My first Steelhead ever!

[Matt H.]

Went to SS beach on Sauvie Island today to try for some springer action. At about noon I hooked and landed a nice one, but it was a native.

Then at about 4 I was about to go home, when I noticed several folks with fish on up the beach. I heard something about steelhead...

Next thing I know my rod goes off and after an incredible fight, I haul in a nice hatchery hen steelhead =).

For the size of these fish, they put out an awesome fight. I must say I'd rather catch another steelhead than a chinook now, hehe. Although I do think the chinook are better eating.

(Edit) Ok lets see if this pic works this time.

Matt



[ 04-10-2002, 01:33 PM: Message edited by: Matt H. ]

[Nate]

Congrats On 1st Steelie!!

[fishon]

Nice job Matt. I was wondering what were you using? I have plunked for springers at SS Beach on sauvies island a few times this year with no luck yet and I was just wondering what you were using? Thanks.

[CATCH AND EAT]

Way to go Matt. Ain't it cool!!!!!

[crabbait]

Good job, Matt. Another addict in the making! :grin: :grin:

[myxxolydyan]

Congratualations!!!! I was on the beach last year for the silver run and saw a little kid catch his first big fish! What a site that was! Congrats!

[16/0 Circle]

Now it's time to go buy a drift boat Matt, congrats. :smile:

[Matt H.]

Fishon,

I was using a silver/orange spin 'n glow. I had tried fishing a silver and chartruse K14 kwickfish earlier, and had two takedowns but no hookups (go figure).

Myx,

I watched a young fella about 8 or 9 hook into a 20 lb chinook. He started about 20 feet from the water.. and during one big run of the fish.. made most of that distance in about 2 seconds before the father reached over and grabbed him =). That was fun to watch, hehe.

I gotta try that pic again...

Matt

[Mad Mikey]

To Matt,

<< For the size of these fish, they put out an awesome fight. I must say I'd rather catch another steelhead than a chinook >>

In the Springer crazed world I am happy to see someone brave enough to say that, I've thought about it but kept my mouth shut.
I like eating Springers, but 2 or 3 a season is enough for me, I'll take a bright Summer fish over a Springer anyday. I love the pull of a strong fish but enjoy it all the more when it is jumping and cartwheeling around going every different direction, lots of adrenalin when you know you may NOT really be in control.
The other advantage to Summer fishing is you get a window of time before the Springers are in the smaller streams and the Summers are thick, with relatively light angling pressure.
Unless I've got people in my boat that are targeting Springers I prefer to fish the steelheady water %100 of the time. Most of my Springers I get for myself are usually hooked in steelie water on fairly light gear, all the better. I'll also admit I prefer fresh early Summers for the table, but Springers are definitely better smoked.
I wonder how many others feel as I do???

[GutZ]

You are hooked for life now!

Be prepared to spend $1000's of dollars and hours in the pursuit of the Wiley Critter!

Does that invisible camoflage help catch 'em? Nice Fish!