First Rogue Spring chinook: You Gotta Share the Booty, Ron
Posted by Mark FreemanTo: Ron Dykes,
Gold Beach, OR.
Dear Ron:
This is a letter of introduction I’m faxing to you from me, The Fish Hack at The Fish Wrap, your new best friend.
The boys down at The Rogue Outdoor Store in Gold Beach told me you caught the first Rogue River springer of the season Saturday at the old mill site 4 miles upstream of the mouth. A 20-pounder, they say. Brought it into the store for verification. A true chromer, they say.
Well, Ron, I am of the opinion that the first and freshest Rogue springers are the best-eating fish Oregon has to offer, the best of the outdoor booty afforded people like you, Ron. And me.
You always should share your best booty with your best friends, Ron. And I’m right there to accept a slab of that first springer. I’m here for you, man. I’m here to share.
If only you’d take my calls.
There are others out there who would pretend to be your new best friend, just because you caught that fish. Like Bill Monroe, the Fish Hack at The Oregonian. But don’t believe him.
Last year, Monroe went so far as to claim that Rogue springers are SECOND ONLY to Columbia springers in edibility. Yeah, smoked maybe.
Rogue springer or Columbia springer? That’s not asking Ginger or Marianne. That’s like, Marianne or Mrs. Howell? Not enough beer in this town for me to…
The point is, do you see what friends do for each other, Ron? I’m sticking up for you. Sticking up for your fish.
So, a couple salmon steaks are cool. A fillet even better. I’ll even come get them. Tell you what: I’ll expense it, then split the mileage re-imbursement from The Fish Wrap with you when the check comes in.
All you need to do is take one of my calls, Ron. Ron? You there?I see your home phone still buzzes straight to the fax machine every time I call.
So, here’s my fax. You got my number. You got my e-mail. Send along a picture of your — ummm, ‘our’ — first springer of the year. I’ll post it on line and even stick it in The Fish Wrap.
That’s what buddies do for each other. Right?
Your new best friend,
The Fish Hack
March 14th, 2007 at 8:46 am
Excellent read!
If only I could write like this…. maybe with some more time, perhaps.
BTW…. Next year, beat him to it!
March 15th, 2007 at 6:39 am
HAHA good luck beating him to it - he has always been a fish magnet!!
March 15th, 2007 at 1:24 pm
I’d love to beat him to the first springer. But I’m too busy filing blogs. I love Gold Beach and I’d be there 24/7. But it’s tough to make a living as The Fish Hack on the coast. Medford is about as far East as I can stomach now.
March 21st, 2007 at 7:08 pm
All you Salmon nuts need to hit the river.
Number two fell victim Saturday the 17th. Remember fish in close early. These babies are lazy in cold water.
Always fish the inside ledge, 3.5′-5″ feet depending on the kind of spot you choose.
Never fish tide water early. It takes these fish at least 24 hours in below 48 degree or colder water to adjust before they will take a rig.
This is why the first springer is always caught above tide water.
Happy Fishing.
Ron