King salmon caught using the Skirted Vortaks, enhanced with Scent Striker fish attractant. The lure setup and careful technique led to an impressive catch, highlighting the effectiveness of the right gear and strategy.
(Pictured: (L to R) Randy Watt, Jordan Watt, and Rocky Watt) Photo by Walt Boman
Author’s note – this is written based on the story of a customer’s (Walt Boman) June 2024 fishing trip.
The morning sun peeked from behind the Southeast Alaska clouds as the Scent Striker customers loaded their gear into their host’s 21-foot open boat. The air was crisp and filled with the promise of adventure as they set off from Juneau, Alaska, heading toward Elfin Cove. Their destination was a friend’s cozy cabin, a perfect base for their fishing journey.
After a few days of unpredictable weather, the skies finally cleared, and the ocean calmed. It was the perfect day to venture out to Deer Harbor, located on the outside coast of Alaska’s Inside Passage. Excitement buzzed among the group as they prepared their gear, only to realize they had forgotten their herring at the Elfin Cove dock. However, they were well-stocked with Scent Striker’s new Skirted Vortaks fishing lures, which they were eager to try.
A Successful King Salmon Setup
One selected was the Willow Ptarmigan-patterned Skirted Vortaks, known for its unique mylar skirt fibers that glowed green, shimmered with Hyper UV Blue Mirage and gleamed with Bronze CI. These skirt colors were designed to attract deep-running king salmon, even at depths where light penetrates little.
They added DBS Striker Formula fish attractant to the Scent Striker Originals slide onto their 40# leader just under the Willow Ptarmigan’s skirt fibers to enhance their chances. Salmon are renowned for their keen sense of smell, and DBS is known for enticing the bite. With everything set, they settled in, waiting for the thrill of a strike.
They attached the lure to an eleven-inch flasher, threw the rig overboard, peeled off fifteen feet or so of the main line, hooked the rig to one of their downrigger clips, and dropped the bait setup to a depth of 120 feet.
A Huge King In The Net
(Photo by Walt Boman)
It didn’t take long. Suddenly, the rod bent sharply, and the reel screamed as a big king struck the lure. The battle was on. The angler fought with all his might, the fish pulling with incredible strength. The boat rocked gently on the calm waters as the struggle continued, each side refusing to give in.
After what felt like an eternity, the king began to tire. With careful maneuvering, they brought the fish closer to the boat. The net was ready, and they landed the magnificent fish with one final effort. Cheers erupted as they admired their catch, the culmination of skill, patience, and the right gear. This successful catch was a clear demonstration of the importance of the Scent Striker’s fishing lures and attractants, reaffirming their choice and informing their future fishing endeavors.
The satisfaction of landing such a prize was immense. They knew this was a once-in-a-lifetime trip, filled with memories of camaraderie, Alaska’s beauty, and the thrill of the catch. As they headed back to Elfin Cove, they couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of accomplishment and joy. This was a testament to their skills, patience, and the right gear, inspiring them for future adventures.
Find the Skirted Vortaks, DBS, and Scent Striker Originals lures in the Scent Striker shop.