They were in Alaska to visit us but were also very determined to fill their coolers. They had a pretty good run with salt water charter guys that we had hooked them up with, but now it was time to get some fresh water fishing done. They had been asking me about someone to guide them (gratis) into one of three million Alaskan lakes, or at very least, to get some good info on bait, locations, and techniques. I, an ex mid-westerner who had been in Alaska ten years and had caught a grand total of one rainbow during my entire tenure, had nothing informative to offer. I was trying to convince them that best way to do things would be to hire a pro to guide them down Kenai, assuring them that they would not only catch fish, they would catch a lot of fish. When they started wavering, I sealed deal by offering to go myself, as this was something on my short list of must-dos in Alaska and I had time and money now.

It worked, and we soon found ourselves in one of local watering holes of Seward asking who would be right people to guide us down Kenai. I sought out Bob Schaeffer, a Seward fly fisherman, guide, and columnist. Although we were not looking to avail ourselves of his excellent and very personalized services, he happily offered up that we should seek out guides of Kenai Cache Tackle and Guiding.

Bob's trips are a little more one-on-one and are fly rod oriented, and although this did not appeal to flatlanders in us I cannot say enough how well recommended are his services and what a fine guy he is. I do warn you, however, not to take up a pool cue in opposition to him. Be it Nine Ball, Eight Ball or Three Ball, he will walk out of bar counting your money.

A quick call to Kenai Cache and a short but pleasant conversation with Genese Peterson (she and her husband, Darwin, own shop) and day after next we were on our way. Our plan was to take full eight hour tour down Upper Kenai River, about a ten mile stretch of water that runs from Kenai Lake to Skilak Lake through Cooper's Landing and, in parts, alongside Sterling Highway. We were a tad anxious to be on our way and thus we found ourse

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Mike madcap angler, Jetsetters Magazine Correspondent – Read Jetsetters Magazine at www.jetsettersmagazine.com To book travel visit Jetstreams.com at www.jetstreams.com and for Beach Resorts visit Beach Booker at www.beachbooker.com

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