Rock-a-bye king

Since there isn't much happening at the pier, I thought I'd tell another fish story.

This ain't no sh!t, but---I actually caught a king last week, or maybe I should say that the gaff man, Rick, caught a king for me. It was obviously a defective fish if it let me bring it to the pier, but was otherwise not particularly notable---maybe ten pounds---and when I was able to lead it across the four point gaff, Rick lifted, but the king didn't get stuck. He was perfect size to be cradled inside two hooks of the gaff with his anal fin positioned to keep him from sliding out backwards. Rick carefully lifted him up to and over the rail and set him on the deck, and he still hadn't flopped---I was almost able to get my camera out of my pocket and get a picture of him gently held on the gaff, but he came to his senses and flopped out before I could pull the trigger.

There are fish I should have caught, but didn't, and this one was one I maybe shouldn't have caught but did.

Here's hoping the water clears up before it gets too hot and all the kings leave.