving it a shot.

Always hopeful.



Take care.

thanks for the experience Dave! A beautiful eve to spend with yourself and Owen.

Cheers,
Darin

 

[Coyote Spooner]

What a great day of fishing!!! I fished the green can at Cape Mudge at first light. Didn’t get my second rod down and had a 78cm bullet in the box. Last light with Dave was great. Can’t beat the ambiance of rowing as the sun sets, with my family watching from the clubhouse. Dave even let me drive his boat!!
Thanks again Dave
Hopefully we can do it again.

 

[Dave H]

Late morning Wed. and still only two Tyee.
Slow.

Enjoyed a nice row with Coyote Spooner last night and witnessed some action too.
Saw a couple of boats row out with fish on and after what seemed to be a fairly long time and with both boats quite a distance out, we heard the sure sounds of a boated fish, the application of the priest, also known as a wooden shampoo, and some hoots of exultation.
Given the length of fight and all, we thought we might see another Tyee come to the beach.

Hopes were dashed when no bell was heard ringing, signaling no Tyee had been weighed in.
Turns out it was a near-miss, weighing in at 29 lbs. and some ozs.
Jim Clowes arrived with a bathtub full of Chinook (one), but it looked too short to be a Tyee, and was, weighing in at 25 lbs. and 12 ozs.

Both were beautiful chrome fish, fresh in and full of energy, hence the long fights we witnessed.
With the tides now the hope is that these big high tides will bring new fish along, so mornings and evenings might become more productive.
We'll give it another shot tonight.

Thanks for the kind words, both from Darin and now, Dean.
Enjoyed both of you guys as rod-holders.
We will certainly get out again too.




Take care.

 

[Dave H]

Thursday morning and still no new Tyee, but a close call with a 29 lb. four oz. beauty weighed in.
That's the not good news.

The good news is that the stolen Tyee rowboat was recovered and towed back to Campbell River from Quadra Island last night and returned to the owner.
The engine and oars were missing but word is their location is known and they will be repatriated soon.

I didn't row last night as my scheduled rod-holder cancelled and I took the opportunity to have a night off.
I didn't miss anything it appears although a couple of unders were reportedly boated.

Hoping the wind goes away as it'll be a flood tide with a following wind otherwise.
Not my favorite combination.

Still hopeful.




Take care.

 

[Dave H]

In a disaster of near historic proportions, a local Tyee rowboat crew managed to have an oar escape their boat while they were engaged in netting what turned out to be a Tyee wannabe, weighing but 21 pounds but fighting like it was much bigger.
The Chinook was hooked by accident as they were actually engaged in fishing for Cabezon, in a fruitless attempt to usurp my title of King Of The Cabezons, one much cherished by yours truly.
Obviously, they are amateurs at Cabezon angling if they can only hook Chinook.
I scoff at their efforts.

The oar was lost near the ferry terminal at Campbell River so could be anywhere in the area, given the tides these days.

The hapless crew of the rowboat were rescued after a long period of time during which they were observed to be rowing in circles while loudly lamenting their situation.
Numerous words used during their lamentations would be unsuitable for a nice site like this so shall be left unmentioned, suffice it to say that the loser is an old truck driving man and has an extensive vocabulary.

Should anyone find a single oar please let me know and I'll arrange to retrieve it.

Thanks.




Take care.

 

[Dave H]

Nothing at all happening in the pool the last couple of days.

Concerning.



Take care.

 

[Plug”N”away]

Nothing at all happening in the pool the last couple of days.

Concerning.



Take care.

But maybe this tide! The struggle is real.

 

[wildmanyeah]

Looked at the 2018 thread 13 by this time in that year.

 

[Dave H]

Looked at the 2018 thread 13 by this time in that year.

And 15 on this date last year.

Perplexing.


Take care.

 

[Rain City]

And 15 on this date last year.

Perplexing.


Take care.

Are a lot of unders being caught or just less fish in general?

 

[RiverBoy]

Are a lot of unders being caught or just less fish in general?

this has been the best year for salmon i’ve ever encountered in CR in my 46 years. that being said the size is down. my boat has released one over slot at 84 cm

 

[Dave H]

Are a lot of unders being caught or just less fish in general?

No, not a lot of unders at all.

Fish are up the river but very few in the Tyee Pool for some reason.


Take care.