More Lessons from Twenty-Eleven

 

Inspired by Mike's list of lessons learned, I thought I might share my own.  2011 was a great year on and off the water.  Here's to a great 2012 as well!

Take Care!
Matt

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In June, skiing is one of the more fun things you can do on the way to your fishing spot.

Photo: B. Chou

Sometimes, a single hander and a 30 foot cast will outfish a double hander and a 130 foot cast.

On the river, walk-off homeruns are awesome, and calling your walk-off shot is legendary.

NEVER give up. 

Salmon do actually eat flies.  If they are there, and you aren't getting bit, then you are probably doing something wrong and it's time to change it up. 

A wild kelt may grab harder, run faster, and jump higher than a chrome fish fresh from the salt.

On any given day, a beginner can out-fish any experienced steelheader.

Long lines and long rods are fun as hell.  OK, so that was a lesson I learned in 2001, but it's worth repeating.  Give it a try in 2012!

After 10 years of steelheading, there is still A LOT to learn!

Another lesson I learned a long time ago... There is more to my version of the fishing life than steelheading.

Alaska was pretty much put on the Earth to make all of the fish and fishing we have down here look like stock-pond, corn-kernel-dunking lameness.

Megatron has no known weaknesses.

Having at least four rods rigged is sometimes a great idea.

Fly fishers come in all sorts and demeanors, and seem to express their personalities through their way of fishing.  If you don't pay close attention, the loudmouthed egomaniacs may be the only ones that you ever notice. 

Fly matters.

Fly doesn't matter.

Greed is a powerful and terrifying force. 

Steelie Mike is the odds on favorite for Kelt King 2012.

My fishing buddies are all turning out to be even better dads and moms than steelheaders.  If you've fished with these folks, you know that's something special.  :)