Whim-Oh '22, session notes from the Rogue.

"The excitement, challenge, and beauty make white marlin fishing the sport of kings. People who have the means to chase any fish, anywhere, spend millions of dollars to chase white marlin," -Ric Burnley
Traffic backup on the southside of the Harry W. Kelley Drawbridge... waiting for passage to Harbor island.
-FishTalk image, 8/2022.

      49th White Marlin Open. This year's "Whim-Oh" as my niece would put it. Hav'ta say, a bit tame compared to the WMO tournaments of the past. Lot's of tuna. Big Eye. Yellowfin. Only a few Bluefin. A handful of non-qualifying Whiteys'. Some Ono (ie. Wahoo). A Swordfish (did not qualify)... no shark allowed (booooo!). A Blue Marlin. And a gaggle of Mahi. Not the spectacle I have previously seen- in my mind. Maybe due to cooler waters. The gulf stream being a little misaligned. Whatever. Wife and I still got our tuna steaks. Got a beer. Stilled packed like sardines. Waiting for next year. The 50th. Fanfare for sure. Get wet. Stay wet! 

Wahooooo!

Winning White Marlin.

    Discovered Big Truck Farm Brewing during last year's WMO. HalfCab Hazy IPA. Growin' their own Cascade hops. Truely a home grown brew. Poured a near straw yellow with a huge 3-finger, puffy, white head. Grassy, piney, lemon aromas. Flavors of resinous hops, grapefruit citrus, light malts. Feel was not as heavy as other IPAs. 6% Alcohol. 35 IBUs. Rated a solid B. 

   Our newest local brew house - Burnish Beer Company. Shine IPA. Soft scents of orange and pine. after the first sip...edgy spice surrounding mango and pineapple with a slight dank hint of pine. Some cloudiness in the pour. Thin but plentiful lacing. 'Bout a finger-ful of white head. Decent wet coaster. Impressive for a newer brewery. 6.3% ABV. Estimated 35 IBUs. Gave it B+ rating.

WMO over. Summer's end is near. 8/12/2022