Fishinmaniac Loc: SW Washington

It’s been a tough winter for catching steelhead on my stream this winter. I’ve fished pretty much every day that the river was fishable since the second week in November. Not one takedown during that time.
As I was pulling on my waders this morning I looked up and saw my dad’s old battle worn fishing vest. I started talking to him out loud. I said “dad, I don’t remember that we ever had a dry spell as long as this. Things have sure changed since you left us.”
I smiled and then said “you always said that steelhead were the fish of 1000 casts. Well my next one might take 10,000 but I’m going to stay after it.” In my mind I could hear his laugh and see his smile.
Then the tears came. It happens often. I miss him so much. He was my best friend, mentor and partner in everything outdoors, but especially hunting and fishing. Dad passed at 85 in February of 2016. For me the pain of his loss lingers.
As I crossed the yard from the house to the river I shook off my sadness and said to dad “I’ll need your help to read the water today”, as the river is dropping from near flood stage a couple of days ago.
Fishing helps me stay connected to my past and to my present. My memories of dad standing hip deep in the river trying to get those 1000 casts out of the way so that he could hook up with his next steelhead will revisit me every time I gear up.
He instilled in me the patience needed and helped me develop the skills to consistently catch these elusive fish.
Dad, thanks for helping me find that current seam where this beautiful 6 pound native hen was resting this morning. I know you were there. I could feel your presence.
Tomorrow I start with cast #1 again...or maybe I’ll start again this evening.
My wish for each of you is that you have someone in your life to love and respect......and to fish with!
Tight lines to all, and may god bless you!

Robert J Samples Loc: Round Rock, Texas

FISHINMANIAC: A wonderful and touching tribute. You were fortunate to have your dad until his age 85, my father passed away at 62, and it was far too soon. I miss him even after all these years. RJS

Ron620DVS Loc: Guntersville Alabama

Yes Fishinmaniac your father was watching and guiding you today. The great memory's that we are able to carry for all of our life's. Fishinmaniac are are a very fortunate gentleman...


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FixorFish Loc: SW Oregon

Spoken with the true reverence and humility that I have found instilled in most of the steelhead fishermen I encounter here in Oregon, for the past 35 yrs since moving here. A different breed of angler, to be sure. The patient and persistent pursuit of a single species at specific times of year, specific river flows and clarities that determine fish presence at all, makes us a look like we might possibly have "a gambling problem" ! LOL ! ("a hard-headed approach towards likely failure", my ex-wife called it !)....... but we love the trials and tribulations of Steelie fishin'. We don't even mind the weather. My PB was a 13+lb on a snowy morning in February 6yrs ago. Haven't caught any close to that size since...... doesn't even faze my enthusiasm..... heading to the Rogue on Friday a.m. .....storm supposed to be here by early afternoon with 6"-12" in mountains, 2"-4" in the "hills" around the valley, just rain on the valley floor ....GOOD FISHIN' WEATHER !!!!!

Fishinmaniac Loc: SW Washington

I hope you find the water that perfect blue-green hue that we steelhead fishermen and fisherwomen always hope for.
Good Luck!

Fishinmaniac Loc: SW Washington

Thank you. I don’t take it for granted.
That’s another lesson passed along by father and grandfather.

Fishinmaniac Loc: SW Washington

Thank you Robert. I can only hope to stick around that long to fish with my daughter, three sons and six grandkids.
Most of them are already hooked, but life and distance gets in the way of them joining me regularly.

Spiritof27 Loc: Lincoln, CA

My granddad, who passed in 1968, goes with me every time I set out. He was always the quiet one, never said much unless he felt it needed saying, so his observations on my abilities and techniques and success or lack thereof are generally in the form of facial expressions and the way he draws on his pipe. He was the one that taught me to patiently watch a bobber at the end of a cane pole and through observing him and his behavior to be a considerate shepherd. We fished for and caught panfish in Indiana, but his lifelong passion was for the pursuit of Musky. In Minnesota. His sister owned a fishing camp on a lake up there and once a year at least he would head off to try land the fish of a lifetime. I honestly don't know if he ever did. If he did I never heard about it. Years later, looking back on him and his ways, I see that he was like those soldiers and sailors who go off to war and if they are fortunate enough to have survived, never speak of it. And that twinkle in his eye only speaks to his love for me and my pursuit of my passion. I suppose to have endured is sufficient unto itself.

Fish Dancer Loc: Guntersville, Alabama

Thanks Fishmaniac. A very touching tribute. I still miss my dad a lot. He passed 25 years ago at age 66. Got teary eyed reading your post. Tight lines.

Fishinmaniac Loc: SW Washington

We are fortunate to have been blessed with fathers who took the time and effort to become our mentors and friends.
I’m happy that you enjoyed the account of my experience yesterday.

Roger Renne Loc: Washington state

Nice fish and well spoken. Steelhead have a way of making you stubbornly keep trying. Cold weather coming up, watch for ice on your guides as a way of telling you to go home and sit by the fire.

saw1 Loc: nor cal Windsor

It warms my heart to hear all the loving words towards your fathers. How I envy all your years together. I'm just thankful for all the years I've had with my Daughter and Granddaughter and hope for many more.

Fishinmaniac Loc: SW Washington

Roger, thanks for your comments.
Yes, we steelhead fishermen are a stubborn lot for sure.
I’ll take two or three poles along and fish until the guides are frozen closed next week when the polar express comes rolling in.
We’ve got to fish while they are here. Can’t let a little rain, snow, wind or ice chase us off the river. As my dad always said; “that’s why they make rain gear and hand warmers”.
I hope you have a chance to get out there yourself.

Fishinmaniac Loc: SW Washington

Saw, just having the desire to share yourself with your daughter and granddaughter shows that you are a wonderful person.
For me, connecting with my children and grandchildren helps to keep me feeling young.
I too am hoping to share many more years enjoying the outdoors with my loved ones.

Roger Renne Loc: Washington state

I agree; can’t let weather stop you from fishing. I am getting too old and clumsy to do much fishing. My son David keeps me out of trouble.