Just a newbie to this board, but have really enjoyed reading the fish reports and tips on fishing salmon. My wife, mom, and dad are moving to Columbia City early next year and we are really looking forward getting on the water. I was reading "danger's" post about taking his dad fishing and it brings back alot of memories. It seems that all my best fishing trips over the past 40 years have always come with my dad at my side. He is now a lively 83 year old, but the sad part for me is his hardcore fishing days are coming to an end. He's pretty un-steady on his feet now, and standing in a boat is becoming very tough for him. He is so looking foreward to salmon fishing when we get settled in, but I'm not sure how many more trips he has in him. The photo(hope it comes out, first one posted)shows how far back he has wet a line. Not sure if you folks up Oregon way even know what these are. These fish are Totuava, just a few of many caught by my dad in San Felipe Mexico way back when. Not sure of the year,(way before my time) but the truck will date it pretty close. Over the years I've been lucky enough to fish along side him for most everything that swims on the West Coast, including a 175 pound striped marlin that he caught in a small skiff right after his 78th birthday.
Anyway, just thinking how lucky I am to have spent so much quality time with him on the water over the years. It just won't be the same having someone else reach for the net or giving me a hard time after breaking a fish off. Here's to all the dads out there that made time to take us kids fishing. Now that we're grown, it's time to return the favor and get dad out on the water. I would love to see my dad just one more time hoisting that trophy fish up after it hits the deck. There's a 50 pound king out there with my dads name on it, I just know it. Let's go get em pops!
