Gills and stuff

Took my little Winston 3wt out today in search of a few gills and they liked a black pheasant tail nymph...

https://i.imgur.com/iFXbbS0l.jpg

BUT...so did a cat; I'm guessing he'd go 22-24". I was afraid this might happen in this lake and I was a little worried about the rod; he bent it at least double a few times. I worked him for what seemed like forever - guessing it was somewhere around 15-20 minutes. Finally got him to the shore but the bank there is so steep and the riprap is a little treacherous for my 74-year-old bones. I had my gripper with me but I couldn't figure out how keep the rod up, keep the fish on, and get that gripper on his lip. Finally I knew I had to do what I didn't want to do: wrapped the leader around my hand and got close, but as soon as I reached the gripper for him he gave one last buck and he was gone with my fly and my thingamabob. So, no pic, no fish, no fly...but big fun!

I did vow to NEVER fish that lake again without my long handle net!

Oh, and I don't know if there are any pipe smokers around, but the tobacco was Country Squire's Figgy Pudding in a nice old Peterson billiard.

Looks liker you had a lot of fun.
Rick

Awesome! I haven't gotten my pipe out in a few years. I could never fish while smoking it anyway, but always thought that would be enjoyable. :)