Fortunately for me, remembering the exact details is really pretty easy. The fact that it was Christmas Eve day and I was fishing with my Dad, may have something to do with it. It may also be because I was on the Puyallup River, drift fishing oakie drifters with a fiberglass rod and a Mitchell 300 spinning reel.
It is of course some of the experiences from that day, that stand out in my mind the most. Take for example, the first Steelhead I hooked that morning. I almost had it to the beach. My dad was in a position to tail the fish, when he actually observed my leader unraveling from my hook. The line literally unwound due-to a garbage knot, tied by a twelve year old kid. The following words from my father’s mouth still ring loud, as if it was yesterday. “Get your butt up on that log and tie a hook that will hold”. “Before you start fishing again, I will look at it to make sure it’s good and then you can fish”.
Needless to say, I tied; Dad checked for quality of work and gave me his blessing. So there I was, back in the water and hoping for another shot.
Then it happened, I hooked up and finally this time I would be successful. A twelve year old kid, who had spent many days on the river with his father, lost many Steelhead to this date, would finally have it all come together. An eight lb. Steelhead buck was brought to hand, and it was a moment in time that dad and I still talk about today.
So, fast forward 34 years and perhaps that is why getting out Steelhead fishing on Christmas Eve day with pops, seems just a bit special. Today was no exception. It was made even more special as my youngest son Jordan would join us. Three generations in the drift boat, enjoying our time together and pursuing “Winter Steelies”.
The day started out kind of slow, which was a bit surprising as the conditions are perfect. Eventually I got into one and it proved to be a nice little buck. This nice little guy, fell to one of my favorite lures I tie. I simply call it “The Ultimate Rag”…… More on that, at a later date…
- Steelie Rag
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The second fish of the day came on, you guessed it, the ultimate rag, with Pautzke’s BorX O Fire eggs. Unfortunately after a great fight, she finally came unbuttoned as it made a final run down river and got into some faster water. Bummer, it was a very nice big hen.
There is just something about sitting in my office seat that I really enjoy….
- Office Seat
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The third fish, yep pretty much the same program. Another nice buck was added to the fish box.
- Dad and Jordan
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We had a couple more encounters in the afternoon, with neither hanging on all too long. All in all, it was another great day on the water for Dad, Jordan and I. Some hatchery brats found their way into the fish box and no hooks and leaders came unraveled…….
Merry Christmas eveyone and hopefully your Holiday season is full of great memories and the opportunity to create some new ones...
