The best steelheader you've fished with . . . .

[Snagly]

From time to time we've all fished with -- or observed at close quarters -- truly remarkable fishermen. (I'm not being politically correct here, but ladies included of course.)RT's coldwater steelie tips competition made me think of Jeff in Alaska.

Jeff is a professional trapper, hunter and fisherman. If electricity ended tomorrow, Jeff's life wouldn't change a whole heckuva a lot. I only fished with him one day, but my partner and I were amazed at how he could take the 3rd person in the boat's King set-up (7' spinning rod, saltwater reel and 20lb line), cast to fish that had already been worked over hard and hook-up on the first or second cast. Jeff's gift is his ability to read current and depth, and cast a lightly weighted yarn fly or drift rig in such a way that it hits a resting steelhead on the nose. He's also got uncanny vision, spotting takes (and setting the hook) when the rest of us in our polarized glasses are seeing little. As soon as the rig passes his target, he quickly reels up and zips out another cast.

It was quite humbling to fish a run, hook a couple and then convince yourself that the place was dead. That was the time to call out "OK, Jeff -- your turn." Jeff would take Al's beating stick, get out of the boat and wade up or downstream 20-30', make a couple of casts, set the hook, hand the rod to Al, and smoke a cigarette while waiting to tail the fish.

I'm sure there are other legendary steelheaders you've run across and I'd be interested in reading about the magic they performed within view.

[dawhunt]

I fished for years with fisherman named Richard Paradinski,he was a bobber and jig fisherman also bobber fished bait for salmon and steelhead.The guy was awesome we could walk in to a hole or river with 15 to twenty other people fishing and NOT catching and it wouldn't be long and richard would be into a fish,he was always ready and willing to teach others how to fish with a bobber and jig or bait.He died a couple yrs ago,I really miss him a lot.He was a truley good friend.My wife and him would argue like brother and sister it was always good times when we had him over for dinner.He was a good man !! I just hope he's not keeping god up with his snoreing
Bob Dawson

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Bob Dawson

[This message has been edited by dawhunt (edited 12-10-2000).]

[This message has been edited by dawhunt (edited 12-10-2000).]

[Shannon]

Well when I saw this post only one man came to mind and that is the late Rich Paradzinski, aka "Bank Maggot". Alot of people would remember him being a regular face in F&H News mag as well as STS. I have fished with him a handfull of times and that guy was the cats meow when it came to the approach style he used and I adopted, when it came to moving toward water. I recall years back when he caught a monster 58 pound hog out back of the Guide Shop. The guy would smoke like a chimney when he was really focused. He had the skinny on any and all situations. When not beating the banks together we were calling each other to ramble about fishing. Man, I really miss that. I thought I was the only die hard who couldn't sleep before an outing due to excitement. He was just as aggressive as this young buck. We were so compatable. I was glad to fish with someone who was a true sportsman. When people wouldn't show due to poor conditions he taught me how to challenge and beat the conditions. To this day I have not found an angler as aggressive as him. So now I take my show solo. LOL. I'm priviledge to have picked up all the tips I have from him. He really turned me on to unforgotable strategies and techniques to successfully catch big fish. I can't wait to go to some of them hotspots we shared on the Clack here soon.

Take care,

Shannon

[Jennie@ifish]

Sounds like a good guy. I wish I would have met him.
I have met so many wonderful older fishermen that have helped me so much! This gem sounds like one I am sorry I missed.
Jen