I must say I am pleasently surprised!!! In the past...when certain rivers are brought up the thread turns into a ***** fest and everyone ends up pissed off at each other...it is great to see everyone lending a hand and not being a d*ck because a neophyte asked about a certain river.

Secondly...I began fishing long before I could drive so that gave me all the time in the world to spend studying up on technique and places etc. etc. So when I finally got my license, I was able to hit the rivers with gusto!!

What helped me the most??? Published literature...

Must haves include Stan Jone's Washington State Fishing Guide, Terry Rudnick's Washington Fishing, Wa. State regs which can be a great source if you are intuitive and most importantly the DeLorme Washington Atlas and Gazeater!!...this last one is required!!!

To better understand reading steelhead water, Bill Herzog's Drift Fishing for Steelhead is the best source. It will give you the ability to drive around looking at a river and be able to understand where to fish and why.

Lastly, hire Bob for a day. Let him know you want to learn how to read water, drift fish, ask 101 questions about everything...including steelhead behavior which is commonly bypassed.

Hope this helps...and keep a journal!