THE FISHING REPORT: Layers

I love it when a plan comes together. Whether it is fishing or traveling or really anything in life, there is something very satisfying when all the planning leads to the premeditated ending. But often there is more to the well-planned event. Call it layers in the universe or karma; it is pretty cool when you have a chance to see some of the manifestations. So, before I lose you all in my ethereal ranting’s, let me provide you a fishing report and then a few of the layers that went with it.
I met the Meyers family at the Lake Sonoma public launch ramp. A bubbly crew they were, complete with three young ladies, Samantha (12), Kate (10), and Hudson (5). From the get go, as you might expect, the energy onboard was electric. Enthusiasm was pervasive and everyone wanted to catch a fish…RIGHT NOW! We drew straws and Sam was first up (seemingly fitting, since she was the oldest).
We were fishing for the wild land locked steelhead up at the lake. Trolling was the method of take with ultra light rods on down riggers. The weather was a 10. The first fish was hooked after about 15 minutes of fishing and Sam expertly landed the feisty 14-inch steelhead. I asked before we started if we could let all but the injured go and everyone was in agreement. Everyone except Hudson, who really didn’t want to kill any of the fish (bless her heart) but we explained a few of the facts of life and she seemed to accept it. Hudson was up next, and with a little help from her Mom, Jennifer, also landed and released a quality fish.
Next up was Kate, and of all the girls, Kate was the one that seemed the most involved in the process. After I mentioned that rising fish were a good indication and what to look for, she was constantly on guard for rising fish. A rod started to buck and Kate had her first fish on. It was a bit bigger than the last, and while she did a good job, the fish managed to throw the hook right at the boat. After only seconds had passed after losing the fish, she asked, “Can I have another turn since that one came off?” She had obviously practiced and had success with that pleading format because it worked perfectly. I melted and said yes, not that it was hard to do. The next fish came and was landed and unfortunately had to be dispatched. Hudson melted down but it was good for the girls to value life and see death. More layers.
The fishing slowed around 10, as the sky brightened into what was going to be a spectacular Sonoma County day. The girls were reduced to playing with the worms. They each got one and, of course, were all named, as pets should be. I think “Wormy” and “Wiggly” were two of the three. Eating them was proposed, and while the worms were close to being consumed, I don’t think anything actually made it passed any of the girl’s lips. Giggles abounded. They were eventually put back into the worm box but with strict restrictions on future use. We pulled up our lines and went on a hike, “looking for Rattlesnakes.”
After lunch we finished the day trolling for another hour and Katie got to land her last fish which made it three a piece for the girls, and John got to land one, too. While he was working on his, a second rod lit up. Jennifer was pressed into action and after a gallant fight, we were able to net the fish. It turned out to be the largest of the day, at well over two pounds and was released unharmed.
More layers… John and Jennifer made the winning bid for the trip that I donated at the Rotary Crab Feed last December. Without groups like the Rotary, Kiwanis, Soroptimist and shared ministries, our communities wouldn’t be the same. And without locals like the Meyers to support those groups’ efforts, there would be so many missing pieces from our schools, our elderly, and to those that are less fortunate. So if you get a chance to contribute, please do so and better yet, come up to a meeting and see all the friends you can make and all the fun you can have and the good you can do.
For more fishing reports and/ or information, please contact Hunt Conrad at Prospect Mortgage, 431-9715.