Almost Too Much Of A Good Thing...

[Chief Grey Bear]

Yet, I wonder which is worse...the guy who only covers 5 miles in a day but really concentrates on that five mile stretch, fishing each spot thoroughly until he's mined all the fish he can out of it (something I'm certainly guilty of when flyfishing for trout), or the guy like me who covers a lot more water but just takes one fish out of each spot. There were many times on this trip that I would be playing a fish and there would be a half dozen or more following it around, so I know I wasn't doing any real harm to any one little group of fish.

I don't know that I would point the finger at the 5 milers. Like I stated earlier 5 miles is about my high water mark. But I also do a good bit of swimming and wading. I cover the water pretty thoroughly but I don't "mine it" for every fish. I like to keep moving like you, just not quite as fast. I let the current dictate my speed most of the time. I am not one to stay on a spot until I stop getting bites. If I wanted that, I would start lake or pond fishing. But I do understand what you are saying.

[Bman]

Al, Thanks for your post. Reading that was almost as good as being there with you.

[Al Agnew]

You sure that's a paddle blade and not a cutting board? Ever fly fish in that creek?

Actually, I had planned to throw in a fly rod on this trip, but forgot to bring it...didn't realize I'd forgotten it until I got to the creek. I wish I had, because a lot of fish, including some of the big ones, were taking the lure as soon as it hit the water, and I'll bet they would have taken popping bugs or deer hair bugs the same way. They certainly weren't stopping to examine it! It would have been great fun...but the only fly in the ointment would have been the necessity for long casts in the clear water. I'm not the best long distance fly caster. Sure would have liked to try it, though!

[Greg]

I enjoyed the pics. That 2nd one in your posting really highlights the color variations that are possible in our SM.

Greg

[snap]

nice trip and pics.....either Fouche Declue or upper ???(sorry salukie....for mentioning this spot) or my guesses with you taking the long way there!!!

[cwc87]

Congrats on an awesome fishing adventure. Glad you have cured your fishing slump!! As I tell some of my close fishing friends you are one fish catching machine.

[FishinCricket]

Congrats on an awesome fishing adventure. Glad you have cured your fishing slump!! As I tell some of my close fishing friends you are one fish catching machine.

Personally, I go back and forth from hating him to wanting to have his babies .. lol

Nice report Al.. Now stay off my creek!

[ColdWaterFshr]

Review the numbers. 312 fish. Fish per mile stats, etc. Numerous fish paddle pictures presented for us all to closely verify and ascertain the true size. Take off your shoes when worshipping at the altar of Al, and repeat after him . . . you are not worthy.

But like a candle in the darkness, I stand up and say . . .

Anti-counterfishers of the world UNITE!!! This aggression cannot stand, MAN!

Enter a tournament, Al, you would impress more folks there!!

[Gavin]

Dunno man...I guess fish counting is is better than waisting your money at the casino, nudey bar, or golf course. I dont count much past 20...and I tend to get bored with catching cookie cutter sized fish one after another. If I'm catching allot of fish...I change the game & swing for the fences. Pick out the fish I want to catch...sneak into postition and make one well placed cast to a prime lie instead of peppering everything in sight. Lay back & enjoy the scenery or just hang back and watch a friend catch fish. People, places, fish....in that order.Cheers.

[ness]

Somebody blow out the "candle in the darkness", please.

I would recommend everyone discount any post made by Dallas after approximately 6 PM on a weeknight, 10 AM Saturday or Sunday.