Fast Boats, Bananas and The Burma Road

The 4 a.m alarm rang well before the boys were ready for it but the fish were waiting so it was rise and shine. Driving to the Little Susitna river was easy and the fellas found the boat ramp without trouble. Waiting for them was Matt Peterson their guide along with his mother Gloria, who is an avid fisher woman. She took Matt fishing went he was a tyke. Matt's other client, Joe Helms, showed up about the same time and everyone piled into Matt's boat for a chilly ride down river. The place was crawling with jet boats and in the tight quarters of the Little Su river, a run downstream can seem like a Salom race course. Beating everyone to his favorite spot, Matt began rigging the gear. After a short lesson on how to fish for the mighty King Salmon everyone had rods in the water while Matt slowly rowed the boat against the current. Rich was the first to strike but the fish was only on for a moment. Two strong, powerful surges and the salmon was gone. Now everybody was alert. Next to hook up was Joe. Rich grabbed his video camera and moved to the front of the boat to film the action but it didn't last long as this fish too slipped off. Joe was breathing hard and everyone was excited. Next to hook up was Bill but it wasn't to be. This fish too, quickly escaped. Matt had bet ice cream with another guide on who would do the best today and you could see he was beginning to sweat! Boats were racing up and down the river but few were doing any good. After limiting out yesterday it was disappointing to Matt but the guys were having fun and making memories and that's what mattered. Joe suddenly hooked up again and there was a flurry of excitement until this King gave a final rush on the surface and was gone. Four fish, and not a one in the boat! "How could this be", Matt said out loud, as he slid the boat to shore so Joe and Bill could answer the call of nature.
Returning to the boat Joe casually opened up his lunch box and began chewing on a banana. Matt, looking incredulous said, "What is that, are you eating a banana!" Joe, looking like a kid with his hand in the cookie jar, said weakly, "yes". "Get that thing off my boat", said Matt " don't you know nobody brings bananas on a salmon boat, no wonder we aren't catching any fish!" Stuffing what was left of the banana in his mouth, Joe chucked the peel onto the shore and then another whole banana followed. "You had TWO bananas on my boat", shouted Matt,"if you were on a halibut ship you would be swimming by now!" Gloria, Bill and Rich were all getting a big kick out of this good natured torment but poor Joe realized that the whole world would soon know of his dastardly deed. Oh, no Rich would be putting it on the blog tonight!! "Glad it was you and not me", whispered Rich into Joe's ear as they got underway again. Let the novice beware, nobody brings bananas on a fishing boat, especially Matt Peterson's salmon boat!
In spite of Matt's best efforts they didn't boat a fish. But good stories, great people and lots of laughter made for a short but memorable trip. Returning to the dock at noon e-mails were exchanged, hands were shook and promises to return were made. Valley River Charters offers Alaska's finest fishing and Matthew Peterson is one of the top notch guides in the area. The men were indeed fortunate to book with him on such short notice. Everyone assured Matt they had enjoyed the trip in spite of the bananas! Matt you're the best and we will be back that's a promise! Joe, you might try bringing Matt an apple when you return on Monday!
As the guys were walking over to their car Rich stopped to talk to Gloria and ask her where they might find a lake or stream to fish in the afternoon on their own. "We have a small boat on a nice lake full of fish that we would be happy for you to use", replied Gloria. Giving Rich directions and the "secret" combination to the lock on the boat, Gloria said, "just put everything back exactly like you found it." Amazed at such a kind and generous offer Rich was speechless! (a first!) Getting into the car Rich told Bill about Gloria's gesture and they were off to savor another adventure.
Stopping at the Point Mackenzie General Store and Cafe for lunch the fellas were wined and dined by lovely Brittney Boitz. Excited over the prospects of fishing for rainbow trout our intrepid anglers quickly downed Halibut and fries followed by a big bowl of ice cream. A quick photo session with Brittney and the guys were off to explore their new fishing spot.
Giving instructions to Rich on how to find their lake, Gloria had shown them on the map where to get off the main road and follow a winding, twisting dirt trail that was aptly called "The Burma Road". "You should be able to get down it okay with your car" Gloria had said. Coming to a bend in the river road they found the sign that pointed to the ominous sounding "Burma Road". Slowly moving down the trail, they found the drive to be quite adequate and were soon to the lake where they discovered the boat just as Gloria had said. Loading their gear and launching they were soon enjoying the beautiful scenery and peaceful surroundings. Rich quickly began catching small rainbow trout as the fish were hitting the top of the water feeding on little bugs. Bill was fumbling with his fishing rod that looked something like a cross between a conventional reel and the spring off a rear shock absorber. Both men had packed collapsible rods since space was at a premium in the plane. Bill finally got things together and began to fish in earnest. It wasn't long before a light shower began to fall and the guys grabbed their ponchos and hunkered down. Suddenly a crack of thunder jolted them upright as a bolt of lightning shot across the sky. Looking up it was already clearing and the rain stopping. Funny how quickly the weather can change in Alaska!
Putting this day in perspective was easy. It wasn't a river but a pristine lake. It wasn't a limit of Kings but eager little rainbows. It wasn't fish but new found friends! Thanks Gloria, you gave two old men a memory we will cherish! Matt, you got a great momma! Brittney, you serve a mean dish of black cherry ice cream.