I remember it as though it was yesterday. It was 1975 on the Puyallup , downstream from Anton's. I wanted to learn how to steelhead fish, as I was pretty much just a saltwater fisherman. I noticed a large number of cars, so I parked and walked downstream about a half mile. There were about 15 guys all lined up about knee deep in the freezing water casting their wares. I watched for about 3 hours and the only person having any success was a fellow using a nickle size pink corky, pink yarn & about 30" of leader. I left for the local sporting goods store , then went home and rigged up just as he had.
Returning the next morning with my fathers rubber chest waders( WAy TOO BIG ) , I started my quest. In less than 1 hour I had my first steelie on the bank. A gentleman helped me slide it onto the shallows and proclaimed it to be a native. He asked if I wanted to keep it. I could tell by his demeanor that he was hoping I would say no. I told him this was my first ever steelhead adventure, but that I would gladly have him release the majestic fish after such an awesome display of speed and power. It was, I would estimate 11-12 lbs. I could tell he was pleased with my decision.
I returned to the river in hopes of another. Yea right. Well after another hour of casting, my corkie stops midway through its drift. I felt nothing, but set the hook. WOW!! It took off like it was shot out a cannon. First 30 yards upriver then 25yards downriver ,then back upriver in an instant. The noise my line made being ripped up, down, then up again was startling. Again the same gentleman helped me release the native. I would estimate it at 14-15 lbs. He turned to me and said,"you sure this is your first time ? "
No one else had touched a fish all morning! I simply pointed out to him( as if he hadn't already noticed) my 11' surf rod with oversized Mitchel reel .
It was the only thing we owned that wasn't for just salmon fishing in the salt. He was kind to me and I could tell he was almost as pleased as I was at my efforts and especially about releasing both native fish. The sound of my line ripping through the water has stayed with me for over 30 years.

-Don