Got a chance to join fellow reel-timer Merrill Harper on his new 20' Scout with
Dave Pritchard and Cocoa the lab this morning and fish the Piscataqua river.
Started out at dawn and immediately found out we weren't the only ones taking the
day off as the seagulls also decided to take a break so finding fish was going to
be by casting only. A perfect fishing morning, cloudy with just a sprinkle in the
air.
Dave headed up to goat Island and little bay where he drove the boat and watched us
while we cast white deceivers in honor of Tim Miller, who recently departed to RIP
somewhere where the stripers don't migrate. After Dave & I caught one each in his
honor
we said our peace and left to find the big boys.
Dave was a perfect host, taking us to every hot spot on the river as we wailed away
with everything in our box, but could only pick up a stray suicide mission schoolie
here and there. He even let me run the boat for awhile and tried himself, but still
little action. Cocoa seemed unimpressed, and decided to catch a few winks, behind
the CC.
Than Dave finally took us to the promised land. A flats area that was so clear
we could site fish, and wham bam we started getting hits. I will admit its great
when you can see the fish, cast to them and watch em chase and hit your fly.
After telling Merrill how I managed to severely ding my prop this year he decided to
give it a try himself near Odiorne point, but failed miserably and only nicked the
skid. Sorry Dave you need more practice.
Overall it was a great day for me to be able to fish with a couple of reel-timers
on a beautiful river, and catch a few fish as a bonus. Thanks again Merrill, Hopefully
I can return the favor later.
Mike T