First & Fumble

My roommate was able to tag along with us on our only steelhead trip of the fall so far. He has been out fly fishing only a few times, so heading along to the Salmon River was a big step up on his path as a fly fishermen. Up to this point in time he has only had the opportunity to catch a few stockers and small wild browns. Needless to say, he didn't really know or learn how to properly fight a fish. After a few agonizing losses of steelhead from simple beginner mistakes, he finally managed to land a decent slab of steel. Too bad he never learned how to properly hold a fish for a photograph. I think this perfectly captures his noob status as a fly fishermen. A fumbled first piece of chrome and an absolutely giddy facial expression that has yet to realize he is no longer holding the fish for the photograph. A few days later, I was able to hear him account his fishing exploits to another friend. I think it's safe to say he thoroughly enjoyed his first tributary trip, despite all the unfortunate things that happened during it.