Sooner or Later

Well, lets rip the band-aid off. I've fished 9 separate times this year. After my 8th time I caught 2 fish, averaging a magnificent .22 of a fish per outing. Thank goodness I'm not trying to feed a family.

I've been to Lake Erie, Conneaut Creek, Beaver Creek, Buffalo Creek, Kings Creek, Tomlinson Run and the Rocky River (all mostly with my Dad). I'd like to think we aren't fishing but rather practicing our casts for when the time is right. And man, those casts are looking good. But to our defense, aside from a few others, no one else was catching them either.

Rocky River Fishing for Steelheads

Last year, my my cousin Shane built me a beautiful fly rod. It has succeeded in capturing bass and bluegill, but never has it had the pleasure of  reeling in a trout. My itch to cross that off my list grew larger and larger each unsuccessful outing I've had in 2012.

While my confidence was as big as my size 6 fishing hook, I felt a little hope as I took my first step in the creek. Last year, King's Creek proved to be successful many times over for my Dad and I. We learned the holes, the current, the terrain; hopefully, it would add up to a good day.

I quickly made my way to a favorable hole. After a few short casts, my line was pulled under. A snag already. You've got to be kidding me. In fact, it was kidding me. That snag was a fish (I'm still getting used to the feel of the hit on the fly rod that it caught me off guard). I snapped it back, securing the hook. This fish wasn't just another trout; it was my dwindling confidence and my first trout catch on the new rod. I got him into my net and that was it Fort Pitt.

All together, I caught one more shortly before we were going to leave. This hit was different though. It was a runner and I quickly knew it wasn't a snag. It sure felt good bringing another one in.

Last year, I fished the creek with my spin rod. That was a great time. This year I have fly rod and waders. It's a whole new playing field and I am enjoying every new inexperienced minute of it. While my Dad was unable to reel one in, it was still a good fishing trip. We know they are in there just waiting for our return. ***Update*** I just went fishing there again and they were not waiting for our return. Definitively not waiting.