Got to spend 8 days visiting family and friends in Valdez Ak. Got in two days of fishing for the large run of silvers there. Large both in size and numbers. The silver derby winner there had an impressive 22 pound plus fish and won $15,000. We caught many 16 and 17#ers. People were catching fish from shore rocks, docks in the boat basin, the high city dock where net hoops were lowered on ropes 10-15 ft. to bring up a catch, and boats. . We trolled two down-riggers with flasher and squid and a taste of herring at 20-28 feet and out 30-40 feet. Also had two poles with 4oz of lead and squid with flash of herring out 40 pulls. Every pole caught fish for the four of us with the down-riggers doing best. On our second day of fishing one pole caught 80% of the fish. It didn't matter if that pole was on a rigger on the left or right side of the boat or rigged with lead and bait or lure. Why the fish preferred that pole.?? Limits up there are 6 fish a person. I'll be eating salmon all winter. Might get out dad's old smoker. Valdez is a beautiful area. If you ever get to fish in Ak. pack cloths in a carry-on and save checked baggage for your catch. It will save some $$s. Good luck to all. DH

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