Yes, that really is me! After two years of
fighting with rotator cuff problems, (and two
surgeries) I actually can use my right arm and
shoulder enough to fish. You might note the nice
tight loop on the side arm cast into the wind! I
still don't have much strength in the right arm - the
photos below shows me trying to land a nice rainbow
with my right hand. Instead of having my arm straight
I had to hold the arm in tight to my body. At that
point I had to switch hands and land the fish with
my left hand. Not the ideal since I'm right handed,
but I'll take it. I wasn't able to fish at the Idaho
Fish-In last fall, but I should be in prime shape for
Idaho this year.
Here's another shot of a rather long cast, you can just
make out the fly line.
But back to my first fish! Yes, I did catch others, but
the first trout in two years is worth a little excitement.
In case you missed the event, we went over to Ephrata,
Washington for the Central Washington Fish-In. We left
last Thursday and we even played hooky, stayed an extra
day and came home on Monday instead of Sunday. The
traffic was much less and worked out dandy since we
were able to almost drive right onto the ferry. It could
have been an couple of hours wait on Sunday. Living out
here on the Kitsap Peninsula we either have to take the
ferry or drive an extra hour or so to avoid taking the
ferry. The ferry is easier, and at today's gas prices,
cheaper too.
Our thanks to Vicky Eagle Elk (VEE) for these photos - as
you can see, most everyone was off fishing! Some at Rocky
Ford, and some at Stan Kauffman Lake for 'giggle fish.*' That
was a new term for me, but it sure fits the bill. It took
a little searching before the folks found the fish, they
thought the fishing would be better in another week, just
a tad early for fish on beds at that lake.
In fact, Steve and Cary, (above, left and center,
Mike on the right is Cary's brother) the organizers
of this Fish-In, will go back to the
weekend after Mother's Day for the '09 Fish-In.
Check your calendar and put that one on
now. If you are anywhere in the region, don't miss it,
great fun for all.
Above is Ron Eagle Elk (REE) about to land a nice rainbow
at Rocky Ford. On the right is Ree's wife, Vicki (VEE),
casting her Wonder Rod, and below, VEE with a nice
rainbow.
Richard Weaver (REW) getting some tying tips from Brandon,
below. The 'Magic Bug' was an extended body bwo.
Sagefish joined in the fun at the fish-in this year, always
nice to have new folks attend.
A couple of years ago, Stephie Taylor brought a batch of oysters
to this Fish-In. This year, JC made arrangements to bring a
batch of 'roasters' to cook on the grill. They were really
large and someone suggested an aluminum foil cover to speed
up the cooking. It really worked well. That's JC's head in
the right hand corner. This may have set a precedent - the Saturday
evening pot luck continues to be amazing. Mike Morlan cooked up
a Sheperds Pie in the dutch oven which was terrific. I'll try
and get the recipe for our What's Cooking section.
The weekend was terrific, thanks to all who came and to Cary
and Steve (Z) for hosting it again. We look forward to
next year - and just because I can, the photo below is
a very happy LadyFisher.
~ The LadyFisher
*Giggle Fish are Bluegills.
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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