Independence Day Weekend-Warm up on the Creek

(Above: Creek shot looking downstream. This is a nice place for the “fish and stroll”. It also offers a nice change from the warm water bass action.)

When the runoff is steady but clear conditions get perfect for the spin game on a few nearby “creeks”. The water really only has two speeds; steady and ripping. Cast into the steady water with a light retrieve and wait for little thumps. Pools behind the large rocks, edges where slack water builds up, I hit them all with a cast and eventually I will hook up with some quality small creek fish.

(Above: Cutbow on the spin. Some folks frown, even scoff at the spin scene when it comes to trout. The barbs are crimped and with one reach of the pliers “plink” the fish is gone. More than one person asked me…why did you let that fish go?)

This was meant to be a warm up and the start of my transition into the summer\fall trout game. The gear is lighter requiring a more finesses touch as well as a smoother rhythm compared to my bread and butter bassin’ game. Trout require delicate handling so my photo ops are more difficult. These fish are not wall hanger size by any means so going overboard with the camera work seems a bit exhausting. I would rather fish.

(Above: Wetting the hands helps greatly when handling trout but any amount of handling removes the protective slime layer. The fish has to go through a healing process as a result. Fungus and other conditions may occur after rough handling so most of the trout I catch go un-photographed.)

It seemed that every fishing spot would produce at least one bump, hit or flash. Gold patterns got more attention than the others and what I ended up using throughout most of the day. Yellow and white seemed to get a few bumps and one fish that I chose not to photo op. Most of these guys were under ten inches and not worth the fuss. Just get them back and hope they tack on an inch or two next time.

Then off in the distance I hear music and see tents. It seemed like some magical gathering had occurred close to the creek that I was fishing. My nose began to pick up the aroma of BBQ and pancakes (they were actually crepes. Crepes…it’s like a very thin pancake. You need to get out more.) My stomach grumbled and I became quit curious. I plinked a few more very small trout and then investigated further.

(Above: Most of the time I can’t see the forest through the trees. But when I see tents?!? Well that is worth investigating.)

It appears they were having a rendezvous of sorts. Other clues like “Farmer’s Market” led to me to believe that there would be food, drink and edible goods that a Mattsabasser could haggle upon or otherwise purchase.

(Above: No invitation required and this magical market caravan had a little bit of everything. My thoughts went in search of food and beverage.)

“Oh what luck!” I said to myself feeling like some wandering traveler that had just stumbled across an oasis or graciously hospitable encampment. Not wanting to waste time with going back to the vehicle and shedding the Mattsabasser garb, I simply strolled forward knowing that I might get a few odd looks here and there.

(Above: This is a classic “you have a face for radio” picture and I even manage to cover up the banner link in my wannabe promo shot. The photo does not do this BBQ pork sandwich justice. Ha Ha.)

On the way out I tipped a few musicians that weren’t too shabby. Couple a bucks here and there to support the local flavor. Every bit helps.

Lastly, I wish everyone a safe and happy Independence Day! Independence, freedom, democracy…Heck Yeah! On this day a Great Nation was born. I know this world seems to get crazier by the day and so does this country at times. But I wouldn’t live anywhere else. All of my stuff is here. As I fish “the creek” I look at the magical sights of wonder and beauty and say to myself…”We gotta be doing something right.”

(Above: “Beauty and the Creek”. I couldn’t resist this shot as it defines beauty on so many levels.)

My name is Matt and…um…what was I saying?