Guest Blogger "Kent Davenport".
Introducing Dr. kent Davenport. "Mr. Kent" as we like to call him on the Babine. I met Kent when I took the job at Babine Norlakes during that first few weeks together he taught me a lot of valuable info much of which I still use daily while guiding. He has spent over 60 weeks as a guest at Norlakes. Only in the last year have I surpassed him in days spent at the lodge. He would still have a lot more swings under his belt there than I. Kent is likely not the only hardcore steelheader from Hawaii, but he's the only one that I know. Mr. Kent loves all aspects of the steelhead angling experience and he is especially fond of the foolishness around camp. He is a very rich resource for Babine historical info and a great friend. Mr. Kent is a regular commenter on the chronicles and I'm hoping to have him as a regular writer. He has written a tarpon story that will appear on the blog in weeks to come. So much to say about him but I'll leave some for another date. Here is his story of a wonderful piece of water.
“Bear Scare is a small pocket in the upper river that got it’s name years ago when Todd Stockner stopped there to fish. He had a dog with him and it was not long before a bear noticed the dog. There was a spirited interaction and Todd split with the dog.
In 2011 Darren Wright the guide dropped me off and told me to fish it thru and he would be back later. I fished and found nobody home. Darren came back and we loaded up except I could not find my blue boat bag. I thought it was in the boat, but no so Darren took me back to camp, Got Pierce Clegg and went back to bear scare. About forty yards into the brush what was left of the bag was discovered. a bear had taken it ripped it apart ate about a dozen spey flies and chewed off the handle on my Hardy Bougle . All the remains showed up at camp. The Bougle still worked and I did not get it fixed. I still use it today a mimento of the river. I once caught a 41 lb Atlantic Salmon on it while Stan Bogdan watched and who could only shake his head in disbelief.”
Fortunately no bears, humans or feelings were hurt during this incident. I love it when Mr. Kent busts out his Bougle with the missing handle and the toothmarks. Thanks so much Kent for the guest piece. I look forward to posting more from you.