Dad was an Saltwater fisherman and I'll never forget my first Salmon a sceaming Coho,but It's my first Steelhead that left a lasting memory.We got up early and headed down the hill to the Nisqually,we showed up at the Plunkers shack( did I say that?)his buddies were all ready there,I was meet with the a little razing something to do with me being just big enough to use for bait,I'll never forget the smell of that pot of beans cooking on the fire,for years to come I remember sharing those beans and the fire with my dad and his friends
All the rods were casted and placed in their pole holders after about 10 minutes this was enough for me I needed some action (I guess at an early age I decided that I didn't want to be a Plunker )Off came that piece of lead ,Dad selected a smaller weight and asked me what I wanted to use for bait...I looked though that tackle box till my eyes settled on that pretty pink oakie drifter,I tied it on and took the walk down to the lower end of the drift and proceded to start casting,I must have been there about 15 minutes when my rigging stopped and I felt that little pull I set the hook and the water exploded,I was hooked up I never said a word I looked up at the group that was gathering above me and could see the smile on my Dads face it was way bigger than mine,he walk down and stood next to me and coached me all the way to the net,we landed that fish and proceded back to the fire for congratulations from all,that fish felt like 50 pounds carring it up that hill when it was probably closer to 5 ,I was the king... I remember being called a chip off the old block,Jacks boy, I got to have the first bowl of those beans ,they never tasted better.
Those days are long gone but the memories will last me forever,I will never forget the smile on my Dads face that day...
he's been gone for 19 years now and I know he's with me everyday and still loves to fish with me on every trip.
My son graduates this evening and I know how proud it feels to be a Father....thanks Dad....Jacks boy

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Row Quietly and fish a Cataraft }<<(('>-- --<'))>>{
Release all Wild Fish

[This message has been edited by Osprey (edited 06-09-2000).]