Here's a fun little report.

I got the chance to enjoy an 85 plus degree day doing exactly what I wanted after class/homework/etc. That is, stalking the oyster clad shores of Bellingham Bay, searching for the sometimes elusive Cutthroat Trout. A fellow fisherwoman, my friend Morgan, came along and spent the evening with me.

I really expected to catch nothing, lately I've been getting a lot of skunk-fests, save a couple lovely greenling. To my surprise, a nice swirl on the surface heralded aquatic visitors before fishing even commenced. No... it's gotta be a diving bird... a seal? No, that was a fish! Down the rocks we scrambled, a quick gear lesson was given, and before long we were both hucking metal at the setting sun.

Moving to my favorite little point, we began to notice bait everywhere. Everywhere. School after school of chum and humpy fry, all milling about. And the cutts were in the area. It wasn't long before Morgan had a hit, but it came unbuttoned quickly. I got a couple love taps as well, but nothing sticking...

And then Morgan's Rod buckled over! I was hooting and hollering, dropped my rod off at the shore, and guided her in fighting a spunky, surface-thrashing cutthroat, until she brought it close enough to net. I scooped it and we were all smiles and laughs. It was about 14 inches long or so. Great fish! A quick unhooking, picture taking, and then she released her first Washington fish back into the now kelp-infested waters.

I couldn't be more proud (and humbled)! I ended up with a big fat doughnut, zilch, and she caught a dandy and lost another one! As her guide, I couldn't be happier. The day ended with a gorgeous sunset and a looming rain cloud bringing rolls of thunder.

We both had such a great time. I was glad to be a part of it!

Tight, unbroken lines!

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