We just about kept pace with yesterday's score despite suffering an extended mid afternoon lull that had us fretting for awhile how things were going to turn out in the end. As it was the best of the catching was done by mid day clearing the way for a languid afternoon punctuated by an occasional fish or two to keep angler's attention attuned. This is the classic example of time at the rail translating into results in the hatch. It is a pretty straightforward equation. Although we have at least a couple of anglers suffering from the dreaded "snakebite" who might not presently agree.

All the time I spend out here observing the cycle of individual success, and lack thereof, lends me to relate a piece of wisdom valuable to any fisherman pursuing their sport. Just like everything peaks and valleys are inherent. It is how the valley's are negotiated that define character and ability. Recognizing the fact that an occasional salty period, when despite one's best effort the bite's simply don't come, and not getting rattled by it, is one of those defining composure tests that separate the hearty from the less than. When your time in the barrel arrives, and it most certainly will, the only way to forge through is with a determined smile. The effort, redoubled by an angler's refusal to be bogged down by the affront to their ability and/or ego, will be rewarded - eventually.

As one can imagine we have seen countless examples of angler's enduring the pain of a snakebite over the years. What fascinates me about the phenomena is how consistent it is. If not every voyage, certainly almost every voyage someone is afflicted with the malady. It even rolls through the ranks at times like some insidious virus that incapacitates anglers one after another with complete indifference. Even the best of the best share equally in the suffering. There is no distinction when the cruel stroke of snakebite delivers it's punishment. Fortunately it is curable with the right prescription. Grace under fire, strength in the face of adversity, however one presents the cure, it is the only solution. Fear not when the inevitable occurs. Remember this passage and wrench out a smile through the pain. The duration of the condition definitely appears to shorten when an angler does not succumb to self loathing or pity. The fish gods mete out their injustice equally. Recognizing this, and maintaining a sense of humor, will guide one through the dark hours, or, god forbid, day's when your number comes up.

Photo of the day features accomplished veteran angler Jay Love who I have witnessed enduring the above mentioned on a couple of past memorable occasions. I have many, many more memories of the exact opposite however as he is about as skilled an angler as one can be. The proof is in the pudding so to speak. Regardless of the voyage Jay always seems to come out in the top ten percentile; not by accident, and not by luck. Using perfect equipment, perfectly rigged and maintained, Jay applies his knowledge and leaves the rest to Providence that seems to reward those who are prepared and practiced with consistent results. Jay's result yesterday was this 218 that definitely did not come easy. Quite the fighter he was that just about escaped after lighting up and tearing off the gaff after the first attempt. He tangled with the wrong guy however as the gorilla Wasano held fast, and with a sigh of relief, made good on the second round.

Tim Ekstrom

Photo Here...
Photo Here...