Setting the Scene
The Aaroy River is a true gem. On the morning of our day, the air was crisp, and the river sparkled under the midday sun. My guest, an eager angler, was ready to cast his line into these legendary waters. However, the day had its challenges, testing both our patience and resolve.
A Rocky Start
The guest was having a tough time. He had already tried several flies without any success and was starting to lose faith. His frustration was palpable, and I could see his confidence waning with each cast. He fiddled with his gear, unable to find a suitable fly for the next round.
“Try this one,” I suggested, handing him one of my own home-tied flies – a small red fly tied on a conical US tube with long feelers. It was a fly that had proven successful in the past. I also recommended a change in technique: “Mend the line as many times as you can. If we don’t catch a fish before we reach the middle of the pool, we’ll move upriver and try other pools and techniques.”
With renewed hope, he took my advice and cast his line. The anticipation in the air was thick, every cast a potential game-changer.
The Moment of Truth
Suddenly, the calm was shattered by a powerful tug on the line. “Fish on!” the guest shouted, his frustration replaced with exhilaration. The rod bent deeply under the weight of the salmon, and the battle began in earnest. This fish was a fighter, surging through the water with incredible strength.
The Struggle
The guest tried to release the brake on the reel a few times, hoping to give the salmon some line. Unfortunately, the only one benefiting from that move was the salmon, which took advantage of every inch of slack. “Keep the line as short as possible!” I commanded, knowing that giving the fish too much leeway could spell disaster.
The salmon was powerful, and the guest was struggling to keep it from crossing the middle of the river. The current there was exceptionally strong, and if the fish managed to get across, it would be incredibly difficult to bring it back to our side. I quickly took control of the situation, giving the guest straight, demanding commands: “Pump the fish to the surface when you can. Keep him away from the fast current. Pull him out when possible and lift his head at any opportunity. We want to work him as much as possible. We need to control him, not the other way around.”
The Battle
Minutes felt like hours as the struggle continued. The salmon leapt from the water, its silvery body gleaming in the sunlight, only to dive deep again. The guest’s determination was unwavering, despite the challenges. Every pull and counter-pull was a dance of strength and stamina, a battle of wills. The salmon was relentless, making powerful runs towards the middle of the river. Each time it tried to cross, the guest fought valiantly to keep it on our side, using the pumping technique to his advantage.
The Netting
Finally, the salmon began to tire. It was time for me to step in. Heart pounding, I grabbed the net and maneuvered it into position. One wrong move could lose the fish, but with steady hands and focused movements, I successfully netted the salmon. We were both elated.
Gentle Handling and Release
Holding the salmon in the net, I marveled at its beauty – a wild, powerful creature of the river. The guest knelt beside me, eyes wide with awe. We kept the fish submerged, supporting its weight gently. Its vibrant colors, a mesmerizing mix of silver and iridescent greens and blues, shimmered in the water.
Carefully, we handled the salmon, ensuring its protective slime coat remained intact. The guest reached out, and I showed him how to turn the fish gently in the water, avoiding lifting it. This moment was about respect and connection, honoring the life of the fish and the sport we love.
The Release
The most dramatic part was yet to come. The guest and I watched as the salmon regained its strength, its powerful body quivering with life. With a final, gentle push, we released it back into the river. It lingered for a moment, as if saying goodbye, then swam away, its intact adipose fin cutting through the water. It was a sight to behold – the wild salmon, free and unharmed, returning to its home. “Wow, what a catch!” the guest exclaimed, beaming with pride. This was the largest salmon he had ever caught – a personal best.
Reflecting on the Experience
This early season day on the Aaroy River was more than just a fishing adventure. It was a testament to the bond between humans and nature, a dramatic tale of patience, skill, and respect. The thrill of the catch, the beauty of the salmon, and the satisfaction of its safe release made for an unforgettable day.
Best Practices for Catch and Release
- Minimize Handling Time: Quickly but carefully handle the fish to reduce stress.
- Keep the Fish in Water: Always keep the fish submerged to help it breathe and recover.
- Gentle Handling: Use wet hands to handle the fish to avoid damaging its protective slime coat.
- Support the Fish: Hold the fish gently but firmly, supporting its weight.
- Release Properly: Ensure the fish is fully revived before releasing it, allowing it to swim away strongly.
Fishing on the Aaroy River isn’t just about catching fish; it’s about the journey, the thrill, and the respect for nature. This day reinforced my love for guiding and my commitment to sustainable fishing practices. If you’re a fishing enthusiast, come experience the magic of the Aaroy River. Happy fishing, and remember to always respect the catch!
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