Mechanics and a story. Last Fri. I had the pleasure of fishing with list
member, Patrick, on the Yakima. The Yakima, presently, is the 400 level
course. The water is exceptionally high and the winds can match. Patrick
had his casting and presentation in order, and although fish were not
looking up very good due to the absense of insects on the surface, Patrick
caught some nice fish and had some quick refusal, or missed takes. The
ability to manage line, make good casts and present the fly properly, then
hook and play a fish properly is the essence of our sport and when it all
comes together, especially in the toughest of circumstances, it is very
rewarding. Monday, I had the same set of conditions on the Canyon stretch
with a client and we failed to get a fish to net. The client had difficulty
throwing a tight loop and the fly constantly blew up stream and would drag
from the onset. The one big fish we did hook managed to throw the hook
after headshaking below the boat for some time. Reducing the tention on the
line, at this time, would have dropped the fish below the surface and then
he could have retrieved line.
Now the fish story. As Patrick and I were approaching Squaw Creek, I saw a
guide friend's boat at the ramp and pulled over to that bank. Just as we
were approaching the boat, Patrick casted in against the bank and a very
large 'bow took the elk-haired caddis. The fish took off down stream as
Hugh, owner of Creekside Angler Fly Shop watched from the bank next to the
boat. I felt pretty good having Hugh as the audience since they send me
trips and I'm in the shop quite often. Well, I'm standing in the driver's
seat with my long handled net out over the edge of the boat looking at Hugh
and the next thing a see is the line racing upstream under my oar and headed
for the anchor line. A flash of negative thoughts goes through my head and
then the fish jumps 3-4ft out of the water and into my net! Unbelievable!
Line control and net control, tough combo to beat! Jere
