Russian drift 3-7

I am envious of that fish. What is way cooler than that fish is how you and your dad enjoy fishing and spending time together. I personally love your posts and you guys definitely kick @ss!!!

Nice Patrick! You guys are tearing it up...

CONGRATS... Patrick!!!!

Your dad was telling me how much he wanted to see you catch one and you did it with style.  I'm so happy for you both.

You guys are awesome!

     Quite possibly my best day ever on the River and I did not even land a fish. We have drifted the River in various flows from 250 500 800  and yesterday over 950 cfs . Friday was by far the most fishable by kayak yet.
    I hooked  a fish briefly just after the 101 over crossing but it did not stick. A short while later Patrick and I caught another drift boat just at the top of a faster water chute and waited for them to get most of the way through  until we entered the drift. I was upstream of Patrick with my back to him (we drift the river primarily backwards back bouncing and side drifting) when I hear Fish On!!! The drift boat below gives us a few "words of encouragement in jest" and then they slipped around the corner. I managed to stay upstream from Patrick and I must say It was real hard to be optimistic that that fish was going to be landed as I witnessed the ensuing battle.When I finally saw the fish go to net it is impossible to convey how much relief and excitement I felt for my son. We beached the kayaks for a many  photos, high fives, and pats on the back, then it was back on the river.
     As we entered "gum tree hole" I hooked a real screamer that immediately took me into a snag but some how managed to get it out only to have the fish take back off across river into the big root-ball snag in the center of the river. This time the fish had the better of me and I could feel my line sawing itself on the roots below. Patrick yelled out to "give it some line" and I did but it was too late........ seconds later all was lost.
     The " Boys In Blue" were just another highlight in our day. We have such a truly special resource here in our backyard. Patrick forgot to mention that upstream during a quick beach stop for "adjustments" he picked up some trash on the beach and placed it in his kayak for proper disposal. Can you say KARMA! "Ala Hydrospider".
     We shuttled the kayaks back up to Memorial and got in the long line of traffic headed for Cotati....as  I neared Santa Rosa I get a call from a drift boat buddy that he needed a shuttle himself so it was back to Wholer  Bridge and then up to Healdsburg. By the time I got home Patrick had all our gear rinsed and hanging waiting for  our next adventure. What a Beautiful Day!   Congratulations Patrick!!!


 


     

Couple more photos.

When I finally saw the fish go to net it is impossible to convey how much relief and excitement I felt for my son.

BTDT-glad to know it keeps on going!  Great job guys.

great report

 HOLYfrickenTOLEDO!! ULTRA-SWEETNESS! What a way to get it done!....last week, at the AOTY Awards, your Dad was talking about how it's gonna be HIS TURN NEXT....and it was! your Dad called it!!
Congrats Patrick!! that was a GREAT READ and NICCCCCE DOCS to support such an event!!   
FatherSon are on the top again!!   

Nice fish! And you even look happy getting you Mugshot from the Sherifs :smut003

Oooooooh yea, Victory cigar, mugshots and a beautiful fish. What a day.

As I said before, you guys are the Dynamic Duo! WTG, Patrick! BTW, if you ever end up in the slammer, would you like cigars or chocolate chip cookies?

Janice aka "Big J"

Thanks for all the congrats and warm words, makes the day even more special...

-Patrick

Patrick-

You weren't kidding about that steelie. It's a beaut. I'm still on the hunt for my first one. It'll happen I guess... sooner or later. Leave a couple for me up there.

Freddie

Holly Toledolly!?!?  that is a biggie & beauty!!!
you guys are killing me...  now I have to put my 13" trout just so catching up with you guys...
Congratulation, guys!!!

Man, that is an AWESOME report, pics and fish. WTG!!! Like the father son matching yaks.

scott