Hooked and caught my first fish!

[MattZ]

Got into my first chrome today swinging flies on the Sandy. I tied up some special low water spooky fish patterns yesterday and one got the job done. I'm on my knees in the photo and hardly had the fish out of the water. It went back in the water between all 3 pictures. The only blood shed was from his huge teeth chowing down on my thumb.

 

[billfisher]

Way to go! Thats a beaut!

 

[MattZ]

I worked hard for it, at least harder than ive ever had to work for fish. somewhere between 10 and 15 days before i even got a bite. lots of thinking about fly design, some adventurous wading, and a slice of luck. Loved every second of it.

 

[jrbecca]

Congratulations!! Beautiful fish!!

 

[troutmasta]

I Agree with everyone on the quality of fish there. I always just post some non-sense encouraging words that come up.
However, that is a Beautiful Animal.
Treasure the time you got to spend with it.
Congrats and most importantly CHEERS!

 

[plumb2fish]

First fly caught winter, that's one to be proud of for sure.

 

[wozniasm]

:dance::dance::dance::dance::dance:

 

[rippin fish lips]

That is one nice first chrome! Way to stick the long grooling days out

 

[todd_brooks]

First on the swing thats a big deal for anyone. Now you can go back to gear and get back to catching fish I'm only pulling your chain. Nice fish handling to.

 

[MattZ]

I Agree with everyone on the quality of fish there. I always just post some non-sense encouraging words that come up.
However, that is a Beautiful Animal.
Treasure the time you got to spend with it.
Congrats and most importantly CHEERS!

Thanks, that's way better than nonsense. I did enjoy every brief moment, especially when it powerfully swam out of my hand back into it's run. Cheers indeed, i just had a shower, now time to go grab a brew!!!

 

[MattZ]

First on the swing thats a big deal for anyone. Now you can go back to gear and get back to catching fish I'm only pulling your chain. Nice fish handling to.

Back to gear? never been there before... whats that?

This really is my first steelhead ever... I haven't touched gear since I was 10.

 

[need to fish]

thats cool nice fish

 

[Casting Call]

Kudos Matt! Show us a pic of that killer fly you tied.

 

[JeannaJigs]

That's a hell of a beauty. Congrats on that one for sure!!

 

[Yogidabear]

And so it starts, now your hooked more then the fish. good job.

 

[MattZ]

Kudos Matt! Show us a pic of that killer fly you tied.

sorry, this is the best pic before it was snapped. ill see how she looks after being eaten too.

 

[madasahab]

Nice Job! A real dandy!

 

[pdx fly]

Agree w/ RippinFishLips....way to go, great looker and way to stay w/ it.
I feel your pain all too well.

swung flies on the sandy 3 days last week...nothing.

you done good.

you should be proud.

That is one nice first chrome! Way to stick the long grooling days out

 

[eugene1]

Nice fish, Matt! Try to keep in mind there's nothing wrong with gear fishing. LOL. We're all in it for the tug,

Best,

 

[MattZ]

I often wish with a gear guy, no offense meant at all.
but i am a purist, hehe. I'm in it for the swing