Long time lurker, first time poster. This is not a big steelie by any means (9lbs), but it is a testament to great stuff I learned on this site – how to tie an egg loop, proper use of puff balls (site sponser) and using loose bait cured with UEC I bought the last time Keith posted having a supply. The best part is I caught this fish on Christmas day behind my dad’s house on the Russian river in Healdsburg, California. I grew up catching natives on this river (no hatchery until 1982) but do not get many chances since I moved to Chico, CA eight years ago. The Russian is catch and release on wild fish now, and I don’t keep wild fish on any other river or lake. I am really looking forward to going after salmon on the Feather river now that I’ve been clued in on spinners with hoochies and eggs under a float.

Happy trails, Mike