First Winter- Big Summer

[TallFlyGuy]

Was out yesterday. When it rains-Go fish! Caught this bright girl on the swing. I'm thinking it is an early winter your thoughts?

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j281/justinte/1102c.jpg

Then later on I swung the next run down around 11:00 AM. I was swinging through the run and my line just kind of stopped. It's the take that has me fascinated and perplexed right now. Not a pull, Not a tug, the line just stops, and feels like it is on a rock or something. Anyway, I've had alot of fish take similar to this this year. I felt it, and set the hook... All hell broke loose, boiling rolling splashing,====more rolling splashing and then his run. Into my backing real quick. well long story short- it was fun! All on the TFO 6wt. We have really bonded this year!!



http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j281/justinte/1102a.jpg

[luckybalbowa]

good times for sure.

thanks for the pics

i would be guessing at best whether its late summer/early winter myself.

[doublespey]

late summer - hens stay brighter a lot longer than them bucks.:)

[Salmo_g]

I believe they are both summer run steelhead.

I'm inspired and hope there are some options this weekend and that everything doesn't blow out.

Sincerely,

Salmo g.

[Steve Buckner]

Definitely summer fish - congrats!

[Will Atlas]

I'm feeling the summer fish call too. especially since the male looked fairly dark. Remember, life histories arent always that clearly defined, they tend to exist on a continuum. I would have to know the system too to know anything more. Great fish, congrats.

[Merle]

Nice! Any time you can pick up two steelhead (on a fly) in one day is a day to be remembered.

They sure look like summer fish to me, even the hen. I would expect an early winter fish to be really nickel bright at this time.

BTW-What kind of reel is that on your 6 weight?

Andy

[Red Shed]

I'm not Justin but I can tell you the reel is a Dan Bailey #3.

[James Mello]

I'm feeling the summer fish call too. especially since the male looked fairly dark. Remember, life histories arent always that clearly defined, they tend to exist on a continuum. I would have to know the system too to know anything more. Great fish, congrats.

Well, I can tell you that it wasn't the Lower Kalama! That river was Chocolate Milk yesterday!

[TallFlyGuy]

Yep, Redshed is right. I purchased the rod, reel, and line from him during the summer. The reel is ok, but I keep having to check the drag, seems as I cast it, the reel keeps getting adjusted. The drag control knob is too tempramental. It works great for a $100 reel, but I put them through to much of a workout I think. My next reel will be t he TFO Terry hayden. Machined from 6061 marine grade aluminum and Type III Hard Anodized. You just don't find that in Most high dollar reels. Redshed, what kind of deal you gonna give me:D :D ?

Justin

[miyawaki]

Wow, heats on you now Poppy.

Leland.

[Red Shed]

Redshed, what kind of deal you gonna give me ?

A good one of course!

Leland, It has been cool over here so I can use a little heat.:cool:

[miyawaki]

Poppy,

Will try to get over to the shop on 13, 14 or 15. Keep the fish hot.

Leland.

[Steelie Mike]

The only thing wrong with that Dan Bailey reel is it has been spooled by four dozen steelhead and a couple of suckers this year.

[fredaevans]

Well, I can tell you that it wasn't the Lower Kalama! That river was Chocolate Milk yesterday!

(Both summer runs.) Had to chuckle when I read the above. Stopped at the Camp Kalama RV park last Monday-PM/Tuesday AM to do a bit of fishing (and 'warm up' from the cold damp weather up in Carnation (Aaron's Spey Fair). COLD! Sweet Jesus! At 0630 on Tuesday it was 24.8 degrees!:eek:

River was running so low you could have damned it with a tea-cup.

We southern Oar-E-Gone fellows aren't used to that kind of temps!!:confused: Time for me to 'toughen up.'bawling:

[Hal Eckert]

Nice and on a 6 wgtr spey

:thumb: :thumb: :beer2:

BG

[fredaevans]

Forgot to add: "It's the take that has me fascinated and perplexed right now. Not a pull, Not a tug, the line just stops, and feels like it is on a rock or something. Anyway, I've had alot of fish take similar to this this year."

With a full floating line this is more the norm than the exception. The reports of the "smashing strike" are grossly over stated. Line just goes tight as one end is in 'his' mouth, the other under your finger. The good thing though, is this is a very good indication your hook is 'sticky sharp;' point's already started to penetrate.:thumb:

[Red Shed]

Just to keep this all in perspective it should be noted that the Hayden reel costs 78% of what Tall's complete TFO package cost delivered to his door.

One more point that needs to be considered is that the lightest Hayden weighs 10.8 oz. empty compared to 8.8 oz for the D Bailey. I believe it will be to heavy for the 12'6"-wt TFO. The Hayden is a great reel. I just don't think it fits this application very well.

Leland, I'm looking forward to seeing you. If you have time maybe we can have some Mexican food.:cool:

[Steelie Mike]

Poppy, I think Justin is going to put that reel on a Meiser MKS. Then again I could be wrong and he could be purchasing it for a friend that he fishes with a lot. It could make a good Christmas gift.

[Red Shed]

Yes after I posted, my slow old brain figured out the Hayden was most likely for the Meiser. That would make a great setup.

That Hayden would indeed make a nice Christmas gift for a friend.

[miyawaki]

Tuesday night at El Sombrero. I'll be there with Brian Lencho and Craig Lannigan will be joining us. I got some good stories about his "Beats Me."

Leland.