I have been looking for some indication of steelhead fishing activity in Michigan rivers. The only one I ever caught was in February. I would like to hear from other people foolish enough to do it.

#2 daughter lived in Eagle River, AK when she was stationed at Joint Base Whatever it was. We went to visit a few times. On one visit, there were two bald eagles perched on the McDonald's golden arches in town.

Smitty, why would you call the man a liar? I think it is a great story, and quite believable. Simply because it was relayed by a capitalist does not mean it is untrue.

I am headed up to our old family home in the morning. I will be there three days. I have one small bedroom to paint, three rivers to decide between for steelhead (White, Muskegon, PM) and some squirrels to shoot.

That would have been quite a sight to see. That's one of those things that, when you do see a photo, you wonder how someone happened to be there with a camera to catch it.

There are a lot of things like that. Their sentimental value may greatly exceed their cash value.

Two things: first, cut the two extra barbs off treble hooks. When i was young, I remember catching fish that had all three hooks from a small spinner embedded in its jaws. It's tough to get them out without destroying the fish. Secondly, just cut the line as close as you can. I have only ever had fish swallow a typical, single, bait type hook. When I got older, and started fishing with my kids, I rarely fished. If they were catching school type fish, I was usually busy cutting line and tying new hooks, but we had great fun.

If I had any aptitude for planning, I would be headed for the Colorado River. As it is, I'm looking forward to a day on the Saginaw River tomorrow with at least one son. It will be a great day.

A few years ago, we participated in an extended family vacation in Pigeon Forge, Smokey Mountains National Park. The streams are all catch and release/artificial only. The water was low and clear. I could see the trout coming out from under the edges of the cliff, following my Panther Martin spinners for 10 or so feet, then casually turn and go back to their hiding place. I started wondering who was the cat, and who the mouse. Then, I started wondering, 'how many times do you suppose these fish have been caught'?

My kids used to complain that I was the only one catching fish. Now they seem to think I'm a jinx. Fortunately, they still like to take old Dad fishing. We always enjoy fishing, even when we don't catch anything. Even two of the grand-daughters have picked up on it, and get excited at the thought of going fishing. I'm only 68, so I can still get around, but those young ones keep me moving.

I guess I don't qualify as a 'serious' fisherman. A lot of what I'm reading sounds like a variation of 'mine's bigger than yours'. I have been quite satisfied with my various Mitchell 300s and others. They admittedly are old, they click in anti-reverse mode. I don't care. I did just buy a couple of Okuma 8' ultra light rods. I'm looking forward to seeing how they perform. They were 50.00 each. I fully expect to be perfectly satisfied with them. I am retired now. The days of critically analyzing so much are gone. As I look outside at the snow, in single digit temps, I thank God for not having to go to the lab. Getting fired up over something so inconsequential as, not if, but to what extent, a rod has a fast tip just doesn't register with me.

I live in Michigan. I have always used streamers with a split shot for salmon, on spinning tackle. I have always wanted to try the fly rod route. I just bought a 10wt Okuma rod with the reel, on ebay, for 85.00 plus shipping. I'm looking forward to trying it for steelhead this spring.

Like someone else said--you're the one fishing--you can use a cane pole if you want. For reason's which I cannot explain, I happen to like slower actions. My favorite light spinning rod is one I built from an old Heddon 8wt. fly rod.

The Heddon Museum is another place I want to get to this year. It is only open certain days of the week. I think it is only about 1 1/2 hours away.

Ben: There must be something wrong with me. I have never gotten so much as a strike on a Mepps. On the other hand, I have the utmost confidence in Panther Martins.