Pat’s Steelie VideoHi Speed Only

I just returned home from my first New York Salmon River fishing steelhead experience. My fishing companions did everything possible to see that I hooked a steelhead. Although I never landed a fish I sure had a the opportunity. In particular the hook up yesterday morning was what we all fish for. This fish grabbed on and went 40 yards before he even thought about slowing down. Just when I thought he was going to take a stand off he went again. The Battenkill screamed as he went yet another 20 yards down and across the river. At that point I ran down river reeling like a mad man, while Jeremy and Greg yelled encouragement and needed instructions on how to handle the explosion at the end of my flyline. Everything was great until he hit the next run of fast water. It was there that the fly and fish parted company. I can honestly say I felt no disappointment at loosing that fish. The pure adrenline rush of having him on was enough to hook me on this phenomenal fishery. As Jeremy napped on the way home I relived that hook up over and over again. When I woke this morning the first consious thought I had was that fish and the power and speed it displayed. Earlier Jeremy wrote an article about steelhead addiction. I now understand how the addiction begins. I also understand there is no cure. The only hope is to continue to feed the craving, as the withdrawls are much to painful of an experience. I can’t wait to go again. I hope I am able to do it with Greg, Jeremy and Ken. The combined fishing experience is hard to match. As a novice you need all the input you can get. And besides without Jeremy I never would have experienced the fine cuisine of Fatso’s Pizza/Bowling Alley. Thank you guys for a great experience.