It was mid August, 92 degrees, and I was itching to catch some trout. I decided to take the local shops advice and go try out a large river 20 minutes away. I arrived later than planed, and was surprise with the river. For one, it was very much different than the other parts of the river that I had fished before, and two it sat right below a HUGE dam. I rigged up, and within a few casts saw a fish flash at my nymph. I cast again, this time only to bring a nice 10′ bow to net. After fishign a little longer, and working a large stone cliff drop off, I got into some more fish. After hooking into numerous more brookies, chub, and bows, I began to try and reach some far side rises. Casting the rod back, forward, back…..SWOOSH!!! I large Heron swooped down and perched above my casting spot. He watched me with intriguement, and was waiting for me to catch another fish. Sure enough, a few casts later, I hooked into another small trout, and as soon as he was out of the water, the heron swooped down and tried to steal him from me! I jumped back and told it to sheewww. he was just looking for an easy meal, but I didnt want him to get stuck on my line. Hours passed, and the heron got much more used to me catching more fish. Every few minutes he would creep closer, and at one time, he was perched watching me right beside me. I decided to bring home two of my catch, and put them in my creel. He watched intensly as the creel moved. I fished more, and caught more, he came and left, and when i decided to move a little downstream my dad showed up. Now the heron was no where in sight, and I worked my way back to the car. On my way, I stopped with my dad, and cleaned the fish riverside. While doing so I told my dad about my encounter with the heron and he laughed. After finishing the first fish, my dad said, “Look your friend is back”. I lookedover, and thee he was watching me fillet his meal. I called to him, and he came just like a pet. I tosses the non eatables to him, and boy was he happy! I cleaned the second fish, and again tossed it to him. He moved closer, and ruffled his feathers, as if saying “thanks”. I knew right then that I had found a new friend.
Cool story Caleb. It’s not always about the fish, is it?
great story fishking – in the northeast we got the heron – down in florida it’s the pelican’s – man i have had some of those things steel fish from me all the time.
i was thinking about your story and about your “putting a few fish in the creel”. i know that some people are totally catch and release fanatics – but here is my take on that. i know you are from maine – and a very respectful fly fisherman. I think you are involved with TU and other conservation efforts. It really amazes me – for a kid your age – that you are so conscious of the environment and so involved with fly fishing.
with that being said – our maine history is founded upon putting a few fish in the creel every now and then.
i think that is great when done responsbily. the answer to everything in nature is balance. the indians had it perfect “take what you need and leave the rest alone”
in my opinion, the only real danger is fanaticism. fanatics can be on both sides of the fence – and neither point of view is right or wrong.
the answer lies in balance and common sense. respect the waters, respect the heritage and find the balance between preservation and any form of cultivation.
it’s really that simple – amazing how complex it can become.
good job fishking7 – i know you are the future of Maine fly fishing – and i know that you will cary the torch well. you will protect our river, our fisheries and our heritage – long after us older guys are gone.
I keep maybe 5 fish total a year. Like u said if it is respectful and responsible its good. This year i kept a total of five i think. Two of wich were salmon bcuz i had never had the chance to eat one b4. The others were trout, becaus ei like them on occasion and so does my lil bro. To me, keeping a fish every once in a while is good. I dont buy fish, so its good for the body to have some fresh fish every once in a while. Also, I fell like some fish should be haqrvested bcuz thats how nature was intended. JMHO
Thanks everyone for the good responses, I am haveing a hard time thinking up stories bcuz it has been so long since ive been fishing,
Caleb