My boat had been in the shop for awhile getting fixed up, and I had the itch real bad to get out on the water. So Hank, Ralph and I headed out last week in Hanks boat for a day on Arrow Lake.

The worst conditions a trout fisherman can have were there that day.A beautiful fall day. Flat calm and sunny.

Oh well. No point in going home. Out go the boards, and we put out two flies, and one plug.

After about an hour with no bites, we decide to change it up a bit, but are a little discouraged with the nice day. I put on the yellow patriot, and I'm going to let it out 260ft., and put it on the planer board. As I'm letting it out behind the boat, at about the 150ft. mark the rod starts acting funny, bouncing all around, and the line was peeling out alot faster. I realize I have a fish on, so I engage the drag and set the hook. As I look behind the boat, a beautiful Rainbow clears the water, and I start hooting and hollering, calling the guys out from the cabin.

Normally, this is the time when I have to hand the rod over, however, I'm fishing with buddies this time, and it's every man for himself. I almost forget about the fish as I'm too busy spewing out words of encouragement to my fishing buddies. Things like : "If it wasn't for me, they'd never be able to catch a fish", and "it's a good thing that I'm bringing it in, because they would probably lose a big fish like this".

This went on for the full ten minutes of the fight, and I'm surprised that I'm still here to tell the story to be honest with you. Hank even netted it for me. A gorgeous trout. A fat and healthy 12.5 lb buck.

Well this broke our dry spell, and dispite the weather conditions, we caught 6 more fish on hair in the next few hours. Turned out to be a great day!!

I now have my boat back, and it's probably a good thing as I don't think Hank or Ralph will be inviting me out fishing again any time soon. Ha.

Nov. and Dec. are some of my favorite months for big Gerrards, and I'm really looking forward to the next couple of months of fishing. Hope you can join me!!!

Tight Lines ... Brad
www.kootenaykingfisher.com
1-800-838-5269