Then on to Walmart for a couple of tripods to make some custom fishing rod holders. More on that when I get them fixed up. Custom stuff takes time.
Third thing on the agenda was to stop at Fisherman's Warehouse (they open at 10:00am) for a couple new (cheap) reels and some new line. I'm extremely hard to three things. One, my glasses. Two, my watch (which is the reason I don't wear my good watch fishing), and three fishing reels. I've just about destroyed the reels on my 4# test rods and the one on my Okuma rod with 2# test. I have a habit of dropping them when I have a fish on another rod. OK, now you can yell at me.
Now it's just after 10:00am and I'm on my way to the Department of Parks & Recreation (they open at 10:00am too) for the annual river parking permit. Why pay $5 a pop when a $50 permit will allow you to park all year?
Then on to the American River at Gristmill Access to try a little Steelhead fishing with a spinning rod instead of fly rod. Change of year, change of tactics. Guys at Fisherman's Warehouse said try Little Cleo's in silver/blue and silver/green. Think they'd have any in stock? Not on your life.
I hit the river (Ok, walked down from the parking area) at 10:30 and fished from:
Up there,
To down there,
with a silver/blue Kastmaster, silver Little Cleo, and a burgandy/bronze Little Cleo.
Once I got back to where I started, there were a couple of guys doing the Spey Rod thing and you know how I feel about Spey Rods. If you've forgotten, remember the Deschutes adventure in October of 2009. On top of that, they had a couple of black Labs running across the river, just above the riffles. Any Steelhead around there were long gone.
It's now Noon and I decided that since I'd been wandering around all morning and need some food, I wrapped it up for the first day of fishing 2012 and headed for Micky D's for a burger and fries. Then headed home. Next time I'll get here a little earlier.
If you double click on the top picture, you can see the guy standing in the river. Across the river from him is Harrington Access where I've fished before and will probably try next time.
Steelhead, I'll get one of those suckers, yet.
Mark
I go many trips in a row with out catching a steelhead so just stay after em, they can be quite elusive!
ReplyDeleteDetermination. You need to get this done this year before the world ends! Just kidding - take care, Mark.
ReplyDeleteMy friend, I always say that to be a successful fisherman when fishing for Steelhead, that patience is a virtue. I have caught two Steelhead in my life. I caught those two on the same day. Exactly three years and many trips from when I made my first trip. Don't Steelhead currently. I ran out of patience! Anyway, your fish will come soon. Hope you don't have to wait three years.
ReplyDeleteMark
ReplyDeleteI can say one thing, you fish in some awesome looking places. Keep casting and success will come your way.
Quite a river. I could see steelies resting in those seems....go get um.
ReplyDeleteI like your new back drop photo thing up there.
ReplyDeleteI bet once you hook into some steel this year it will all be worth it. Keep fishing, that remind me I need to renew my fishing licence.
Never caught on. They are like my quest for a billfish.
ReplyDeleteNever surrender.
Be careful with the Steelies...once you get that bug it can be hard to shake.
ReplyDeleteGood luck on your quest. Persistance, Confidence, and a little luck always go a long ways.
regards,
Brian
I,d sure like to steelhead that river one of these days.. remember, if your tossin hardware..keep on the move, Good luck!
ReplyDelete