Logic; be damned!
February 7th, 2009
Sun, low water, and 100% visibility. Nice for hiking but what are our chances for catching anything, right? Common logic says slim to none. Never caring much for logic, I started making some calls to TS members inquiring as to where would be the place we should try. The consensus was the upper stretches of a local river. Knowing conditions were as they were – beautiful for hiking, lousy for fishing – I decided that small gear was the way to go. We’re talking small: 4lb leader, #4 hooks, and tiny pieces of yarn (all of which we had wisely prepared the night before).
B Dog chases one down in the toughest conditions…..
Arriving at our destination, the conditions were no different than expected, but absolutely beautiful! As we unloaded, we met 5 fly guys (no surprise) who were heading to their rigs, done for the day due to “the conditions”. A quick hike later, we had reached the hole we intended to fish. Within minutes, the three guys already there packed up their gear and explained as they passed how “the conditions” were too bad to catch anything. Undeterred, we suited up. Four hours and twelve lost lures later, FISH ON!!!
Tharr she bucks…..
I will say that with every cast I made, I felt I was going to hook up. FINALLY, that mind set paid off. My fishing partner Arizona – being the calm person that she is – was all over the camera to catch this great moment. Since I’d hooked the fish at my feet, the fight wasn’t as long as you’d think it would be for the size of the fish. Once it was landed, I quickly noticed that it was a beautiful 10lb (est) native.
We quickly and carefully took as many pictures and video as we safely could without taking it from the water for more than a few seconds to ensure a healthy release. It was a spunky release no doubt.
I need to once again thank Arizona, my new fishing Amiga, for being so quick to react with the camera!!!! In my opinion, one of the main reasons we were able to hook up such a beauty was small gear. That, and a blatant disregard for logic and fly fisherman peer pressure.
Peace!
Brandon B Dog Lobey
By the way…for the quick little video showing the end of the fight and the land…just click on the video section above which will link you to our youtube home page….this video is the most recent and should be your first option to select………beware of excitement in the form of foul language…got you interested now, huh?
