6:00am

It is with a quiet anticipation that my three companions and I arrive at the meeting point. Today we are taking a guided Alaska Salmon fishing trip of a lifetime and are hoping to hook some of those world famous monster Kings that we have heard so much about. As the sun rises the first shafts of daylight begin to reveal the amazing scene: early morning Alaska is rousing from a nights rest.

6:30am

As we pull up to the boat launch a morning haze lingers in the trees, punctuated by the white heads of Bald Eagles searching the waters for breakfast. The cold clear waters of the Kasilof River meander past our preparations. The morning is serene, without the sound of  boat motors. Our  anticipation is starting to become excitement as our adventure is now really beginning.

6:45am

As none of us have fished before, our guide, Nick, spends some time instructing us on the equipment and techniques we will be using today. He explains the lay of the river and what we can expect for the day. He is very knowledgeable and patient and we are amazed when we have all picked it up after a little practice. Now we are ready for some salmon fishing.

7:15am

We push off from the boat launch and now all there is little to do but settle in for a pleasurable day of fishing as we drift down the Kasilof River in search of our trophy fish. Nick expertly guides us through the channels of the river with smooth efficiency. The peaceful morning gradually gives way to the days activities along the river. My friends and I still can’t believe we’re fishing for salmon in Alaska . Smiles are plastered across all our faces

9:00am

The first cry of 'fish on' reverberates round the boat. One of my companions has felt a bite and suddenly it is all action. Nick is wonderful at instructing my companion how to apply pressure, when to reel in and how to work the Salmon in, towards our waiting net. Before long there is a 35 pound King Salmon in the boat with us. A round of cheers echo along the river.

12:30pm

Suddenly I feel a tug on my line and now it is my turn. I set the hook, as Nick instructed us to do, keep my tip up and begin reeling. The startled fish makes a run for fast water and line begins stripping off the reel. I redouble my efforts, keeping tension on the line as I continue reeling. I work the salmon toward calmer waters and, after a lot of work, finally bring it in. A thirty pound King may not be the biggest fish of the day, but it’s still one of the biggest I’ve seen.

All too soon the day is over and we are heading back to the meeting point. We are all tired from a long day on the river but elated that our Alaska salmon fishing trip has been such a success. We have all landed ourselves a King Salmon today and we are very definitely hooked. Thanks Nick, for the great time we had on the Kasilof. We’ll all be back to fish for salmon with Drift Away next year.