Please forgive a short TR on the non-fly topic. But the seven weight was in
the truck and I had swap flies in the boat if that counts. I'll save those
for the Coho when they come in with sufficient numbers.

Padishar Creel and I took a break from the fly fishing scene and hunted
Chinook on Sunday for the barbecue. I posted a photo on ABPF. The fishing
was not too hot, but Padishar Creel had the hot lure. He was the only
person to hook up three times from all the boats we could see. After the
first goat rope we had the timing down for netting the big fish. On the
first fish I screwed up the netting and nearly cost Padishar his fish. The
hook held and after another short run, the fish was in the boat.

The lesson learned is to use four ounces of lead when Padishar uses that
much, not two ounces. The real trick will have to stay a mystery, but I
think I've got the secret down for next time. The magic lure may have to be
retired, bent from the task at hand and missing a hook from the treble. It
will not be forgotten.

Padishar bought that particular lure on the advice of a sporting goods
store. On the way home we stopped and bought some ice and thanked them for
their good advice that helped us boat three fish. Later, I over heard the
same employee telling new fisherman about the guys that used the "hot" lure
to catch FIVE fish. I hasten to say that there is an obvious flaw in that
story of FIVE fish for TWO people. The limit is two fish. I always
wondered how stories got started. Anyway, he sold several more lures.

It was a beautiful day on the Oregon coast. A fog bank hung over the
coastline but the bay was bright and sunny. Mrs. Creel made a great lunch
for us, and the only thing to worry about was that small fish box. Another
Chinook would not have fit in the boat. Such a dilemma to have. Great trip
for the dog days of summer when most waters are too warm for thoughtful
trout fishing.

An additional treat was to see a gathering of steam powered boats coming and
going from the docks. They would sound off their whistles on every
departure. They made an historic addition to the entire experience. There
is just something about a steam engine that harkens to an age before my
existence I'd like to have seen.

Thanks to Padishar for letting me share in the feast and hope you enjoy that
big fish for the barbecue.

Randy