something positive

   In the late 80s I was fortunate to have a group of childhood friends that took an interest in drifting down the SanJuaquin river. Rafts, rope swings, and crawdad hunting was the usual game until a random visit to a local sporting good store. We stumbled across a few of Grandma Dwyers Kopapas and it was on.
We still had teen in our ages so there was no thought of safety or education. We bought the boats/paddles strapped them on top of my jeep and off to the adventure.
Our usual trip, on this river betrayed, started at the Friant dam(broken bridge actually) and our take out was at the hwy99 bridge. Other times we would do a half day trip from broken bridge to rice road.
 One of my oldest friends, and part of that original core group of SjR boaters, has been lurking here lately and decided he wanted to try fishing. good times ahead.
Just a side note. The dude is 6'4 240+ and paddled a bright purple kopapa with a matching paddle. It was quite a site even in the 80s.
   Usually his boat would appear unbalanced and sluggish due to the OBSCENE amount of garbage and recyclables he would gather on our trips. We all would pick up trash from our river but none could match his tenacity to get every can or bottle spotted along the way. Those who paddle and appreciate that stretch of water should give the big man a healthy swat on the ass. or maybe not.
   Another interesting side is that he kept that old and battered boat. The purple sea cow still looks like its at the ready. Granny may be gone but ill never forget it was her plastic that put me on the path of the paddler.
It had been awhile for the big man so we started out with some basic training and headed to lake countys best swimming hole.
Lost count how many times he dumped out and climbed back into that boat, but he was eventually fatigued. Thats when I had him start working on alternative ways to get back in the saddle.
While he was caught up in "the quickening" I decided to nab a victim from one of my blue haunts.That night it was all about the fishing gear,line management, and Richmond Park.
 Next we headed to the coast. Anybody who has paddled or fished with me knows that Id much rather ride the salt than fish it and me teaching somebody how is bordering criminal.
Still we paddled out into "protected" waters and managed 13 small assorted rock fish, all released unharmed.
Nothing remarkable except for how much fun we had and I could see clearly that the old "sea cow"
had been infected with the madness.
Then it was off to c-lake for slinging some senkos for the bucketmouth. Now we were in my house
and his first sling nabbed a standard issue. (the force is strong in this one) off comes the senko and an upgrade to a frog. more good times!

Just wanted to introduce my old friend, share a cool experience, and try to balance out some of the negative ive witnessed lately.
go easy my friends and go fishing.
now the tribute

Sweet.
Thanks for the positivity, it sure comes in useful!
Nicely done you guys!

Thanks Hydro!

Great read and pics man. Thank you. I feel better now. jim

Nicely done, Hydro! 

Can't wait to join you guys.  I'll be up first chance I get.

Cards, Casting, and Kayaking, it just doesn't get any better.

You didn't mention him by name or handle so I'll wait to see what he comes up with.

See you guys soon.

Shirkus

P.S.  J and I are heading out Wednesday for some yellowtail fishing off Point Loma.  If there's anything to brag about you can bet I will.

P.P.S  You guys should think about heading down here for a few days on the water and some cards and adult beverages by the beach (the "scenery" is spectacular as you know)

Thanks for that, all positive, good stuff, I love pics with fish in them, doesn't matter, big fish, little fish, lots'o fish or just one, it's all good, even none is good too.

Thanks Terry. Its good to know that friends are all that really matters in a world of hurt. Craig. I hope you can join us at Horseshoe on Sept 12th. It would be way cool to travel on the salt with you.

Great report and pics.   

Good stuff, Terry.

Terrific story Terry, thanks for the pick-me-up!

Usually his boat would appear unbalanced and sluggish due to the OBSCENE amount of garbage and recyclables he would gather on our trips. We all would pick up trash from our river but none could match his tenacity to get every can or bottle spotted along the way. Those who paddle and appreciate that stretch of water should give the big man a healthy swat on the ass. or maybe not.

How about a big, hearty THANK YOU!  Never been on that particular river but anybody making this place cleaner deserves one!

Michael

Those who paddle and appreciate that stretch of water should give the big man a healthy swat on the ass. or maybe not.

here you go Terry! 

 

Mooch,
there is little doubt that you havnt already given him the glad hand. your paths have crossed.
hes another gym rat that played middle on of alot of the teams you have definatley played aginst.
he did the grass doubles thing too.

Thanks Terry. Its good to know that friends are all that really matters in a world of hurt. Craig. I hope you can join us at Horseshoe on Sept 12th. It would be way cool to travel on the salt with you.

Im trapped at work on the 12th. still trying to recover from the adventures and there is alot of work in my life for awhile. We do need to get on the salt though.
Im overdue to head down and play in some waves. Im bringing the mini-X to convince you that its the ultimate shorty.

You didn't mention him by name or handle so I'll wait to see what he comes up with.

 You guys should think about heading down here for a few days on the water and some cards and adult beverages by the beach (the "scenery" is spectacular as you know)

to keep our B grade D&D monster theme going he has branded himself "the Kraken"
and we are a go for fishing LJ with you guys and of course the COMIC-CON!
very exciting!

Thanks for sharing your adventure with us Terry.