
This is Lawrence with his 1st King Salmon!
- Tue Dec 10, 2002 AM
- 5:30:00 PM
- Northern California
This trip began at 6:00 AM, when I picked up my client from his Motel. We headed down to the Sacramento River and launched at the Gravel Bar. There was not much going this morning… not much at all. We tried plugs of all colors, and still no biters, but there were fish everywhere! So, I decided to move upriver, where we found a pod of fish, but still no biters, that is, for a while… and then about 2:15, Lawrence hooked up with a 24 lb. hen! He had never before caught a King Salmon, anywhere! He was ecstatic, and it was a thrill to watch Lawrence pull in his Very First King Salmon!! We had a slow start, but this turned out to be a great trip, and we had fun!! Arrrrr Matey’s! The River Pirate, Ken Hoffman

- Sat Nov 16, 2002
- 5:30:00 PM
- Sacramento, California
Jim and Martin joined Tony today, and everyone got an early start. We started our day at Mud Ball, just below Old Mouth, on the Sacramento River. On the first pass back trolling Kwick-Fish, we hooked 5 fish, and got 3 to the boat. The 1st was 28 pounds, the 2nd was 21 pounds, and the 3rd was 35 pounds. Tony brought in the 35 pounder! We then moved down river to Jellys Ferry, and started back trolling again. Tony suddenly yells Fish On, and he caught a 20 pound. hen! On the 2nd pass through Jellys Ferry, Martin yelled Fish On, and he brought in a 26 pound hen! We then went down to Two Rock, and Jim caught a 28 pounder! Then, my deck hand, (Jerry) had a turn and caught a nice 37 pounder! Jim, Martin and Tony, each brought in 2 salmon this trip. Everyone had a great time! Arrrrr Matey’s! The River Pirate, Ken Hoffman

- Fri Nov 15, 2002
- 5:30:00 PM
- Sacramento, California

- Fri Oct 25, 2002
- 5:30:00 PM
- Northern California

- Sat Sep 14, 2002
- 5:30:00 PM
- Northern California

Ed
- Sat Aug 10, 2002
- 5:30:00 PM
- Northern California

- Fri Aug 2, 2002
- 5:30:00 PM
- Northern California

- Sun Dec 28, 2003
- 6:00:00 PM
- Northern California

- Fri Dec 26, 2003
- 6:00:00 PM
- Northern California

- Tue Dec 23, 2003
- 8:34:29 PM
- Northern California

- Mon Dec 22, 2003
- 9:55:55 PM
- Northern California

- Sat Dec 20, 2003
- 11:44:16 PM
- Northern California

- Thu Dec 18, 2003
- 11:40:12 PM
- Northern California

- Mon Dec 8, 2003
- 11:36:06 PM
- Northern California
- Fri Nov 28, 2003
- 10:30:47 PM
- Northern California

- Sun Nov 23, 2003
- 10:04:14 PM
- Northern California
- Sat Nov 22, 2003
- 9:41:40 PM
- Northern California
- Thu Nov 20, 2003
- 9:17:27 PM
- Northern California
- Tue Nov 18, 2003
- 9:30:15 PM
- Northern California

- Sat Nov 15, 2003
- 1:10:28 PM
- Northern California
- Fri Nov 14, 2003
- 11:25:12 PM
- Northern California

- Tue Nov 11, 2003
- 9:41:10 PM
- Northern California
- Mon Nov 10, 2003
- 10:03:22 PM
- Northern California

- Sat Nov 8, 2003
- 9:30:59 PM
- Northern California

- Sun Nov 2, 2003
- 9:56:25 PM
- Northern California

- Sat Nov 1, 2003
- 10:10:54 PM
- Northern California

- Fri Oct 31, 2003
- 10:47:27 PM
- Northern California

- Mon Oct 27, 2003
- 9:30:22 PM
- Northern California
- Sun Oct 26, 2003
- 8:30:36 PM
- Northern California
- Thu Oct 23, 2003
- 10:17:42 AM
- Northern California

- Thu Oct 16, 2003
- 10:30:10 AM
- Northern California

- Mon Oct 13, 2003
- 10:14:33 AM
- Northern California
- Sat Oct 11, 2003
- 10:10:52 AM
- Northern California

- Thu Oct 9, 2003
- 9:18:21 PM
- Northern California
Obie, Mitchell, and Syed with their Kings from the Sacramento River.Obie, his son Mitchell, and good friend Syed, hold up their prizes of the day. The Sac River gave up some of her bounty of Kings to them. The score ending at, Fish: 5 Anglers: 3. Great day of fishing!
Arrrr Matey’s! Ken Hoffman, The River Pirate

- Mon Oct 6, 2003
- 6:14:08 PM
- Northern California

- Sat Oct 4, 2003
- 9:10:50 PM
- Northern California

- Thu Oct 2, 2003
- 9:02:32 PM
- Northern California

- Sat Sep 27, 2003
- 1:58:07 PM
- Northern California

- Fri Sep 26, 2003
- 10:00:14 PM
- Northern California

- Tue Sep 23, 2003
- 10:33:16 PM
- Northern California

- Sun Sep 21, 2003
- 10:35:08 PM
- Northern California
- Thu Sep 18, 2003
- 10:30:25 PM
- Northern California

- Mon Sep 15, 2003
- 10:45:23 PM
- Northern California

- Fri Sep 12, 2003
- 10:37:43 PM
- Northern California

- Mon Sep 8, 2003
- 10:40:00 PM
- Northern California

- Wed Sep 3, 2003
- 10:20:42 PM
- Northern California

- Mon Aug 25, 2003
- 10:50:46 PM
- Northern California

- Sun Aug 24, 2003
- 10:30:29 PM
- Northern California
Jim and Martin, showing off their beautiful salmon, and George, on the swim platform.
- Fri Aug 15, 2003
- 10:40:04 PM
- Northern California

- Thu Aug 14, 2003
- 10:42:00 PM
- Northern California

- Sat Aug 9, 2003
- 9:40:54 PM
- Northern California

- Mon Oct 13, 2003
- 10:14:33 AM
- Northern California
This trip started at 5:00 AM, when Dallas (my first mate) and I met John, Kevin, Joel, Chris, and JohnRoss at their motel, and they followed us to the river. We were loading the ice chest into the Vicki Ann, when John realized he had forgotten his fishing license at the motel, and left to retrieve it. As we headed up to the first hole above the ramp to return after one drift, to my surprise… a boat came roaring up the river and settled in just below us, and John was waving at us from the other boat, (Man, he must have flown!) and now the group was complete. As we hit all the holes down-stream, while marking fish, there were no biters. (Another case of fish with locked-jaws.) This was probably due to the recent storms that had been moving through the area over the last few days. Finally I saw a few active fish in a hole after we made our way back upriver, and decided to sit on top of them, and our luck was about to change.
It was John first. The rod went off, and the fish’s dance began. The fish decided to take a swim in the next hole, downriver… but John talked him out of it. The fight lasted for about 15 minutes, with both combatants not wanting to give an inch, but finally the fish surrendered. A bright male of about 18 pounds found his way to the boat, and into his Private Pool with a Jacuzzi Pump. Two passes later, Kevin had a hit, or should I say, a pull from the space shuttle taking off. Unfortunately the stages separated, and the fish continued on it’s way. It was now after noon, and Joel’s turn. The fish had inhaled his lure, and they were now engaged in a tug-o-war… with Joel on one end, and the fish on the other, back and forth they went, to see who would be the victor of the line. Joel finally wore her down, and she too, decided to come to the Private Pool provided. Now, with a couple of more passes, and a few more close calls, JonRoss was on, and the stage was set. The fish ran and jumped one time, like an actor who had a case of stage fright, and only wanted to leave the set, but JonRoss was standing his ground, and finally conviced her to come to the Pool Party for the leading actors. About 19 more pounds for the Vicki Ann to take back with her. Now the time had come to depart the water, and get ready for the next day.
This day (Aug. 5th) began with the same group following Dallas and I from their motel to the river. We headed up the river again, and dropped in. On the second pass, Chris entered a wrestling match for the World Title. Chris delivered the first move of a devastating cross-body, as the fish turned sideways in the current, and then came the counter-move, the fish… with an arm-bar trying to dislodge Chris’s shoulder. The match continued almost the full length of the hole, until Chris put his finishing move on, and I… the referee, declared Chris the Victor, and handed him the Title Belt.
Then, the bite went off, so we moved up the river a little ways with not much luck. We tried a few more holes, and had a few more pull-downs, and it was getting harder and harder to find any user-friendly fish. The guys were getting a little tired, and the fish were just not co-operating, but, I had one more trick up my sleeve… a small shallow run that I have caught many fish from. The guys dropped their lures in, and the Vicki Ann began to slide back slowly through the shallow water as everyone was watching the bottom of the river getting ever closer to the boat, towards the bottom of the hole, and all but 2 rods were put back in the rod lockers. I had Dallas at the helm, and I instructed him to back off the throttle, when someone asked if these fish ever hit on the way in, and as he sat back… his question was answered. Fish On!! The fish was on a tear! The lines were cleared, and the battle started raging. About 10 minutes into the battle, the fish decided to head South for good, and leave us all behind. I slipped the boat into reverse, but it was too late. The fish had straightened the hook out in it’s jaw, and what a way to end the day, but this group was just teriffic, and we all had a great time. I hope to see all of them back next year.
Arrrrr Matey’s! Ken Hoffman, The River Pirate

- Fri Aug 1, 2003
- 11:41:31 PM
- Northern California
The August 1st salmon opening on the upper river started with a BANG!
This trip started like many other trips with Jim and Tony, only this time, they brought Janet and Lenny. They drove to the Gravel Bar where the Vicki Ann was waiting, as I had been scouting the evening before. As everybody boarded the Vicki Ann, the motor came to life, and we headed to a spot that has produced many, many fish over the years. This spot is not deep, but the fish like it just the same. We turned into the current and dropped the lures out behind us, and started backing. We had backed only about 10 feet when the rod at portside-middle, flattened, and the reel started loosing line. A swing and a miss, so we continued our decent. About halfway down the drift, Jim’s rod followed suit. Fish On! Fish On!! Everybody cleared their lines, and the fight began! Back and forth between fisherman and fish… but finally the King was defeated. It only took about 15 minutes… and a bright fish of 23 pounds was in the net. A few more holes and a few more swings, and the fish were winning. The sun was high in the sky now, and the cry went out once again. Fish On!! The lines were cleared, and this time it was Janet’s turn. 20 minutes, 30 minutes, and the battle raged on. The fish began to surcome, and started to come peacefully to the boat… a very large fish, looked to be 40 to 45 pounds, and then with a flick of his tail, and one last ditch effort, under the boat he went, as the line went slack. He had keel-hauled the line and taken his spoils with him. He was now the proud owner of a bright new lure, and probably showing it off to all of his friends!
We retied the leader and put another lure on, and headed up for another drift. We’d just put the lures back in, and Jim once again announced Fish On! This time the fish ended up in the net. The day ended as we pulled to the campsite, and it wasn’t a bad day, with 2 fish in the box, 9 fish on, and 3 slaps, and 1 more day to go.
The next day (Aug. 2nd) started under cloudy, rainy skies, and the fish had shut off. We fished until 10:30, and the lightening decided to join the party, so to the bank we went. Everyone went into town until the storm cleared, and the rain had stopped falling on our parade. About 3:30, we headed off again, to try to pry these fishs’ mouth’s open. 3 hits later, and Tony was hooked up, and the fight was on again! One more 24 pound Sac River King had succumbed to the pressure. Finally, the day had it’s way… not much fishing time left, but we caught one fish, and as all anglers know… Fishing Is Fishing. We had a good time anyway, and everyone went their separate ways, with memories of fun and fishing in the Sacramento River.
Arrrrr Matey’s! Ken Hoffman, The River Pirate

- Sat Jul 26, 2003
- 11:20:04 PM
- Northern California

- Fri Jul 25, 2003
- 11:10:55 PM
- Northern California

- Sat Jul 19, 2003
- 10:37:21 PM
- Northern California
Class is in today…
I met Robin and Fergal about 8:30 this morning, at the Antler’s Resort Marina. As Fergal came walking down the stairs, Robin was waiting by their car. We conversed a minute or two, and then boarded the Vicki Ann. The hour was a little late for me to head to the Goose Neck, as the boat traffic on Shasta Lake was already becoming crowded. I was hoping for a few fish to come our way, even though this day was scheduled to be a learning experience. So, we headed further up the Sacramento River Arm up to the 5-mile an hour Buoy instead. Well… that wasn’t stopping folks from speeding by us like there was a fire chasing them, so we headed back towards the Marina, and the down riggers went out, and the lines went down. The first fish came at about 40 feet… a little spotted bass of approximately 11/2 pounds. Now, with a few fish under out belt, we switched from trolling to casting, and about 11:00 AM, and a few more fish, we found a shady spot to begin our lessons, and cast some fly rods, as neither Robin or Fergal had ever cast a spinning rod or a fly rod before, and had requested that I teach them both some basics. After about 30-45 minutes, they were both casting a fly rod. These two were enjoying every minute, casting with so much enthusiasm, and learning so quickly, that I believe they will both become fine fly casters, and will always enjoy fishing.
Now it was time for a dip in the lake, as the mercury was pushing 110 degrees, and we spent a while hiding under the I-5 Bridge, and a Railroad Bridge. The day ended about 4:15, when we docked at the Antler’s Resort.
Robin and Fergal are planning to be married in two months, and I think they make a lovely couple. This was a fun day with two great folks, that I enjoyed having aboard my boat, and I hope to see them again.
Arrrrr Matey’s! Ken Hoffman, The River Pirate

- Wed Jul 16, 2003
- 11:36:30 PM
- Northern California
This day started at about 4:45 AM. Barry arrived at the River Rest Resort while I was having coffee with Dallas, my 1st Mate for the day, and Thom was not long behind. We said our Hello’s, and took the short walk to the dock where the Vicki Ann was waiting to take us to the start of another Salmon Season.
As we were idling down the river, the air was brisk, and anticipation filled the boat. We rounded the last corner to find the hole that had been quiet just the day before, had now become a boat parking lot. As we took our place in line, I decided not to park at this lot. No… instead we would go back upstream to the Red Barn and solitude, but the fish gods were not amused, so it was time to move again… down and around the parking lot, and down to the bottom of the parking lot, and bliss, once again. First drift, second drift, third drift… didn’t produce ner’ a nibble, but on the fifth drift that was about to change, and the cry of “FISH ON” rang out as the line on Thom’s reel was pulled off and the fish was headed south. Finally… to the boat and netted, was a 28 pounder! By this time it was already 9:30 AM. At 10:30 AM, the second fish grabbed Barry’s plug and tried to rip the rod from it’s perch in the rod holder where it was lying. After 10-15 minutes, another 28 pound beauty was laid to rest. Then Thom was on once again. The line was being pulled off his reel, and the river gave up another bright 26 pound fish!
So, as early afternoon rolled around, with deadlines to meet, Thom had to be on his way. As he reluctantly disembarked from the Vicki Ann, he took with him 2 of the river’s beauty’s, and I hope some great memories too.
Then Barry and I decided to take a break for a while, as the sun was high above us, and the air was now on the warm side, but Barry had only 1 fish, and there were fish in the river to be caught, so after our break, off we went again! The hole where we had caught the other fish, now looked like a ghost town. So, away we went up the river. The boat finally settled, the lines went out, and the boat began to slip backwards down the river. Then it happened! Fish, fish, fish… and the stage was set once again. Barry at one end, and the fish at the other, and line being peeled off the reel. The rod bowed over, and the line was as tight as an over-tightened guitar string, with each combatant not wanting to give an inch! Finally the fish yielded and came to the net… another beauty of 29 pounds!
With our quotas met, the day would now come to a close, with memories of another great day of fishing imprinted upon our minds.
Arrrrr Matey’s! Ken Hoffman, The River Pirate

- Tue Jul 15, 2003
- 11:29:47 PM
- Northern California
This trip began about 6:00 AM, as I brought the Vicki Ann to the fantail of Zack’s houseboat, that was nestled in the Blue Canyon Cove on Lake Shasta.
Zack, his 9 year old son, and Jerry, knew the bite was going to be tough today, as we’d had 2 days of a full moon, and the fish had been feeding all night. We tried numerous baits… to no avail. Not even minnows would pry some of these fishes’ mouth’s open. So, it became necessary to cover a large amount of water, and the trolling gear was now going to have to be employed. As we started trolling, the rod snapped out of the downrigger, and the first fish came to the boat… not too big, but a pretty little spotted bass, caught by Zack’s son, as were the 2nd and 3rd fish. Then Zack and Jerry got in on the action, and Zack brought in 2 more on the same lure at the same time, and a few more came to the boat for the trio. Unfortunately… nothing of much size today, but the guys were in good spirits. The air was getting very warm, and we fished about 5 to 7 miles of the Pit Arm from the Arbuckle Flat. This trip ended a little early as the little guy was getting tired, and I dropped them off at their house boat. I hope to see this trio again sometime, and I’ll be looking forward to another trip with them in the future.
Arrrrr Mateys! Ken Hoffman, The River Pirate

- Tue Jun 17, 2003
- 11:30:15 PM
- Northern California

- Sat Jun 7, 2003
- 10:30:28 PM
- Northern California

- Fri Jun 6, 2003
- 10:35:53 PM
- Northern California

- Tue Jun 3, 2003
- 7:20:43 PM
- Northern California

- Fri May 30, 2003
- 10:19:04 PM
- Northern California

- Mon Oct 13, 2003
- 10:14:33 AM
- Northern California
Again, I met Tom, Ilia, Maddy, and Ethan at their Motel, but this time, about an hour earlier, as we had a little longer drive ahead of us today. We put to the water about 7:00 AM. We went just shy of a gravel bar, and as I anchored, the fish were waiting. It wasn’t long before Tom hooked the first shad of the day, a nice 3 pounder. As he fought the fish, it flashed like a mirror under the water, and as it came to the surface, it’s beautiful iridescent colors could be seen, and… Maddy at the ready… SCOOP! The fish was in the boat! Many more fish followed as we laughed and joked, and Maddy was always at the ready. As the day came to a close, I found myself wishing that it was noon again, so I could, if only for a little while… continue to enjoy the company of this family. We caught about 50 shad, with a few above 4 pounds, and we had another a great day! I sincerely hope to be able to enjoy the company of this family again.
Arrrrr Matey’s! The River Pirate, Ken Hoffman
A special note:
Little Maddy stole this old Pirate’s heart. She is 5 years old, and very bright. She loves every minute of fishing, and she’s one the sweetest children you’ll ever get a chance to meet. Her little brother Ethan, just 18 months old, was having lots of fun too, and they were both a pleasure to have aboard my boat.

- Sat May 24, 2003
- 10:46:23 AM
- Northern California

- Sat Apr 26, 2003
- 12:04:47 AM
- Northern California

- Sun Mar 2, 2003
- 5:30:00 AM
- Northern California

- Sun Dec 19, 2004
- 9:20:18 PM
- Northern California

- Fri Dec 17, 2004
- 9:24:18 PM
- Northern California

- Sat Dec 11, 2004
- 9:20:07 PM
- Northern California

- Thu Dec 2, 2004
- 9:40:21 PM
- Northern California

- Tue Nov 28, 2004
- 7:55:21 PM
- Northern California

- Sat Nov 20, 2004
- 9:30:21 PM
- Northern California

- Mon Nov 15, 2004
- 8:45:27 PM
- Northern California
- Sun Nov 14, 2004
- 10:39:09 PM
- Northern California
- Sat Nov 13, 2004
- 10:23:17 PM
- Northern California

- Thu Nov 11, 2004
- 9:59:43 PM
- Northern California

- Wed Nov 10, 2004
- 9:49:38 PM
- Northern California
- Tue Nov 9, 2004
- 9:35:49 PM
- Northern California
- Mon Nov 8, 2004
- 9:20:35 PM
- Northern California
- Sun Nov 7, 2004
- 9:30:40 PM
- Northern California

- Thu Nov 4, 2004
- 9:09:10 PM
- Northern California
- Sat Oct 30, 2004
- 9:30:09 PM
- Northern California
- Fri Oct 29, 2004
- 9:27:11 PM
- Northern California

- Thu Oct 28, 2004
- 9:30:34 PM
- Northern California

- Tue Oct 26, 2004
- 10:00:32 PM
- Northern California
- Sun Oct 24, 2004
- 9:48:09 PM
- Northern California

- Sat Oct 23, 2004
- 9:36:08 PM
- Northern California
- Fri Oct 22, 2004
- 9:15:39 PM
- Northern California
- Thu Oct 21, 2004
- 9:23:52 PM
- Northern California
- Sun Oct 17, 2004
- 10:45:16 PM
- Northern California
This day began when I met Mike, Shane and his son Blaise, at the Hotel in Anderson, and soon we were off to the river. This was one of the days that the Old River Pirate enjoys most of all, when a youngster is introduced to the sport of fishing. Today produced 4 fish, and 2 of them were caught by Blaise, at only 5 years of age. In my mind, I believe that this little guy should hold the River Pirate’s Junior Top Angler of the Year Award. The largest fish weighed in at 25.3 pounds, and the smallest was 10 pounds. We all had lots of fun this trip, and I hope to see everyone back sometime soon!
Arrrr Matey’s! Ken Hoffman, The River Pirate
- Sat Oct 16, 2004
- 10:27:41 PM
- Northern California
- Fri Oct 15, 2004
- 10:12:07 PM
- Northern California
- Thu Oct 14, 2004
- 10:00:59 PM
- Northern California
- Wed Oct 13, 2004
- 9:50:49 PM
- Northern California

- Mon Oct 11, 2004
- 8:15:30 PM
- Northern California

- Sun Oct 10, 2004
- 7:45:54 PM
- Northern California

- Sat Oct 9, 2004
- 9:40:57 PM
- Northern California

- Fri Oct 8, 2004
- 10:02:44 PM
- Northern California

Marty and Ronni, holding up their salmon catch of the day.
- Wed Oct 6, 2004
- 9:40:01 PM
- Northern California

- Tue Oct 5, 2004
- 9:28:42 PM
- Northern California
- Mon Oct 4, 2004
- 9:20:49 PM
- Northern California

- Sun Oct 3, 2004
- 9:20:07 PM
- Northern California

- Sat Oct 2, 2004
- 9:00:52 PM
- Northern California
- Fri Oct 1, 2004
- 10:22:10 PM
- Northern California

- Thu Sep 30, 2004
- 10:00:51 PM
- Northern California

- Wed Sep 29, 2004
- 10:55:22 PM
- Northern California

- Tue Sep 28, 2004
- 10:24:03 PM
- Northern California
- Mon Sep 27, 2004
- 9:50:32 PM
- Northern California

- Sat Sep 25, 2004
- 10:20:48 PM
- Northern California

- Fri Sep 24, 2004
- 10:00:41 PM
- Northern California

- Thu Sep 23, 2004
- 9:15:41 PM
- Northern California

- Wed Sep 22, 2004
- 6:00:23 PM
- Northern California

- Mon Sep 20, 2004
- 10:09:59 PM
- Northern California

- Sun Sep 19, 2004
- 9:37:40 PM
- Northern California

- Sat Sep 18, 2004
- 9:03:46 PM
- Northern California

- Fri Sep 17, 2004
- 9:42:20 PM
- Northern California

- Wed Sep 15, 2004
- 10:48:39 PM
- Northern California
- Mon Sep 13, 2004
- 10:24:11 PM
- Northern California
- Sat Sep 11, 2004
- 11:01:44 PM
- Northern California

- Fri Sep 10, 2004
- 10:50:03 PM
- Northern California

- Wed Sep 8, 2004
- 11:19:57 PM
- Northern California

- Fri Sep 3, 2004
- 10:32:29 PM
- Northern California

- Sat Aug 28, 2004
- 11:03:04 PM
- Northern California

- Sun Aug 22, 2004
- 10:15:09 PM
- Northern California

- Fri Aug 20, 2004
- 10:00:36 PM
- Northern California

- Sun Aug 15, 2004
- 12:03:08 PM
- Northern California

- Sat Aug 14, 2004
- 11:52:12 PM
- Northern California
- Mon Aug 9, 2004
- 10:40:51 PM
- Northern California
- Sun Aug 8, 2004
- 10:32:58 PM
- Northern California

- Sat Aug 7, 2004
- 10:40:08 PM
- Northern California
- Fri Aug 6, 2004
- 10:38:52 PM
- Northern California

- Wed Aug 4, 2004
- 11:02:42 PM
- Northern California

- Mon Aug 2, 2004
- 10:48:35 PM
- Northern California
- Sun Aug 1, 2004
- 10:30:41 PM
- Northern California
- Fri Jul 30, 2004
- 10:20:32 PM
- Northern California
- Thu Jul 29, 2004
- 9:46:35 PM
- Northern California

- Sun Jul 25, 2004
- 5:41:15 PM
- Northern California
- Sat Jul 24, 2004
- 7:57:28 PM
- Northern California

- Mon Jul 19, 2004
- 7:02:15 PM
- Northern California
- Sat Jun 26, 2004
- 9:48:11 PM
- Northern California
- Thu Jun 24, 2004
- 3:34:38 PM
- Northern California

- Mon Jun 21, 2004
- 3:20:11 PM
- Northern California
- Sun Jun 20, 2004
- 7:25:19 PM
- Northern California
- Fri Jun 18, 2004
- 11:10:21 PM
- Northern California

- Thu Jun 17, 2004
- 6:50:39 PM
- Northern California
- Tue Jun 15, 2004
- 3:12:39 PM
- Northern California
- Mon Jun 14, 2004
- 10:00:13 PM
- Northern California
- Sat Jun 12, 2004
- 10:30:22 PM
- Northern California
- Fri Jun 11, 2004
- 2:00:01 PM
- Northern California
- Sun Jun 6, 2004
- 10:40:39 PM
- Northern California

- Mon May 24, 2004
- 10:40:59 PM
- Northern California
- Sat Apr 24, 2004
- 9:40:35 PM
- Northern California
- Tue Apr 20, 2004
- 10:00:33 PM
- Northern California

- Mon Apr 12, 2004
- 10:17:47 PM
- Northern California
- Sat Apr 3, 2004
- 10:45:03 PM
- Northern California
- Fri Apr 2, 2004
- 10:30:25 PM
- Northern California
- Sat Mar 20, 2004
- 10:30:02 PM
- Northern California
- Sat Mar 13, 2004
- 10:31:18 PM
- Northern California

- Sat Mar 6, 2004
- 9:38:13 PM
- Northern California

- Tue Feb 10, 2004
- 8:30:09 PM
- Northern California
- Sat Feb 7, 2004
- 9:30:32 PM
- Northern California

- Wed Feb 4, 2004
- 8:15:13 PM
- Northern California

- Thu Jan 15, 2004
- 9:10:25 PM
- Northern California
- Sat Jan 10, 2004
- 9:00:46 PM
- Northern California

- Fri Jan 2, 2004
- 9:01:13 PM
- Northern California
Jerry is proudly holding his Salmon catch of the day.
- Sat Dec 17, 2005
- 10:16:51 PM
- Northern California
This day began with a phone call, about 1 PM in the afternoon. Soon after, Jerry and his dog Bear, met me in Redding, and off to the river we went. It was a cold afternoon, with a scattering of light snow, but the water looked good, so we launched the Vicki Ann, and headed up river. With a quick stop to get our baits ready along the bank, quietly we made our way to the first spot, and I slipped the anchor into the water, and the anchor rope came tight. It was now time to try our luck. We had only been waiting for about 10 minutes when the first rod went down, and the fun soon began. Now, with the first fish in the boat, a beautiful hen of about 26 pounds, we dropped our offerings back to the fish once again. It was soon apparent the the fish were cooperating today, as Jerry’s rod went off with a vengeance! As the rod flattened out, and Jerry was now getting warmed up once again, as the fish was pulling, and he was trying to keep him in check, as the line was peeling off the reel. But, the fish would finally give, under the pressure that Jerry was applying. It would be about 20 minutes before we saw this fish on the surface, waiting to come and join his friend in the Jacuzzi aboard the Vicki Ann. He weighed in at 47 pounds! Now, our day was ending, as we made our way back to the ramp, and loaded the boat back on the trailer. Although this was a short trip, if was lots of fun, and we had a great time fishing, and Jerry is now the River Pirate Top Angler for Salmon. I hope to see him back fishing with me again soon!
Arrrr Matey’s! Ken Hoffman, The River Pirate

Lee and Russ are holding up their beautiful Salmon catch of the day.
- Mon Dec 5, 2005
- 9:30:25 PM
- Sacramento, California
This day began when I met Lee and Russ, at the hotel in Anderson, and soon we were on our way. It was a cold morning, with the air hovering in the high 30’s, and a water temperature of 42 degrees. The first hole produced not hardly a bite, so we dropped to the next spot, and anchored. It wouldn’t take too long before Russ’s rod would bend for the first time of the day, but, it was shortlived, as the fish had other ideas. We then decided to work the rest of the hole, and upon picking up the anchor, and backing down through the hole, Lee’s rod would bend, and the fight was on. After about a 13 minute fight, he was looking at a gorgeous late fall King laying on the deck of the Vicki Ann. We fished for a few more hours before we would get another, but it would come. Another fish on and off, but within moments… Russ’s rod would bend once again, and this time it would stick. Another beautiful bright Sac River King would make it to the boat. The fish weighed in at 18 – 28 pounds. With 2 fish to the boat, and a couple of other hits, everyone had a great time laughing and joking, and just having fun, and I hope to see these guys back fishing with me again soon!
Arrrr Matey’s! Ken Hoffman, The River Pirate

Steve and Norma, are holding the Salmon catch from this great 2 day fishing adventure.
- Wed Nov 23, 2005
- 8:58:57 PM
- Sacramento, California
On the first day of a 2 day fishing adventure, I met Jim, Norma, and Steve at the hotel in Anderson, and we were soon off to the river, to launch the Vicki Ann. Today, things would happen quickly, as Steve, on the first run of the first hole, would have the first opportunity at a Sac River King. After about a 10 minute fight, he had his Trophy aboard, and the day was young. But although, we had a few other fish on, only 1 fish made it to the Vicki Ann, but we were all looking forward to the next day.
On the second day, things would get a little tougher. Once again, we had a few hits, but it would not be until later in the day that Norma would get her fish to the boat, but not before she had a battle with a few other close calls. Now, the fish she was fighting was trying every way it could to shake the hook, but Norma fought it like a Trouper, and it finally succumbed to her fishing skills. No more fish came to the boat on this day, but Norma was happy! We all had a great time, and I hope to see this group back fishing with me again!
Arrrr Matey’s! Ken Hoffman, The River Pirate

Doug and Carol, holding the bright Salmon catch of the day.
- Tue Nov 22, 2005
- 8:49:25 PM
- Northern California

Jim is holding his beautiful Steelhead catch of the day.
- Mon Nov 21, 2005
- 8:41:35 PM
- Northern California
This trip began when I met Jim in Redding, and we made our way to the river to launch the Vicki Ann 2. Throughout the day we fished hard, in hopes of catching a Sac River King, but to no avail. Although, Jim hooked a beautiful 2 pound Steelhead, that was released back into the swift current of the Sacramento River. As soon as Jim hooked this fish, it was airborne, and put up a good 10 minute fight. All in all, we had a good time on the river, and I hope to see him back fishing with me again!
Good Fishing to All! Dallas, The Scallywag

Karen and Gene are smiling as they hold the bright Salmon catch of the day.
- Tue Nov 15, 2005
- 8:36:07 PM
- Northern California
This day began when I met Gene and Karen at the hotel in Anderson, and off we went to the river, to launch the Vicki Ann. It was a tough bite today, but one nice bright Sac River King came to the boat. These two were great company, and we all had fun on the water!
Arrrr Matey’s! Ken Hoffman, The River Pirate

- Sat Nov 19, 2005
- 6:19:52 PM
- Northern California

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- Sun Nov 13, 2005
- 9:17:59 PM
- Northern California
This trip began when I met Alan, Shannon, Brian and Kristin in Anderson, and soon we departed for the river, to launch the Vicki Ann. In our first hole, it wasn’t long before the cry of “Fish On” was heard, but the fish soon fled. Only minutes passed, and another fish was hooked, but was soon gone, in the swift current. As we continued on through the hole, it wouldn’t be long before Shannon hooked and landed the first fish of the day! A nice bright buck was soon in the Jacuzzi aboard the Vicki Ann. Going back up to the top of the hole to make another run, soon it would be Kristin’s turn. She battled a nice bright hen, that would soon join it’s friend in the Jaccuzi. Throughout the day, we had 6 other hits, and 2 fish in the boat, but this day surely belonged to the Girls! The fish weighed in at, 30 and 23 pounds. We all had a great time on the water, laughing and joking, and I hope to see everyone back again!
Arrrr Matey’s! Ken Hoffman, The River Pirate

Art and Steve are holding their Salmon catch of the day, from the beautiful Sac River
- Sun Nov 13, 2005
- 6:41:04
- Northern California
This day began when I met Art and Steve at the hotel in Anderson, and shortly after, we were fishing. Throughout the morning, we worked several holes, with nothing showing, so we continued on down river. In this hole, it wouldn’t be long before Steve said, “Fish On!” He fought a bright 23 pound hen for approx. 10 Mins., until it succumbed to his pressure. We now had slime on the boat. Continuing to work this hole, with not much showing, we decided to run back up river. As we made our first pass, Art’s rod would bend and touch the water. He fought this fish from the very top of the hole, until we finally netted it at the very bottom of the hole. This Sac River King weighed in at, 44.7 pounds. Now it was Art’s turn again, as he hooked into a 21 pound buck, that soon joined it’s buddies in the ice box aboard the Vicki Ann 2. With 1 other fish on, and 2 other hits, and 3 fish in the vessel, we decided to call it a day. We all had a awesome time, with lots of laughs, I hope to see these 2 guys back fishing with me again!
Good Fishing to All! Dallas, The Scallywag

Kyle and Cliff are holding their nice Salmon catch of the day.
- Fri Nov 11, 2005
- 6:17:13 PM
- Northern California
This day began when I met Kyle and Cliff at the hotel in Anderson. We soon were off to the river to launch the Vicki Ann 2. In our first hole, we had a fish on and off, so we decided to go through this area again. It wouldn’t be long before Kyle hooked the first fish of the day. He fought this fish for approx. 9 Mins., and he boated a nice 15 pound hen. Continuing to work this hole, Cliff would be next to hook up with a bright 10 pound buck, that soon joined it’s buddy in the ice box aboard the Vicki Ann 2. Later in the day, Kyle would hook up again, and he battled a beautiful 20 pound hen, that would joing the gang in the ice box. Throughout the day, we had 2 other fish on, and 3 other hits. Now, with 3 fish in the boat, we decided to end our adventure. We all had a great time, with lots of laughter, and I hope to see these guys back again!
Tight Lines to All! Dallas, The Scallywag

Dave and John are holding their Salmon catch of the day, from the Sac River.
- Mon Nov 7, 2005
- 5:54:48 PM
- Northern California

Curt and Taylor are holding their Salmon catch of the day.
- Sun Nov 6, 2005
- 5:48:52 PM
- Northern California
This day began when I met Curt and his son Taylor, at the hotel in Anderson, and soon we were fishing. At the first hole, on our first pass, fish were showing, but we had no hits yet. As the morning went on, Taylor hooked up with a 19 pound hen, that soon found it’s way to the vessel. On our next pass, at the very end of the hole, Curt would hook up with a nice 18 pound hen, that would join it’s buddy in the ice box, aboard the Vicki Ann 2. Shortly after, Taylor would hook up again, with a nice bright 24 pound hen. He fought this fish for approx. 10 mins., before it came aboard the boat. Later on in the day, Curt would hook up with the 4th fish of the day. He fought a nice 30 pound buck for approx. 12 mins., before it was netted and joined the rest of it’s buddies in the vessel. With 2 other fish on, and 3 other good hits, our day was ending. We all had a great time, and I hope to see them both back again!
Good Fishing to All! Dallas, The Scallywag

Peter and Natalie are smiling with the Salmon catch of the day.
- Sun Nov 6, 2005
- 5:42:23 PM
- Northern California
This day began when I met Peter and his daughter Natalie, in Anderson. Soon after the Vicki Ann was launched, our fishing day would begin. Natalie’s rod would go down twice on the first pass, but alas… no fish would make their way to the boat. However, all that would change on the second pass, as Natalie’s rod went down once again, and stick this time. Her very first salmon was now fighting her tooth and nail, for the right to continue up the river. But, like a trouper, she came through, and subdued the fish! A beautiful Sac River King hen would now have her ticket to the Jacuzzi, aboard the Vicki Ann. Although we had multiple fish on after that, no more would make it to the boat. We had a great day fishing the Sacramento River, and I hope to see them both back fishing with me again!
Arrrr Matey’s! Ken Hoffman, The River Pirate

Pete, Greg, Dean, Roger, and John are holding their bright Salmon catch of the day, from the beautiful Sac River.
- Sat Nov 5, 2005
- 9:29:07 PM
- Northern California
This day began when I met Greg, Pete, Dean, Roger, and John at the hotel in Anderson, and soon we were on our way to the river. With the levels of the river not fluctuating today, and the leaves and debris from the previous day’s wind storm, and the weather improving slightly, we had many more hits, with lots of fish on and off. Today’s trip would produce 5 fish in all, ranging from 22-30 pounds! Everyone on this trip had a great time, as we all laughed and joked around, and I hope to see them all back again soon!
Arrrr Matey’s! Ken Hoffman, The River Pirate

Steve is holding the bright Salmon catch of the day, as he jokingly hands it a sardine, with Dan in the background.
- Fri Nov 4, 2005
- 9:07:09 PM
- Northern California