I know mothers day already passed. But I just have to brag a little over the fish my Mom caught earlier this month. This was her first chinook and the first time I can remember Mom purchasing a Oregon fishing license. Mom used to fish as a young girl and since she retired, has rediscovered her joy and love for fishing. I hope to share many more wonderful days fishing with Mom and Dad.
The story went like this. After the springer hit, I grabbed the rod from the holder and checked the tension and handed it over to Mom. She didn't really know what to do except to keep the tip up. I just told her to hold on and and keep the line tight. Mom started turning the handle, only problem was the fish was taking line. Just keep the line tight and wait for the fish to stop. Quickly disconnecting the anchor and starting the trolling motor the pursuit was on. Meanwhile, the fish kept heading out to sea. This fish was fresh out of the ocean and a real screamer. The spool was fast becoming empty. I turned the boat around and started gaining line back while Mom was furiously reeling in line. After closing the gap to 20 feet I turned the boat around and held position. Only problem was, we were now very close to the hogline below ours. I could see the anchor lines from the other boats and the fish moving towards them. I told Mom to apply a little more pressure and keep the fish close to us. How do I do that was Mom's reply. Just start pumping the rod, pull the fish towards us and reel down and repeat. What?? I forgot to explain the basics of fishing 101. Reaching over I grabbed the upper rod grip and pulled the rod up and then lowered the rod while Mom reeled. Just keep doing this action I said. Mom pulled back, then dropped the rod tip completly level with the water. Oh no, keep the tip up and lower slowly as you reel. I probably yelled a little loud because Mom looked at me and said you do this. No, your doing fine, just lower slowly and reel then pull back and keep repeating. This fish was pulling hard now, circling over the anchor lines as I motored between two anchor lines. This looks like trouble and the end of this fish. Mom struggled to keep the rod up, it was all she could do to keep the tip up, the fish was pulling hard. The fish went down under an anchor line and up the other side. I told Mom I had to get that fish back towards us and she handed me the rod. I placed the tip in the water, coaxed the fish back over then handed the rod back. Mom pumped and reeled a few times, just one more pull and we'll have her. The fish came up to the surface rolling on her side head first. This fish was all played out as I netted Mom's first chinook. What a battle and what a memory. I'll never forget the smile across my Mom's and Dad's face as we checked out the mint bright silver football laying on the floor. What a great day and a great way to spend time with your faimly. Mom got to play 2 more fish that trip and we laned 4 total.
Happy belated Mothers day Mom, your son,
Gregg
(I hope this works)
[ 05-26-2001: Message edited by: hookset ]
Hookset
Bragging.........just a wee bit
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