Clayoquot Morning Magic (a fisherman's tale)

I came across this short tale from an anomymous fisherman's experience in Clayoquot Sound. Thought I'd share.
"It was early as we headed out toward the fishing spot that had been so good to us the day before. The outboard motor was the only sound in the otherwise dark and silent waters of Clayoquot Sound, in a few minutes a stunning sunrise would burst over Catface Mountain... but for now we were navigating by GPS and the faint outlines of islands, barely visible at first light.

Bob, our keen eyed guide saw it first and eased up in the throttle. There on the beach was a large mammal. It was some ways off and the sky was too busy turning the faint, early rays of sun into fiery reds and oranges to deliver much light to us. Someone whispered it was probably a black bear, they are frequently found on the shore's of Clayoquot Sound, foraging for crab and other goodies at low tide.

As we moved closer it's grace struck me, I starting to doubt whether it was a bear at all. Perhaps it was one of the wolves that are know to prowl these beaches. While not an exceptionally rare event, a wolf sighting still takes my breath away... knowing that back home they've all been hunted out.

As the sun peeked over the mountain the animal turned and made it's way in silence to the treeline. Movements were like a large dog as it walked then as it made the final leap into the rainforest I got a sense of feline composure, precise strength and intentional stealth beyond what I'd seen in any wolf, an amazing feat of illusion... As if the cougar wanted to teach us tranquillity that morning. We carried on up the inlet without a word, no-one wanting to break the spell the massive cat had cast."

Makes me want to go fishing more. If you like fishing here are a few annual events you'd probably like to know about. In no particualar order;

The Ucluelet Salmon Ladder Derby is returning for it's 3rd season. It's a great summer long campaign with a ton of prizes

The Tofino Salt Water Classic is hosted by freshly gazetted Chicago Blackhawk, Brendan Morrison.  A one weekend derby that supports local initiatives

Tofino Legion Fishing Derby is one of the longest running on the coast, usually on August long weekend, it's a great event with a ton of history

Give them a look and thanks for listening to Long Beach Radio.  -Geoff