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Every Fish-In has it's own personality - I've
already seen a bit of a report of the Deerfield
River Fish-In this weekend, and that one seems
to have some battles with nature.
We were very fortunate on the recent Central
Washington Fish-In, the weather was great - in
fact if anything it was unseasonably warm on
Friday. I recall a 90 degree exterior reading
on our car thermometer leaving early afternoon -
tough fishing. (Well not if you are in the Bahamas,)
but not what one expects in eastern Washington in
late April!
The one common denominator seems to be the
willingness of everyone to share what they have,
what they know, how to, where to - all the special
things which can make any fly fishing trip more
than just going - it translated into catching for
most of those attending.
I had a report from Vicky Eagle Elk about how
helpful Denny Conrad had been in showing her more
about reading the water. He took the time and effort
to explain how the currents in a particular place
worked, and how the fish took advantage of the currents
to bring food right to them. Conservation of energy
fits in here, a fish will use as little energy as
possible to get its food. If the fish uses up more
than he gets from the food, it doesn't grow, much
less survive.
Vicky's fishing experience had been on bigger water
where it isn't possible to see the sort of things
Denny pointed out, so for her it was a super learning
experience. Her casting is good enough to put the fly
where she was directed, and once she understood the
dynamics of the stream currents, it translated into
a couple very nice rainbows! There is a nice photo
of Vicky with one of those fish in the Central Washington
Fish-In Photos page. Just nothing like success is there?
Fly Fishing can be broken down into some very basic
parts, which when followed in succession can produce
terrific results.
A few years ago we took a couple of our students up
to Point No Point on the Admiralty Inlet of Puget
Sound (saltwater) to fish for silver salmon. One
of the people was a commercial airline pilot, who
really wanted to catch a salmon. We have fished
there often from time to time and knew what should
happen on a particular tide. We walked out to the
end of the 'point' and watched as a rip developed
where it should. I pointed to a particular spot,
and told our pilot friend, Butch, to put a cast 'there.'
He did. He stripped as instructed and bang - he was
on a nice silver salmon. His first. He was absolutely
thrilled. He even landed it correctly!
You could say we got lucky, but we knew the fish
were there (but I sure couldn't guarantee that
today) and they came in to feed on baitfish on the
tide change. Those who fish the salt regularly
know where the fish should be and why. It doesn't
always work out, but when it does it can be spectacular.
If you are fishing with a guide, that's just part
of their job. Yours is to learn from them!
What we had at the CWFI were a lot of folks 'guiding'
other FAOL folks to success. We saw it in fly tying,
sharing of flies which were working on one section of
the stream or another - pointing out feeding fish,
fish who were cruising looking for food, and even a
word of warning about spotting a rattlesnake on a path
downstream.
If you have the opportunity to take part in any Fly
Anglers OnLine Fish-In, do it. We have a wonderful
group of readers - probably the best you will find
anywhere in the world. It's an honor for my husband,
JC/Castwell, and I to be part of these Fish-In's when
we can.
There are at least three scheduled for the remainder
of '04. The Roscoe Fish-In, Monday, May 31st through
Sunday, June 6th, the Idaho Fish-In, Sept 19 - 25,
and a new one, the Ozark's Fish-In October 21-24
in Branson Mo. We will have more information up on
the Ozark Fish-In soon. The others are listed on our
Fish-In Menu (just click on Fish-Ins on the main menu).
You'll have a great time!
We are looking forward to the Idaho Fish-In - October
Caddis time! Join us! ~ The LadyFisher
If you would like to comment on this or any other article please feel free to
post your views on the FAOL Bulletin Board!
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