It's about the Memories...

[cotalot]

I posted this as a response to DJFISHS2XS, on his catching a steelhead while trout fishing. I post it here as a tribute to my father.
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Great fish DJFISHS2XS!

My biggest steelhead ever, was while trout fishing. Great for another even more important reason, as well.

1981- My first fishing trip with my Dad after getting out of the Army. Dad and I fished the "Big D" between Maupin and Sherrer's for two days. Since it was the weekend after the 4th of July, trout were the only game in town.

After two days and just a couple fat redsides to show for it, we headed up the access road above Maupin, maybe a 1/3 mile below the locked gate. Dad started making breakfast and I threw out a little green Rooster Tail. Soon I got a great hit & when it came out of the water... that was no redside- "Steelhead On!", I yelled to dad.

He comes running down, spatula in hand, I'm cranking on this thing, Dad's yelling, "Don't horse it! Don't horse it!", and about that time- Pop! Nuthin'. I reel in and the hook straightened.

So I snap on the next size larger Rooster Tail. Two casts later, another hard hit! This time, I let the fish "play me". Back and forth, back and forth, he runs, I gain a little, lose a lot, gain more, lose less... and after 40 minutes, have a buck.

We weighed in at the Oasis- 3 hours later and after being gutted- 21 lbs! Fish & Game guy said sometimes, Snake River fish do make a “wrong turn” and no doubt I hooked into a couple of those.

The important part of the story for me, is this and all the other times with my Dad. A couple of strokes later, the ravages of time, you know. He can't get out any more. And soon he will be gone. But some of the most precious memories of my life are those times with my father. Time can't have those.

The fish, were just a bonus.
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I love you, Dad.

[greenbuttskunk]

cotalot,
I'm could'nt agree more. I too have such fantastic memories of fishing with my dad. He was the one that got me into fishing about 35 years ago. He does'nt fish any more, unless I take him, but loves it all the same.
Part of the reason for the newer bigger boat was to be able to take him out with me, as his heart is not in great shape, a heart attack, and quad bypass. Possibly a transplant next. Hiking the deschutes is just not an option. I too love my dad very much and know he'll be gone before I know it, so all I can do is enjoy the time on the water with him now. I hope my 7 month old can fish with him, it's a hug dream of mine. To stand on the bank and just watch them fish, now THAT'S what it's all about.
Thanks for the story, it brought good memories of times with my dad.
cheers,
GBS

[No Wishin Just Fishin]

Couldn't agree more, the memories are the best. This June My 86 yr old dad, my brother, my 2 kids and my dads great grandson will all be at Crescent lake for kokanees, where my father first took me in 1951 with my grandfather. I will be running the boat and taking pics Don't care if i GET TO FISH OR NOT.

[shalom]

GReat story i loved it.The older i get the more fun it is to think back about past trips.I enjoyed reading your story.