Finally got it together and made it out for these toothy fish. Celebrated a birthday last week and when the wife asked what I wanted, I said that all I need is a day on the water. I took a rain check for my original plan to go out last Saturday and cashed it in today.
This delay gave me some time to run to Fly South and buy some giant hooks.
Only time and materials for one fly, so I make it count.
Needed a new fly box to hold it, so borrow my son's toolbox and throw in some flies my brother bought me for these fish.
Solo trip in the kayak, so I stayed warm early with a couple hour paddle upstream. Beautiful day. Felt lucky to see a family or river otters on the way.
Got everything set up and started the float back. Love watching the giant articulated fly swim. After an hour or so of that, a cast to what didn't look like great water produces a huge shadow behind the fly. There he is. Looks like he'll enhale it, but follows to the boat. I start in on the figure 8s and quickly realize that I need to figure out what to do with the paddle. But I make do and get a few in. He follows for three or so then disappears. Wow. Awesome to see a fish and have a follow. My day was made. I have a quick bite to fuel up then get back to casting.
Another two hours go by watching the fly swim. It's coming at the boat over the middle of the river and a fish comes from under the kayak and demolishes the fly. Game on. I clear my line, pull up the drag chain, and paddle to some shallow water. I bail out and quickly boga the fish and snap a quick pic before the yak floats away.
Wow! I'm shaking. Even with all the prep, planning, casting, I can't believe that just happened. Best birthday present ever.
