Let’s go fishin’: The fish of a thousand casts

Steelhead have a mythical presence in the angling community, as some catch them easily, while others wonder if they even exist. The common idea for steelhead is that they require 1,000 casts before you might encounter even one of these magnificent fish.
My family’s annual trip to Oregon in search of steelhead and family time took us to the Chetco River. We were dodging the Pacific Northwest weather that involves rain, wind and cold temperatures. Steelhead fishing is not usually associated with beach chairs and bathing suits.
We were lucky this recent Saturday, with nice weather and good river conditions.
We met our longtime family friend and local fishing expert Jim Rawson. He decided to take us down the Chetco River to try our luck from his drift boat. We launched at Loeb Park, with excitement and many layers of warm clothes.
My wife, Sheri, and son, Fisher, were onboard for a day of steelhead fishing, while daughter Daisy opted for shopping and getting her nails done with grandma. After several hours passed, with no fish and the morning cold sinking to our bones, we thought maybe sister had the right idea.
As we approached one of the calmer holes we drifted into, Jim advised, “Put on fresh bait, cast to the far side and be ready.”
My son looked at and me and asked if I really thought we were going to even catch anything. I told him these fish require a thousand casts, and he’d cast 999 times.
Fisher made a valiant cast reaching the far bank, and he let his bait drift with the current as he drifted off in his own thoughts. His line drew tight and the rod started to buck as Jim yelled, “Set the hook and start reeling, Fisher!”
I started to help him but realized I had a steelhead on my line at the same time. My fish was less important and was quickly lost.
Fisher kept his rod tip high and the line tight as he started to play the steelhead out. Jim held the boat in perfect position as the fish ripped line and splashed across the surface.
After a lengthy battle, both the steelhead and Fisher grew tired as I slipped the net under the fine fish. It was a hatchery-raised fish with chrome sides. We decided we would keep the fish. It was a moment that will be remembered.
As the day continued, the sun shined on us with warmth and a couple other fish were caught and released. It was a fine day on the river with my family and friend. It is these days that remind me why I enjoy the outdoors.
– Mike Baxter has fished in the Monterey Bay Area since he was a boy and has been a licensed charter boat captain for more than 15 years. Contact him at ca************@ya***.com.