Catch and Release

Point Reyes Lighthouse. Photo submitted by Clint Van Camp
Point Reyes Lighthouse. Photo submitted by Clint Van Camp

You check the Tide Tables one more time as you prepare the boat for launch. It is necessary to catch the out-going tide to conserve fuel. You pull out of San Leandro Marina south of Oakland on a friend’s 24 foot inboard boat just before dawn. Your goal is to catch some Pacific salmon.

You cross under the Oakland-San Francisco Bay Bridge and pass Treasure Island as the sun comes over the horizon. Af…