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WinterrunRon
10-16-2006, 02:09 PM
I planned on posting my fabulous catching results of a two-day trip to the McCloud in the streams/rivers forum, chock full helpful info from my trip but I had a bit of trouble and think this is a more appropriate forum.

Let's see, where do I start.

Oh, yea, driver's side door handle broke first. I had to lower the window, reach outside to open the door, then raise the window to lock the truck... every time I got out! What a pain in the...

After having just drove 4+ hours and upon reaching the river, loaded with excitement and anticipation for what the day will bring, I make my first cast. Three casts later, my rod broke in the middle section (there must have been a fracture in the graphite the way it broke on a cast). I only brought one... I know, I know... I usually take a back-up and
this is the one time...). Taped it together using the only tape I had, electrical tape, and a fresh tree limb as a splint. It didn't fish well and neither did I. What to do now?

Ended up scouting the river the rest of the day then headed back to camp early to spend some time trying to figure out how to repair the rod to last tomorrow's fishing.

As dark fell, I discovered I only packed one propane tank (needed two, one for the lantern and one for the stove). So I thought I'd reposition the truck using the headlights to cook by and trade the propane tank to the stove. However, I hit the table with my bumper, knocked the lantern off the table and then needed to repair the lantern. Got it all back together but the mantles got trashed so I searched for the extra mantles I knew I had but apparently didn't. So, I did the manly thing, I introduced myself to the other fishermen in camp... and begged to purchase the camping gear I didn't have from some of the friendliest guys in camp. Hint: Beer is more valuable than cash and gets you more gear!

I thought I had the rod repaired to last the day and headed out in the morning with great enthusiasm, but after a couple
of hours, my rod started to droop down and at the same time waggle from side to side hindering my expert casting ability (okay, so I didn't really notice a difference in my casting).

Shortly thereafter, upon wading just a bit deeper since my casting is limited to about 15ft, my ass sent to my brain,
the unmistakable signal that there is now a hole in my waders approximately buttocks-high towards the middle.

Smart enought to pack a wader patch kit but not smart enough to pack a spare rod, extra mantles or the correct number of propane tanks, I got undressed and waited for the patch to dry.

Ahh to hell with it! It's getting late in the day. I'm heading home to re-group for the next trip!

Sorry Jay, you'll have to settle for runner-up with your prop/anchor story. I win blunder trip of the year (unless
someone else wants to share their trip from... ) and it wasn't even Friday the 13th! -Ron

P.S. I have some great pics to share but can't seem to get them to load here. Oh, well.

Shawn M.
10-16-2006, 03:15 PM
Ouch!!! Sounds like you didn't forget to pack a black cat!!!! Good luck next time.

Darian
10-16-2006, 03:19 PM
I feel your pain.... :( :( Had a few of those type trips, myself but I prefer not to remember them.... :lol: :lol: :lol:

BigBuddha
10-16-2006, 06:29 PM
All I can say is DANG!!!

SteelieD
10-16-2006, 10:11 PM
An unfortunate trip for sure... but a great read!!! :lol: Better luck next time!

Hairstacker
10-16-2006, 11:15 PM
Wow, sorry to hear it. As we've all experienced, some trips are just doomed. Hope the next one goes very smoothly for you.

WinterrunRon
10-18-2006, 01:56 AM
Thanks for the condolences, fellas.

No matter how prepared, my experience is that when things are not going the way you planned/expected/anticipated, it's best to go with the flow, laugh at yourself, preferably outloud, get over it and move on! What else can you do, right?

I'm heading up Wednesday night to get an early Thursday morning start. Trust I'll have double-checked for mantles, propane, wader patch and and backup rod this time!

I'll be fishing for steelhead on the Trinity on Thursday then perhaps the Upper Sac on Friday for trout. Anyone going to be in the area and want to fish together for a while? Anyone want to join me on the two day trip?

Ron

WinterrunRon
10-18-2006, 02:44 AM
Finally figured out how to post the photos! Here they are...

http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k63/WinterrunRon/McCloud/IMG_0098.jpg
The beginning of the lower McCloud

http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k63/WinterrunRon/McCloud/IMG_0083.jpg
Nice resting water

http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k63/WinterrunRon/McCloud/IMG_0060.jpg
A target!

http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k63/WinterrunRon/McCloud/IMG_0052.jpg
Quite a few October Caddis around

http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k63/WinterrunRon/McCloud/IMG_0048.jpg
Vibrant time of the year will only get more intense with Fall color

http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k63/WinterrunRon/McCloud/IMG_0047-1.jpg
Beautiful spot and lots more like this

Darian
10-18-2006, 12:21 PM
Hi Ron,.... Great pic's.... :) :) What a beautiful river the McCloud is.... :D :D

Good luck on your trip :D :D :D

WinterrunRon
10-23-2006, 12:36 AM
Thanks, Darian. I agree... a gorgeous little river indeed.

I did make the trip to the Trinity and posted a report in the Salmon/Steelhead forum.

I had a great time and very little in the way of trouble!

Ron

Wednesday Caster
10-25-2006, 09:27 AM
Excellent report (textually), sorry to hear of all the pitfalls.
Pics were amazing.
These types of days are the ones you remember and can
laugh about it for the rest of your days.
You must know my friend MURPHY well. He's into laws. :roll:

Bill Kiene semi-retired
10-25-2006, 10:08 AM
Thanks Ron

I know everyone appreciates the time you take to post here, especially the exceptional photos.