Satisfaction

PTS · 01-12-2010, 04:38 PM

I ain't got no: Until today, when I received a double dose. Arrived on the run I wanted on the Sandy and with no one around. I decided to start on the top and work down although the sweet spot is the tailout. Half way down another fisher (gear) appeared and stepped into the sweet spot. That didn't bother me for two reasons. first, on the crowded PDX rivers that is just standard procedure and you have to live with it. Knowing that, I should have gone to the best part of the run right at the beginning. Second, I have been fishing the Sandy hard since the beginning of the year without a single touch. So, I am on the river to swing the spey and didn't expect to feel steel anyway.

I continued to work down and just as my fly ended its swing right in front of the guy I struck steel. The fish jumped in his face and I landed a nice native. It just felt satisfying.

Near the end of the last run I planned to fish for the day I found satilfaction again. One of the biggest steelhead I have ever caught took a black and blue tube fly on the end of 15 feet of type 8. Probably the longest battle I have ever had. Landed a chrome hatchery buck now in the fridge. I never carry a camera so no pictures therefore I pass on giving its size.

I don't know if the rest of you are having as hard a time catching steel on the Sandy as I am, but I would say to keep at it. This day pretty much satisfies me for the season.

tumalt · 01-12-2010, 06:18 PM

Those are the days that keep you coming back for more. I think the fish god's like a cool temper. Well done!

Slow and Low · 01-12-2010, 08:26 PM

Nice work Phil.

steel_beaver · 01-12-2010, 09:51 PM

Nice job man

! I am going through a long dry spell as well, but I think this might be the inspiration I needed

. Good luck next time you go!

Steelie Mike · 01-12-2010, 10:34 PM

I have only been out there once this year and only out twice period in the last two months and missed one Old Man. Great job Phil.

chromeseeker · 01-13-2010, 07:08 AM

Phil,

It's safe to say when you're putting in as much river time as you have been this winter chasing those buggers the law of averages eventually applies. That's steelheading! I feel fortunate to have taken one winter fish so far this year on a local river in just a handful of trips.

Nice job.

C

goose · 01-13-2010, 07:13 AM

Great job!! Your good attitude was obviously rewarded. Keep setting the good example. Don't ya just love it when a plan comes together?

SeamLeak · 01-13-2010, 10:43 AM

Man! I would have loved to be in your shoes. I just had a bunch of my gear fishing friends razz me about swinging flies on the sandy. They say it's pointless. Law of averages I guess. Nice work!

TillamookChinook · 01-13-2010, 12:00 PM

Wtg !!

Tc

stillinscrubs · 01-13-2010, 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tumalt

I think the fish god's like a cool temper. Well done!

I agree with that one for sure.

Great post by the way.

AndyK · 01-13-2010, 04:21 PM

Once again Phil proves persistence pays off!

KillerDave · 01-13-2010, 04:37 PM

Phil, that's great!

Hey, I know you have a tape measure somewhere. Could you throw a tape across that frozen carcass and let us know how long it is?

PTS · 01-13-2010, 09:06 PM

Dave, sent you a PM. Big enough that I dare not say without a picture.

Slow and Low · 01-13-2010, 09:25 PM

He busted one 36" last year so safe to say this fish is close to or over 20. We need to pitch in and get you a camera.

steel_beaver · 01-13-2010, 10:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slow and Low

He busted one 36" last year so safe to say this fish is close to or over 20. We need to pitch in and get you a camera.

You know what... I was thinking the same. I've got one sitting around unused, and it's got your name on it Phil. Just PM me and we'll arrange the exchange.

12244 · 01-14-2010, 07:54 AM

Phil, thats great to hear. Its always when we are about to give in, that the big reward comes in. I hope to see you out there, and get some more details.

Mike Marcus · 01-14-2010, 08:37 AM

Great story, Phil. I have been out on the Sandy a couple times this year and haven't even managed a tug yet, so its good to hear of your success. I plan on hitting it again tomorrow and a couple more times next week, so hopefully I will manage to find myself some steel.

Mike

PTS · 01-14-2010, 03:41 PM

Thanks for the generous comments everyone. I really appreciate them. A picture would have been nice but that fish is a clear picture in my memory. Heck, it might even grow to 30 pounds.

Back on the Sandy today to start the next 1000 casts for another fish. No luck but I am still feeling good!

Zugbug66 · 01-21-2010, 08:51 PM

Wow, congrats! And it's cool that your audience was the dude who stepped in front of you! Sounds like an awesome day.