Au Sable 4-13-01

[jnpcook]

Well today was a great day. For one I had Good Friday off which is the first time in the almost 7 years I have worked at my company. And second I had the opportunity to fish with Shoeman today on the Au Sable River in his driftboat. It was my first experience in a drift boat and it was great. Especially since the river was quite high and there wasn't much opportunity for the wading fisherman to get out into the river much. Shoeman set me up and got me into my first river steelie (The only steelhead I had caught before was when I went out on a charter boat with my wife last summer.) We ended up going 4-4 today and all were nice fresh fish (2 hens and 2 bucks). We even had a double going one time. The wind was a real killer today and the current was ripping. Hope your arms recover Shoeman Thanks again for the great time.

Good Luck to all,

John

[Neapolis]

Congratulations on your first drift boat steelhead.

The Shoe is becoming a legend quit a guy isn't he.

[northern_outdoorsman]

glad to hear you got into some fish! Mabey someday I'll catch one up there! Check your e-mail!

[jnpcook]

Neapolis,

Yeah it sure was nice to get my first river steelie. It was nice having someone to show me the ropes. Thanks Shoeman.

I guess I tried the same stupid glove trick as you. Shoeman told me to take off my freakin gloves when I was reeling in and the line was being taken out by the fish (stupid gloves were loosening the drag).

Shoeman took some photos I am sure he will post later. I saw the photos of your first steelie. Congratulations. Nice fish.

Later,

John

[Neapolis]

The first thing that I added to my fishing kit after I got back from that trip was one of thse pouches that you can put a hand warmer in to keep your hands warm. Rumer has it that Shoeman's driftboat is going to become a no gloves zone.

[Shoeman]

Well I'm back. The highlight of the long weekend was on Friday. Fishing became tougher as the easy fish were fished out. On Saturday, we managed to boat only one and missed one. The crowds were really limiting our fishing spots. Every hole and bend had guys standing in it. Someone must have invited 2000 of their closest friends.
On Sunday, I tried fishing the lower river. Not much happening there. I did manage to run into an old friend, who is now guiding. He's also a friend of Steel Yarn. Small world. Bruce and I leap-frogged a few holes and he pulled a fresh fish out of the Golf course.
The good news is, most of the fish are fresh and the eggs are still tight.
John, I'm sorry, but my camera is in the RV parked at Little Ceasar's in Oscoda. I promise to bring it home next week. I had too many irons in the fire and simply forgot the essential stuff. They predicted several inches of snow and colder temps and I had to re-winterize my water system. Spring???????
In all we went 5 for 8. It's not what I would call good fishing, but not too bad considering the crowds.

[Shoeman]

Jnpcook with one ticket of trout.
I'm not sure, why some guys catch on really quick.

[northern_outdoorsman]

Nice catch, Jpncook! Shoeman did great! Now if I could only get him to get me a fidh up there! I go there alot and never get any! I'll keep trying though! Tight lines!

[Shoeman]

Hey N.O. if you're not busy this weekend and are willing to run to the NE side, I'll take you to the fish. Now I will have to blindfold you and cut out your tongue. This is very fragile water

[WEEZER]

Nice fish, and that spot looks awfully familiar!! Haven't been able to fish in 6 days(My longest streak since January) I'm getting a little river sick right now!!