Great last week of freedom

[7mmfan]

Battled low water and busy rivers, but managed to scratch out a good few days. I started a new job on Monday, so I took advantage of my freedom last week and headed to the coast. Stayed with some buddies and fished some new water. Floated on Wednesday with friends (got one of them his first 2 winter steelhead) and then fished solo Thursday and Friday. 3 days, 18 fish hooked, 12 landed. Great trip.

I have to say, I love fishing by myself. The time spent alone out on the river is great for the soul, but taking photos of brute steelhead is extremely hard by yourself! You have to start taking creative photos to try and capture just how impressive these fish are, all the while taking care to not abuse them. All of these fish were eased into shallow water when they were ready, unhooked so if they wanted to go, they could. If they stayed around long enough for me to get photos, then awesome, if not, thats fine too. Luckily, a few of the good ones opted to stick around for a few seconds to let me snap some shots.

Both bucks were caught in the same run and both were identical in size dimensions, just not color. 37.5x18.5. Right after I let the chrome buck go, I hooked the biggest hen that I've ever seen, easy 20. She quickly and efficiently manhandled me and left me standing on the river bank thoroughly humbled.

[NWBrute]

  Looks like a great time, congrats on successful trip.

[Jingles]

The way you said last week of freedom I figured you were getting married not starting a new job.
Congrats on what looks like was a great week

[TommyH]

Thanks for the pics! Looks like a good time! 

[Duckhunter14]

The way you said last week of freedom I figured you were getting married not starting a new job.
Congrats on what looks like was a great week

  my first thought too! Congrats on some nice natives! Looks like a blast

[7mmfan]

Took that dive a few years ago     I guided for 10 years before we got married, so she knows that this is more than a hobby for me. No kids yet so bless her soul, she is very easy with me taking several weekends in a row to head to the coast, or hit the hills.

[huntnphool]

Nice work, beautiful fish.

[buckhorn2]

Nice fish and great pictures this month is a good time for the big natives and you don't have to fish in the rain.

[fishnfur]

Nice post.  Thanks for sharing your great pics.

[bearpaw]

Awesome fish and photos... congrats!