On Local Fishing Boat, Cupertino Girl Lands 26-Pound Salmon

After a slow start, the recreational salmon fishing season is looking up. Windy conditions often prevented boats from leaving the harbor for the first couple weeks. And then, much time was spent looking for the fish.

Weather conditions have improved and according to Heather Shirley, crew member of the fishing boat Queen of Hearts, they have been catching fish steadily.

Yesterday, the 19 anglers on board brought in 26 salmon under 24 inches, and two over 24 inches.

On Thursday, they brought in 8 salmon, 2 keepers got away and they had lots of shakers.

Thursday's big story belonged to 13-year old Haley Foladare from Cupertino who landed a 26-pounder. "This is the catch of a lifetime for most fisherman," Shirley said, "and Haley fought it all the way in herself."

This was Haley's second time salmon fishing. "I didn't catch anything the first time," she said. There were plenty of congratulations from everyone that walked by.

The Queen of Hearts keeps a daily summary and score card of fishing results on their web site.