Don't need no Fishin' Pole

[Chuckgrmi]

Back in the seventies again

In late October, my partridge hunting buddy, Lew Boersma, from the Press Photo shoot on a previous thread, and I were hunting the Back Forty of a private dairy farm. We already had shot a couple of pats off of points and even two rabbits that had tried to sneak out the back way.

Anyhow, we were working the dogs along a creek bottom on our way back towards the car when this big 'ole salmon goes airborne right in front of us, then splashes back into the water and disappears under the bank. "Did you see that?' Lewie said. "That thing is huge". Now knowing that those 'ole salmon are making their life ending run up streams that time of year and are generally a little sluggish. I said: "I bet I can catch him". Seen this done on TV once. "Here, hold my gun. I cross the creek downstream from where we had seen him go under the bank. I took my hunting jacket off, rolled up my sleeve and crept up the bank to the spot where I thought the fish should be. I stuck my hand in the water and felt under the bank. Sure enough, he was there. I could feel his tail. I did exactly what that TV program said to do. I slid my hand along its belly, back and forth, and then up towards its gills and when he opened his gills. I slid my fingers in and flipped him up on shore. It worked. Just like on the TV show. Couldn't believe it. Darn near froze my arm off in that cold water. I have never had the opportunity to try that again. I did get that fish mounted and gave it to Lewie for his office.

I got the fish, the picture and Lew as a witness on that story. But on another story. Partridge hunting with Lew but hunting different edges of a woodlot, Bridget (my Brittany) went on point. I moved in and 5 young partridge exploded out of the ferns. One shot and 3 of the five went down. Lew only heard one shot and I showed him 3 partridge. But even to today he thinks I stepped on one. I sure wish Bridget could have talked. Because only her and I know the real truth behind that story.

PS. I have a new scanner on order so I can scan some old slides.

[seaotter]

Another good picture and a great story Chuck. Catching that salmon must have really been something. A once in a lifetime chance, and you did it!

mark

[AFarCry]

Noodling for salmon! LOL! Wonder if that's ever been done before. I've only heard of it for catfish. Great story and pics, Chuck.
Don

[HunterFisher]

Great story, Chuck. I believe you, even if your buddy doesn't.

[Leep]

Dang it Chuck..I believe it...

I mean there it is,, indisputable proof...

Ah Chuck I'da believed you if there wasn't even one picture....


I never did get a chance to hunt birds like that..Once in awhile we'd flush a grouse back home but he was always long gone before I got over the heart attack they always gave me taking off....

It got so bad when a grouse went up I just pointed my shotgun straight up and "bang".. My Unc said, "Nork, what the hell you doing anyway..?"

I shook my head and said, "It keeps me from having to walk over there and see if I hit anything.."


Leep: