The one that got away

We are fully in Spring Salmon (also known as Chinook) fever. These monster fish weigh at most up to 80 lbs and are the prize of anglers up and down the river. They start to run in May and peak during July. So far I have been fishing for trout and learning the art of fishing and discovering the best of the local fishing holes (mostly in jaw dropping locations!) However on the last couple of outings I have been battling with what I can only guess are Spring Salmon with a trout rod and light line...it was quite an experience and immediately reminded me of the film Jaws when the main character declares 'we need a bigger boat'. Finally after up to 30 minutes I lost the line, only to recast and have the same thing happen again.



There was only one solution. Get a bigger rod and heavier line. SO my friend Ernie and I headed back to the fishing hole with two rods and gear ready for the 'big one'. I felt this was my time. Ernie is indigenous to the area and so has had the opportunity to catch a Spring drifting the river with nets as they traditionally have always done (38 lbs being the biggest so far this year). Although neither of us has caught a Spring Salmon with a rod! This is the ultimate challenge and we were pretty confident after my tales of battling monster fish and the story of the one that got away. We headed back to the quiet spot behind the airport, a nice secluded spot where nobody else goes. Ernie got the camera ready as I cast my line expecting great things. And then....nothing. The first of half a dozen trips to the river with not even a nibble. I couldn't believe it. Maybe next time.