“Just put me on a gravel bar and let me swing flies” were the exact words from David Brandhagen from Pendleton Oregon. He made short work of this bucket and found a nice steelie hanging in the soft seam.
Compassionwacky is a term he uses to explain the feeling of “swinging gravel bars”, makes sense right…
Its one thing to start fishing behind someone and catch a fish but its another thing to do it twice. Although my catch was not as big as my brothers he’ll never let me fish behind him again.
Nice job landing my fish Davy!
the second pick pocket
My brother drove up from central Oregon and met us for lunch on this beautiful peninsula river. He is a husband, dad, and school administrator with a busy life. After enjoying some bbq’d dogs we pushed off for an afternoon float. On our fist bucket “Red” we call him swung up this beauty on his third cast.
with the battle raging the prize was soon insight.
all smiles
ended the day with a beautiful sunset
it was “Red’s day” and we all felt blessed to see God’s glory displayed
On a misty morning this Puget Sound tributary held some of the finest fighting fish of the season.
Both of the chrome bright natives were found in the soft inside high bank water.
With reels screaming and fisherman praying the early morning produced a beautiful catch and release.
Proper presentation and determination seemed to be the magic formula for the day.
Patience is a virtue for many steelheader’s with so many beautiful scenes to enjoy on the trip.
The most important part is the awesome people you get to spend the day with.
Always Believe!
Tim
A faithful vessel can take one to places of bliss.
From the trusty vessel to the riverbank a swung fly can temp even the most elusive.
Every trip is pregnant with potential.
This hatchery fish was snatched off the bank by a bald eagle.
No really…
Always Believe!
Tim
This donated trip to Hope For Life Ministry in Rwanda Africa turned out to be a reel burner for young Andre’ and his Dad. They hooked and landed 20 chum salmon that day. Even more amazing they raised $300 to help feed orphan boys and give them an education. This will sponsor one child for the year. For more information on how you can make an difference go to www.hopeforelifeministry.org.
Anticipation was high on the Skykomish River this week. The opening of salmon and steelhead season had highway 2 crawling with drift boats, jet sleds, and bank anglers ready to hook into the first fish of the season. Our day started at High Bridge just above Gold Bar. We slipped the “Fish Craft” drift boat into the emerald green water and rowed up just above the launch to pull shrimp and eggs through the soft inside slot just under the bridge. Minutes into probing the hole with bait divers the left side rod bowed down under the weight of a curious steelhead. The expert guide JR Hall held back for a split second until the anxious steelhead devoured the shrimp. The battle was on, a chrome streak made its way up and down the slot. JR passed the rod to his buddy John Czech who fought and landing his first steelhead.
A few holes down river above the clay bank there is a beautiful soft run above a large creek just tucked under some overhanging cedars. We stopped to float eggs and within minutes a bobber disappeared and reappeared with a big bright steelhead attached to it. Rookie John Czech had his second steelhead of the day and this one was a fighter. After 10 minutes of aerial displays, long runs, and nervous head shakes the elusive steelhead surrendered. John Czech went home with his first two bright Skykomish River steelhead, stories, and a smile a mile wide. Come fish the Sky with me!
Always Believe
Tim Burke
Believe River Guide Service
425-435-9070
A day on the river with the graphic and web designers proved to be a valuable investment. From first time casting lessons to great photos it was a very important trip.
Web Artist Mike Cleek
Graphic Artist Jens Jorgenson
While reflecting this morning over my first official guide trip with a cup of coffee in hand and the sacred words from the good book some really insightful thoughts came to my mind.
You see when you guide someone on a steelhead or salmon adventure you do everything in your power to help them be as successful as possible. You prepare days in advance. You invest time, money, hundreds of miles of driving, while running on a few hours of sleep to be the first boat on the river increasing your chances of catching fish. It sounds crazy to most and only makes sense to the fanatic who loves helping others catch the passion which consumes him.
Once on the river “the guide” endures every possible condition including rain, snow, hale, heat, wind, beauty, extreme sun exposure, and exhaustion. All the while coaching, encouraging, untangling, and helping others to be as successful as they possibly can.
So take this fisherman’s reality and apply it to the “Ultimate Guide” the Lord. How much more does God want us to catch His passion for life and helping others? While He guides us in life how often do we get hung up between a rock and a hard place, back spool our lives, get things all tangled up and need help. All the time He is coach, encouraging, untangling, pointing out the best spots, and wanting more then anything to see us succeed at His passion “life”!
Next time you think about the Lord. Remember Him as your guide. A faithful teacher, encourager, un-tangler, wanting to do everything in His power to help us win at the life , that which He has so passionately created us for.
Remember He is guiding us and wants the best for you and me!
Always Believe!
Tim
The greatest quality found in the heart of a winter steelhead fisherman is perseverance. The willingness to endure the elements over come the odds and swing through every drift is no small task.
Will Chester is one of those fisherman who stands out on the cobble strewn banks of this lower peninsula river. With his #7 weight 13/6 hand crafted Meiser Rod in hand the advantage of shimmering chrome and a screaming Hardy Perfect sings true to a “steel will”!
Those who swing to the end often find a reward!
Always Believe
Tim Burke