First Solo Steelhead!!

[trippledigitss]

FINALLY!!   

After about 4yrs of trying and untold $$$ on guided trips, gear, etc etc....

I have lost several before and landed a few handoffs - but this is the FIRST steelhead I've got on my own! (and on my brand spanking new Fetha Styx rod too!)

I went up to Reiter this morning with a couple of buddies and got there @ 0600. I really do not like to fish there with everyone in the state, but.... whaddya gonna do?  I'm sure they'd rather fish there w/o me too! 

Anyway, its still dark out and there is already at least 20 guys there fishing with glo sticks on floats. I couldnt see crap, nothing, but I was drifting a float/jig and felt a good bump less than 5-10mins in the water but figured I was crossed or something. So I held up to wait for light. Less than 5min later and 2 guys down from me (about 10yds) this guy hooks one right in front of me, right about where I think my gear was when I felt the 'bump'. Oh I was not real happy. Then I turn my back for 30secs and another dude squeezes in. So... kinda pissed I moved upstream just about 1st light. Fished there for about 30min, snagged, broke off - turned to re-tie, guess what, some guy snuggles up right freaking next to me. I know thats the way it is up there - but I freaking hate it. So I move way up, above everyone, at least 50yds. 2nd cast, fish on! I'm all happy thinking I finally got my 1st steelie! Fight & get it in, CHUM...wah wah wahhhh....    Keep fishing, less than 5-6min later, bobber down, fish on, almost the exact same place so I'm thinking I got that damn chum again! But nope, it was a nice little 22" hat hen, (maybe summer run  ) blush on the cheeks and down the sides. I had two other good takedowns too but missed them both....   

Long story, longer, finally after about 4yrs of trying and untold $$$ (and a brand new fetha styx rod) I FINALLY got my 1st steelhead!  Damn it felt good!

[Stickerbush]

   cool man

[carpsniperg2]

Congrats  Man I missed out on my steelhead this year. I only went 5 times and caught 4 fish and only 2 were keepers Its always great to get something you want so bad

[carpsniperg2]

Oh and it would have probably happened sooner if you has a lamiglas in your hands  Just teasing had to do it

[trippledigitss]

Oh and it would have probably happened sooner if you has a lamiglas in your hands  Just teasing had to do it

HA! Oh hey - I tried one of everything!  I got a couple Lami's, Loomis, St Croix, Shimano..... Hey I was desperate! But the Fetha Styx finally sealed the deal!    Now I'm sold! I told you the story about all the gear I bought just to shoot a damn coyote didnt I!?! 

..... its the OCD in me that takes over! 

[carpsniperg2]

  I know the feeling man! I spent more money on fishing gear this year then I have in my whole life 3 new lamiglas rods didn't help Helps to be in there professional program I still have one of there sickest rods that they make that has not even been on the water yet Just to busy hunting this year.

[BOWHUNTER45]

GEEEEZ I hope you plan on doing alot of fishing  nice fish 

[jeepguy]

hey  thats great   some good eating.

[kbyers]

Good looking fish.  Keep after them and they will start to come easier

[CountryslickR]

Congrats! MOney well spent I say!!!!!

[Bone_Collector]

Right on NICE JOB!

B_C

[trippledigitss]

GEEEEZ I hope you plan on doing alot of fishing  nice fish 

Yeah tell me about it!  And now I decided to get into trap shooting???  But I got a KILLER DEAL on this Fetha Styx rod - its a 9' 6" med power, light action spinning rod - one of their True Hero Salmon/Steelhead rods, normally like $279 (Dougs in Woodinville is selling the same rod for $199) for $83+ tax!  I bought it straight from Fetha at their Redmond office. They said they just have too many and want to get rid of them to make room for more rods. I bought the police edition in blue, since the reel I put on it is blue - but they have a fire edition in red too and the blank is silver and its looks really cool. I might get another one. I think its a sweet rod, looks really nice too.... and as a few of you know already, in the end, thats all I'm worried about....  I want my gear to look nice 1st and catch fish 2nd. I know, I know, its a sickness....I'm blaming OCD again!    My buddy likes to hassle me and say I look like a "guy on pg52 of the Cabelas catalog"  ... I havent seen this "guy" but I'll take it as a compliment!   

[trippledigitss]

hey  thats great   some good eating.

Yeah Jeep - the wife broiled her up last night and the 5 of us dined well. I even ate a good sized chunk and I dont even like trout or salmon unless its smoked. The family loves it but me, not so much... but it was pretty dang good - I know it was fresh!

Hey thanks again fellas! 

[johng]

Awesome job man!  Glad to see you landed your first steelhead.  It gives me hope brother!

I know about the time put in along with the $$$... not to mention the situation at Reiter.  This will be my third season chasing the elusive steelhead so I pray I am due.

Cheers,
Jg

[trippledigitss]

Yep - just keep it up john. Funny thing is, after I moved the 1st time and then another dude squeezed in, I was really irritated and just about *this* close to just leaving and going home thinking 'I wont catch one anyway' - I mean I was really close to leaving! But then less than half hour later I had 2 fish, even if one was a chum.... it turned around for the better real quick! Now I just hope its not another 3+ yrs before I get another one!