September 23, 2006
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After reading the posts on The Fish Sniffer, I was itching to try salmon fishing yet hesitant to attempt launching alone, especially at Ward's.  Ward's Landing has a reputation of being a difficult launch ramp, especially when alone.  Plus because of the river's current, I knew I would not have the luxury of just drifting slightly while I figured stuff out like I do on a lake.  But after some offers of help, I decided to make the trip from Elk Grove and take the chance.

I arrived at Wards around 9:30 am and the ramp was scary as described.  How in the heck do you do this? Smiley The ramp is probably at a 30 degree angle.  There's no dock.  There's no beach.  And there's no room for screw-ups because that water is really moving.  If I made a mistake in a lake, I'd just wade out if needed and pull my boat back in.  But if the boat got caught in this current, I'd probably lose it at a minimum and possibly drown if I ended up in the current trying to save the boat.

I decided it wasn't worth it and headed to Lovey's Landing.  I was hoping the post I read about the sling being out of operation because Big Al was harvesting rice was incorrect.  But my only other choice was to head back home so what did I have to lose?

So I walked into the bar and inquired about the sling.  Sitting there at the end was ric1ric, FarrierFrank, and IT from The Fish Sniffer Forums.  They introduced themselves as Rick, Frank, and Steve.  We talked for a bit while they finished their breakfast.  I explained my situation and they offered to help me launch and show me the ropes.  I was VERY appreciative of their offer.

I don't know where the time went.  It could have been the time I spent frantically trying to start my boat engine before I drifted into the docks (which I did) at Ward's.  It could have been the time spent trying to anchor in line with ric1ric while not hitting his boat.  Or it could have been the time spent rigging my line and attempting to sardine wrap a K14 as described on the boards.  But in any event, it was after 1:00 pm before I had a line in the water.

We fished until 6:30 pm without anything other than the slight (in my inexperienced opinion) take down (or "bump" as it appeared to me) had by Frank.  The lack of action might have had something to do with a banana that you can read about on The Fish Sniffer forums by clicking here.  My screen name is 'imacamper'

But it was a great day on the water nonetheless.  After ric1ric helped me trailer my boat, I had a beer with the guys at Lovey's before heading back home.  I didn't get home until about 10:00 pm but I was delayed a bit when I had a blowout on my boat trailer just 4 miles from home.  The black cloud is still hovering over my head.


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 drew@mykitchentable.net.