So I've decided to give it a go.

[plumbertom]

Tonight I'm gonna go fish for striped bass on the Smith River.
I've been thinking I'm gonna do this for some time, and finally decided if I'm gonna do it, better do it before I completely lose mobility.
I have my Grandson to help, so it's time.
I hope to post a good report tomorrow or maybe the day after, considering the outgoing tide tonight is gonna be after 2 AM.

 

[plumbertom]

After the drive to the Smith river Wednesday evening, we found a spot that looked to have unobstructed water access. Lot great but at least negotiable for my Grandson.
We got baited up and our lines in the water even though it was hours before the high tide.
Shortly, I started getting a tiny bobble of my rod tip.
I allowed it to go for a while, thinking it might possibly be a small striper.
But eventually I had to check what was happening to my bait (a Strip of mackerel).
When I pulled it in, I had somehow hooked a small sculpin. It wasn't quite as long as the strip of bait. I'm not even sure how it got its mouth over the #2 hook I was using.
We continued to soak bait waiting for the tide change and the hoped for 3 AM peak bite, when it started raining on us.
I had checked the forecast and although it showed overcast, there was no rain expected.
But like almost always (or so it seems) happens in Oregon if you plan an outdoor activity, it rained anyway, disregarding the forecast.
Of course, I wasn't prepared for rain. I also detest trying to fish in the rain.
So I packed it in and took the trip as a loss in the striper fishing column.
I really hate Oregon weather.

 

[Snopro]

I really hate Oregon weather.

I love Oregon weather. Four distinct seasons was a welcomed change from where I grew up. Hot, Cold, Rainy, Snowy, Sunny, we get a great mix and variety.

 

[plumbertom]

I love Oregon weather. Four distinct seasons was a welcomed change from where I grew up. Hot, Cold, Rainy, Snowy, Sunny, we get a great mix and variety.

Really? I just seem to notice two seasons; Rainy and Semi-rainy.

 

[Snopro]

Really? I just seem to notice two seasons; Rainy and Semi-rainy.

Let us know how much rain you receive in the next week.

 

[Chromatose]

Hey Plumbertom, with the usage of the word hate. Why is it you still live in Oregon? Just curious is all.

 

[Snopro]

And it's a state with a large variety of climate zones. Hard not to find one appealing to personal preference. I'd suggest The Dalles, Arlington, or Fields to Tom if he doesn't like rain. How do you feel about heat and wind?

 

[jamisonace]

After the drive to the Smith river Wednesday evening, we found a spot that looked to have unobstructed water access. Lot great but at least negotiable for my Grandson.
We got baited up and our lines in the water even though it was hours before the high tide.
Shortly, I started getting a tiny bobble of my rod tip.
I allowed it to go for a while, thinking it might possibly be a small striper.
But eventually I had to check what was happening to my bait (a Strip of mackerel).
When I pulled it in, I had somehow hooked a small sculpin. It wasn't quite as long as the strip of bait. I'm not even sure how it got its mouth over the #2 hook I was using.
We continued to soak bait waiting for the tide change and the hoped for 3 AM peak bite, when it started raining on us.
I had checked the forecast and although it showed overcast, there was no rain expected.
But like almost always (or so it seems) happens in Oregon if you plan an outdoor activity, it rained anyway, disregarding the forecast.
Of course, I wasn't prepared for rain. I also detest trying to fish in the rain.
So I packed it in and took the trip as a loss in the striper fishing column.
I really hate Oregon weather.

Bummer. I was expecting a report that you showed up and couldn't find an open hole due to crowds. The fishing has blown up there and I haven't heard any good reports lately.

 

[plumbertom]

Hey Plumbertom, with the usage of the word hate. Why is it you still live in Oregon? Just curious is all.

No choice. I was once in pretty good financial shape and could have gone to the location of my choice upon retirement.
But life doesn't always play out like we plan.
One day I was having a great time out hunting with my buddy in AZ, and while driving to a location he made an error and I ended up badly broken.
The result was I could no longer work. Even though I thought I was well insured, it turns out that over the long term, insurance runs out and so do 401K monies when you have lasting problems.
Fact is even though I have my SS and now Medicare, before those became available to me my personal funds were exhausted and the only reason I'm not among the homeless is that the Mother of my children, a moderately wealthy woman, could not tolerate the idea that someone she was once married to would have to live that way.
But what she had available for me was here in Eugene.
I would have much preferred to live in AZ or maybe TX or OK, where I have more family.
We don't always get what we want.

 

[plumbertom]

And it's a state with a large variety of climate zones. Hard not to find one appealing to personal preference. I'd suggest The Dalles, Arlington, or Fields to Tom if he doesn't like rain. How do you feel about heat and wind?

I lived in Yuma, AZ for 8 years once. I liked it.
Only been over the Cascades a couple of times.
I keep telling myself I'm gonna go to Ruggs OR. (I've known the owner of Ruggs Ranch since before he bought it) and see what that part of the state is like.
But there's very little chance of me ever moving.

 

[Snopro]

I keep telling myself I'm gonna go to Ruggs OR. (I've known the owner of Ruggs Ranch since before he bought it) and see what that part of the state is like.

Beautiful out there. Wish I knew someone who was local. Make it happen, you won't regret it. Used to be good bass and crappie at Willow Creek Reservoir.

 

[infoPoint87]

I’ve been poking around with a fishing app lately that helps find low-key spots. Not gonna give away secrets, but it’s pointed me to a few gems. Still chasing my first striper though!