Ok...who is kidding who? But, stay with me here. I've been trying to figure out why I have been struggling with winter fishing. And then it dawned on me... There was something that I haven't done for quite awhile...In fact, maybe not since I had my last good fishing day! Call me superstitious...but, it was time to find out if this one thing, this one little quirk (which has actually been a question in my head for awhile) ..could land some nice trout for me. So, I share with you...the secret to "my success".
It has something to do with this...
Having a BAD HAIR DAY!!
And something to do with this...Going all NA-TUR-AL!!
It was hard to get out of bed and not put on the make-up,
do the hair, and "frost" myself just a little...
But who really needs to impress the fish anyway...right?
And here's more proof that it is me.
Nanner, nanner! No one has nails like I do!
Seriously, it was time to put up the hair and get down to business...
Like catching summer trout on the Madison River...
Yep...It turns out, that when the hair is up, the fish are too! When the hair is down...the fish stay down. It's crazy, I know...Now, this is just the secret to "my success". I'm sure that is doesn't apply to many other people. (At least I hope not!!) Sure, I can probably catch a few fish with long locks. But, as silly as it seems, I have much better concentration and focus when I don't have hair flying in my face. Haha. So...back to the basics for this River Damsel!! I was so ready to hit the river. After being skunked last time, the water looked perfect on a mildly pleasant, winter day.
And after twenty minutes..."INCOMING"!!!
The partridge soft hackle that I was swinging across stream, pulled up a BEAUTIFUL 16 1/2 (hey, I could have said 17, but I'm honest!!) Brown Trout! And here is where the story gets sad. In all the excitement of landing a nice, winter fish...I reached out and picked him up with my hands and removed the fly before reaching behind me for my net. A few wiggles and he was the next one to escape from Alcatraz! So, no glamour shot for my best catch of the day...I really need to learn to net first, hold fish second!! Lol.
SUNDAY TIPPET: This really isn't the secret to "my success". Fishing success...maybe! (We will have to "unfortunately" test this out a while longer...haha.) But, in life... My success comes from those around me. My family. Watching my kids grow up... And we capped this week off in high fashion!! A new chapter awaits the River Damsel in off line life. She has evolved...and soon...she will be hearing the words, "Gramma RD, will you take me fishing?" 
My daughter Tammy and husband Brian had their first baby...a healthy and handsome boy, named Dillon!! Hmmm...MT?...Now, if you don't think that I'm going to tell this little guy about the Big Hole, Madison, and Ruby Rivers...Ok...maybe it's a little early. ; )
This is why I keep my hair short!! Congratulations on the new " gramma" title! I'm sure you'll be guiding that little guy in no time!! Just remember to get all his hairs...
ReplyDeleteWill ~ Thanks and yes, his hairs will be short!! He has the best parents for "guides" right now. They will teach him well on the lessons of life. But, maybe I can throw in an extra "tip" or two during his journey... :)
Deletecongratulations!
ReplyDeleteMike ~ Thanks, buddy. It's been a fun weekend.
DeleteCongratulations Grandma. As for the hair thing, we fishing people are a superstitious lot, aren't we.
ReplyDeleteMark
Mark ~ I have never been too superstitious about things...that's why I kind of brushed this off for so long. But, I am 90% sure that the hair need to be up in a fishing cap. Let's see how it plays out!
DeleteRD, congratulations are the order of the day. Grandma Damsel it will be from here on out!
ReplyDeleteMel ~ I have really had a difficult time with the "grandma" word these past few years, knowing that this was going to eventually happen. Women don't like getting old enough to admit they can have this title...haha! But, when he was cuddled in my arms, it was all good. But, I think that I will stick with just "RD" around these blog parts, anyway! I am still lookin' and feelin' young! : )
DeleteOh, Ok! I was thinking of pegging you The River Gramsel. Tee Hee
DeleteHa! Mel...always the guy who can put a spin on words!
DeleteWell, the first signs of old age (or maybe actually the second or third) right after gray hairs poking through and the inevitable wrinkle is grandmahood. Congratulations to you.
ReplyDeleteHoward ~ Thanks, but the only thing that I will admit to is "middle age"!! The one wrinkle has now been fixed with super glue. Nice and tight!
ReplyDeleteHair up and superglue! Everything is fixable! ;-) Congrats on the new fishing buddy, Emily!
ReplyDeleteErin ~ Thanks, my friend!
DeleteRD
ReplyDeleteCongrats on that big boy Grandma---I know how it feels cause I am Pops to my Grandson---nothing like it, spoil him to death!!!!!
Bill ~ We will have some fun for sure. Already found him some fishy PJ's! : )
DeleteCongrats, RD!!!I like where Mel was going....GRD it is!
ReplyDeleteNick ~ I appreciate that...thanks! RD is still fishing these waters for awhile. It takes time getting used to changes...haha!
DeleteRD, that's quite a precious bundle you've got.
ReplyDeletePerhaps a fishing rod in his future.
Alan ~ Yes, babies are quite the gift. I forgot how tiny those hands and feet are! I'm hoping that those hands will be holding a fly rod next to me someday!
DeleteCongrats RD! ...and it's never too early to start telling the little guy about Montana :-)
ReplyDeleteSanders ~ You and I both know how special Montana fly fishing is! Hey, it's not my fault that they named him after some of the best fishing territory in the West! (They have no idea...it's very funny)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Grandma! Get that kid on the water ASAP!
ReplyDelete(PS- About the hair: If I can catch fish with hair halfway down my back, anyone can.)