Old School Glass $16.00

For those of you looking for a glass rod on the cheap check out Troutlet.com. For 16 bucks you can get an Eagle Claw Featherlight either as your go to rod or as a back up to add to the rod collection. I purchased the 6’6” 5wt online and received it today. The site reflects a metal reel seat however the one I received had a plastic handle which is kinda sore on the eyes. I was pleased it came with snake guides as opposed the single foot ones which were reflected on the site. Other than the plastic reel seat, the cosmetics were really nice overall and the nostalgic yellow blank is cool. I contacted Troutlet and they advised they were unaware Eagleclaw had made changes and would keep me posted should the upcoming shipments have a metal reel seat and would be happy to exchange it. Either way for 16 bucks you can’t go wrong. I purchased this rod for close action fishing for the Snoqualmie forks and those tucked away little creeks and beaver ponds. It is a really light rod so I plan on lawn casting it with a 3wt, 4wt, and 5wt line to see what compliments it best. Here are some pics.

Lunar Eclipse Over Seattle

0 for 1 Today

So that makes it 0 for 4 on my last 4 outings chasing steelhead… I was so close to sealing the deal on a BIG bright fish today but just like my last couple outings the long battle ended with a confidence shattering spit fly followed by cursing. The adrenalin high I use to chase caused by electrifying runs and violent headshakes is now causing nightmares. Bushwhacking over a mile in cold rainy temperatures only to be rewarded with punctured gore-tex and scratches on my face and hands not too mention the near tail bone busting falls. I keep playing back each missed opportunity in my head on my drive home hoping to learn from my mistakes, but did I make a mistake? Or, did the fish just kick my ass? I’ve caught plenty of steelhead but man this is my worst streak ever!

Fish Swami - Online Fishing Log

Have you often thought about creating a fishing log to document trips or time out on the river? For years I have on several occasions but it never happened… I found the Fish Swami while surfin' the web one day and decided to create an account. The interface is easy and the layout is simple yet detailed. Give it a shot, I use it and if I’d get my lazy ass out to fish more I’d have more entries.

Green River Report

• Date: Saturday February 02, 2008
• Where: Green River (fishing) Snoqualmie (spey casting)
• Flows: 268 CFS
• Temps: 30 to 40 degrees and sunny

Today’s Agenda:

• ‘The Day on the River’ in Carnation
• Steelhead fishing on the Green

This morning I started out in Carnation attending ‘The Day on the River’ link with Aaron Reimer. I’m new to the spey game and Aaron is a plethora of information and very helpful. I learned a lot today and as the morning progressed my casting and presentation was looking good. Amp’d with confidence I was chomping at the bit to chase steel. After hanging out at the shop in Carnation I headed home dropped and off the two hander and traded it for the single hander and was off to the Green. I arrive at the river about 2:30 and the water was low and clear. Guess I won’t need a sink tip… The water I was targeting wasn’t swinging water but more pocket water not suitable for swinging so I went with the indicator set up instead ( for shame!). Anyway, after half an hour on the river as I’m floating the tail out of a run when my indicator goes down and a rocket of a fish doesn’t hesitate and runs straight down a white water chute like bat out of hell… OH SHIT! Miraculously, to my favor the turbo charged fish shoots back up the chute and is running at me. Stripping line like a mad man I get the fish on the reel and to my surprise I bring in a small 21” 22” unclipped fish… YES! Damn, what a friggen awesome day! As I’m working my way down the skinny river I come to a run that has a deep slot. I’m thinking to myself this run has to have a fish sitting in it and sure as shit I’m right! After a couple casts my line goes tight, as I set the hook my rod buckles over and a pissed off steelhead decides to give me a glamour shot pose and jumps out of the water. ONCE AGAIN IT’S ON! As I fight the fish he hunkers, tail slashes, runs and gets my heart racing… Alright, this is a BIG colored up buck and I’m not about to lose this one…. Come to daddy! Right when I think he’s done I apply side pressure to bring him in and that’s when my line comes catapulting back at me... Damn it! After I regained my composure I fished a while longer with no results. Great day on the river!