I just posted this on
www.ifish.net and thought you would enjoy it! Had a blast yesterday!
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With the same anticipation that some feel as they enter a gambling casino, with all the giddy laughter of a business group that had won a trip to Las Vegas, we arrived at the boat launch in Westport.
On the trip across the Columbia, we began to sort through the tokens that could win the rush that only a spring chinook jackpot can produce.
I knew in my heart that I had the lucky ticket. I had just received a K13 Kwikfish in my favorite color, chrome with a chartreuse tail. I was going to go all out, bet my best card.
I felt lucky.
Captain J Guide service led us out to find our winning slot, deep in the Columbia river.. Or shall I say shallow?
Long before our venture we had dropped our quarters at the counter of various tackle and bait shops.
We cruised the river searching for the right slot that would hook us up with a winner.
Waiting for the right tide, we took it easy cruising the river, slowly, dangling a herring offering, chatting, devising our strategies.
Joe Schwab of Captain J Guide Service expertly chose our spot. We anchored in 12 feet of water and got serious. I put on my poker face.
Before long my rod doubled over.. I jumped up, screaming "ROYAL FLUSH!! FISH ON!!!"
By the time I grabbed the rod, it was gone.
People in the boats next to us stared.
"Try again!" The river flashed at me in neon inviting colors.
During the quiet times, the four of us discussed deep and heavy subjects. The infinite properties of the universe, where does infinite end? The stars that we see now that have actually burned out many years ago. Carl Sagon and more...
Desperation was creeping in. We threw a penny into the river for good luck. We discussed ultimate offerings that would turn the luck. We prayed to God, even knowing that he had much better things to do.
In jest, I suggested we try chumming. My mind raced in desperation. What would Spring Chinook prefer to be chummed with? "Kwikfish, maybe???" I grabbed Joe's box of prized Kwikfish.
As Bill intercepted my intention he exclaimed "NO WAY!!" Just then, my rod doubled over again!
"FISH ON FISH ON FISH ON!" I screamed! I jumped, grabbed that rod and gave it all I had. The fish was a wild card, the hottest fish on the river! My reel screamed as the fish made a long run very near the anchor rope of a boat far below us. "He's gone! No he's not! He is! No he's not!" The springer had turned and raced upstream leaving me with slack line. I reeled in until I met my match once again.
I honestly couldn't control my excitement! I think we had most of the boats in our line-up screaming along with me!
What fun to turn an otherwise bleak and quiet hog line into an uproar of anticipation. Each man staring at his rod tip hoping that he too, would be able to jump up and down as they played their fish just like me! If only they really would, and stop being so darn serious!
This is fun stuff!
The fish made one last turn 50 yards from the boat and popped off. After reeling in my losses, close inspection revealed a straightened hook. WHIMPER!
I heard someone mutter something about me 'sore mouthing the only two fish in the hole'.
I replayed that fish in my sleep last night. What could I have done differently? How could I have won?
Gambling is addictive, and I find myself a repeated offender. I often go home with nothing to show for my efforts, my family goes without dinner, I arrive home late. Starving children that have no springer on their plates.
I lack, however, the guilt that often accompanies this disorder. I want more... more..more, and I know I will win next time! I will come out ahead!
I am counting my pennies and planning my next trip.
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