Becoming a Master Angler: A great day at Scofield Reservoir

Genesis: The beginning of a big fish story

I used to think I was a pretty decent fisherman. I would buy my license every year, get out on the lake once or twice, catch my limit, and head for home. One day I ran into a neighbor of mine (who was known throughout the neighborhood as "Boss") coming back a fishing trip. His prize catch was a giant lake trout that well over 40 inches long. I asked him where he'd been fishing, and expected him to say that he'd spent the previous two weeks fishing in some obscure fishing paradise. To my absolute astonishment he nonchalantly said that he'd spend the evening at the locally stocked community pond two miles away.

That day I came to realize that I was just a little higher than the scum on the lake bed when it comes to angling skill. I've had the privilege of knowing and fishing with several anglers just as, if not more, gifted than Boss. My quest is to become one of them.

I own a decent spinning combo, a trashy casting combo, and one half-full Plano tackle box...that's about it. So for all you wannabe pros (like me), and for all those seasoned masters that want a good laugh, join in to follow my quest to reel in a monster rather than just watch home videos of it on YouTube. Feel free to make comments and give me advice, and I'll post what works and what doesn't work.

Thursday, December 6, 2007

A great day at Scofield Reservoir

This is from a few weeks ago, I just never actually posted it:

The wind ripped across the reservoir and sliced through our jackets as we tried to pull our warmer clothes and gear out of the car. It was about 3:00 pm when we pulled up to the lake. After a few minutes of matching rod pieces together my grandpa, my dad, my brother, and I marched along the bank of Scofield Reservoir in Utah.

At first things started out slowly, with just a couple bites from small tiger trout and rainbows. As the sun got lower the real action started. The minnows were the trick; seconds after hitting the water they'd get hit. However, the semi-thawed minnows were getting to soft to stay on the hook if struck. However, we kept throwing them what they wanted, and it paid off.

All of us caught fish, but my dad had the most success. He kept reeling in fish after fish. Practically every cast resulting in a strike. Then he got a hit and said, "I think this one feels bigger than the last ones." He kept reeling to reveal a beautiful 4 lb. rainbow on the end of his line. After a few moments of the fish taking out the line, and my dad reeling him back in my brother couldn't take it any longer. He tore off his shoes, rolled up his pants, and ran into the water with the net. My dad, who hasn't fished all that much, gazed at the bright colors and said "I don't think I've ever caught one that big."

Just minutes later, my grandpa's light went taught. His prize was a 3 lb. cutthroat. We kept fishing until the biting stopped at about 5:30 or 6:00. A very successful day in the eyes of any angler.