Yes. That was I in the HighLaker. We didn't hang out long. No fish showing like a week ago so we bailed. They'll be back. I did see a guy fly fishing so no doubt was you. We almost pulled over to say hello to the "fly guy". Next time we see each other say hello. Secret spot.....shhhhhhhhhhhhhh.Ever have those weird days when you're just happy nothing really bad happened? Yeah, that's me today.
I hit the Canal this morning in the boat. Went to a spot I've always wanted to try. Fairly long run to get there. Well, evidently it's not a secret as there were 2 recreational boats and a native boat netting silvers.
I almost turned it around to hit a spot I saw along the way, but I slid in just south of the native guys and started drifting with the tide. Wind, tide and water were all gorgeous. No more split pea soup. No more oil slick with sun. Great conditions. Silvers jumping all over the place. I'm stoked!!
I should preface this report with this bit of info. I'm the guy that laughs at you when you lose a fish. I'm the guy that will tease you about it. I don't subscribe to LDR magazine, you know? Just have never really had too many issues.
Well, 3 really fat 16-18" cutts and a similar sized silver later....I'm the one that needs teasing. I've NEVER had that much trouble landing fish. Goodness, that's not even counting the 16" cutt that completely missed my fly and the 18" silver that literally broke water hitting my fly line.
My only theory....My trusty 2000 F150 with 183k miles lit up the "Service Engine Soon" right when I turned into the boat launch along with some goofy behavior that I thought might be tranny related. I almost didn't launch since I wasn't 100% sure I could get my boat back out. A couple practice runs down the ramp and I was a bit more confident. Decided to go for it.
Did I mention that I got my floating 5wt line in the prop? Haven't done that in 25 years of boat fishing. Some how, I cut the motor and avoided a broken fly line. Only thing lost was the fly that wouldn't hold a fish. Good riddance!
The good news? Found some killer new spots, had a Hi Laker sighting (Larry? Did you guys catch any? I was the guy in the 14' Valco), had a big bull sea-lion come up growling just 30-40 feet behind me, "Saw" 4 really fat healthy cutts and limped the misfiring (cylinder #1) F150 home without drama.
Maybe the next trip I'll only hook 1 skinny cutt, but actually land the darn thing. What a weird day.
Stacy
