Opening Day Swim then Fin

[Sako1]

Got a late start, hit the Raritan by Dukes at ~11am and waded out to one of the drop-offs in fairly swift water about waist deep. Took a few casts moved again, then slipped and subsequently blew the recovery…. was now sideways and soon soaken wet down to my underwear. Good thing the wader belt wasn't loose; underwear were due for a river cleaning anyway, thought about calling DEP.

Went home pissed for getting soaked and more importantly wasting precious fishing time. Got changed an grabbed the backup gear. Went back and started a to pick away. While retrieving a spinner, I saw something go after it that was BIG. Got her on the next cast, and the fun begins, rod tip up and constant pressure while moving downstream. Had to get it by the bank since the big breeder rainbow wouldn't fit in the trout net. Finally got things in order as evidenced by the pic. Sure beats cold soggy underwear

Dave

[AndyS]

I clicked on the photo and it straitened itself out, go figure.
Gotta be EXTRA careful on the BIG water, get an old ski pole and make a wading stick, saved me a buncha times. Great fish !!!

[icebadger]

nice recovery, glad to hear that you did not get hurt or lost any gear. way to come back and land a nice one. as andy pointed out you should make some sort of feeler stick to keep you upright and dry. congrats on a nice trout.

[AndyS]

That area with you holding the fish we call the "shale flats" like walking on greased glass to put it lightly.

[Rickhem]

Got to admire your tenacity, taking a dunk would put more than a few guys off for that day, but you were on a mission. And your reward was well earned.

Sometimes I think the adversities overcome, and mishaps involved with a good catch, make for the best part of the story.

[thmyorke1]

Nice fish, man. Glad the raritan didnt take you down. I always get a bit spooked when the water is above waist level.

[JimmyL]

big bow, nice. Productive stretch of water so far. I too took a sip in the drink bout 100 yds upstream of where you were on opening day.