Fishing is for everyone-Linda & Connie Burton shows how its done.

ANGLER ALERT—TRINITY RIVER FLOWS TO INCREASE
TR flows will increase, from 450 cfs. to 900cfs., this August 22 (Monday) to protect salmon/steelhead in the lower Klamath from disease.

The hot weather and early afternoon workout forced me to take a break. The old growth cedar, beached elongated river’s edge, seemed an appropriate backrest and proved a great vantage. Resting peacefully, I tuned in on the action from my comfort zone. The sounds of the wind filtering through the tall timbers enhanced the sweet smell of Jeffery Pines and mountain madness while the cool riffled waters provided soothing relief as well as opportunities for success and excitement.

I could see it in their eyes and motions, the overwhelming beauty of the Trinity Alps all but captivated their attention. Fishing had brought out the best in their wading, casting skills as shouts of angling excitement echoed off the canyon walls—“Caught another one! What a jumper! Did you see the way that trout rose and engulfed my fly?” Doesn’t get any better, I thought. Unaware, I would remember this outing for the rest of my life and fishing would prove to be a lifelong positive influence, lifestyle and permeant family bond to be repeated time and time again.

When not tending shop and tying killer flies, its obvious what Pat Burton likes to do with free time.

Burned out with daily rigors, traffic, smog and computers or simply fast pace urban life? Baffled what to do or where to go? Simple, it’s time to get out of Dodge and get off the grid — GO FISHING! Ok, sounds too old school, too generic? Think again. Better yet, put down Pokémon and get with it; introduce and reunite family members and friends with a rod and reel while enjoying the scenic beauty and wildlife of the great outdoors. Why? Because fishing is wholesome, exciting and filled with high levels of challenge and anticipation, educational, easy to learn, cost effective (low budget), available to most everyone, user friendly for all ages and genders and, best of all, cannot be experienced daydreaming behind a desk or on a computer or iPhone.

Getting Started

Fishing is rewarding, relaxing, fun and according to our grandson , Mason Sayre, serious business.

Some of the best things in life are free, especially if you are under sixteen (16) years of age fishing is FREE in California. Sixteen and over, you need to annually purchase a Ca. Fishing license that costs around fifty bucks for the entire year. The yearly license entitles you to fish both fresh and salt waters that include a broad spectrum of waters, lakes, rivers, estuaries and the largest rearing pond in the west, the Pacific Ocean. Additional purchases of salmon-steelhead punch cards entitles you to fish for, salmon steelhead, trout, stripers, sturgeon shad, bass, catfish, perch, bottom fish and much more.

You can easily spend a lot more these days and get a lot less. That’s why I shake my head, and bit my tongue, when I hear someone bitch and moan about the cost of a license. When you think about it, or break out the scratch pad, the cost of an annual Ca. fishing license is a very modest investment for yearlong entertainment; especially when compared to the cost of a new video game, dinner or round of brews at a favorite restaurant or pub.

Along with licensing, it is critical, and the law, to be aware and abide by current Fish and Wildlife regulations governing waters targeted. Some waters are restricted to special use of tackle, harvest, fishing techniques and closures. For the most part, regulations are imposed to help manage, preserve and protect the resources— Be in Tune with the Waters You Fish.

Look Before You Leap

Ever see this guy on the waster you don’t want to fish behind him-Chris Burton cleaning up slab style.

Determine what kind of fishing you would like to pursue then plan accordingly. Conventional spin-baitcasting fly fishing, there is no one method of fishing better than another; all are different, offering their own challenges and levels of accomplishments and most important effective and enjoyable. Many anglers, including myself, fish a variety of methods because the broad learning curve and how they complement one another; ultimately enhancing your skills and advancing you to become a better well-rounded angler.

It may prove beneficial to discuss fishing desires and methods with family members, friends, tackle shops and or local fishing guides. Most local or destination Fly and Tackle shops are very resourceful and, without a doubt, your best source for accurate fishing information, recommendations and overall sound advice.

Unlike big box outlets that tend to inventory overwhelming stocks of general gear, local destination shops inventory gear that best compliments local fisheries and, it has been our personal experience, they also are more than willing to share current fishing reports (how-when-where) that help get you hooked up. Local guide services are also a sound resource and very helpful for all level anglers; nobody is more knowledgeable or dialed in to the local fisheries. Most guides strive to teach and educate their clients about the resources, how to fish, fine tune skills and become well acquainted and familiar with new waters; a minor investment for professional hands- on instruction and demonstration that helps to shorten the learning curve.

Never too young, never too old to fish-daughter Kellie Sayre got hooked many moons ago.

Young (age ten and under) peeps expressing interest should consider fishing waters that prove to be relatively easy to catch fish. I’ve experienced, most children generally have a short attention span and need action to maintain their interest. Remember, in their minds, they are going to catch fish therefore bass-bluegill ponds and regularly planted trout waters are prime fisheries.

Teens and older expressing interest are generally a bit more tentative so consider kicking it up a notch and fish challenging waters requiring raised skill levels; such as drift or fly fishing for salmon-steelhead-trout-bass. Elderly folks expressing fishing interest, should consider a float down a river or boating waters that provide the opportunity requiring less physical effort; never too young or never too old to have a great time with rod in hand. Parties involving a large number of active outdoor enthusiasts might consider a backpacking fishing trip into high mountain lakes and streams; supporting plenty elbow room and diversity of outdoor experiences. Fishing offers something for everyone!

In the Beginning

Born a fishing junkie, at 62, still love the thrill!

Before purchasing fishing gear you might consider renting rods, reels, waders. It is wise to test the waters, your patience and angling abilities; may save you some serious coin. Reputable urban tackle-fly shops, not big box outlets, often provide rental services and able to assist and educate you on selections. Again, destination shops are key sources for traveling anglers and great outlets for rentals and incidental forgotten items. Guide services are another great avenue for proper gear selections and performance feedback. Many guide services provide all gear, inclusive in their daily rates.

Desiring to purchase your own gear? Keep in mind; selections should be based upon the waters and kind of fishing you will engage. Like most any other sports there are several levels of gear on the market. The current market is flooded with plenty of moderately priced quality gear that offers excellent performance. Fish don’t know the difference; however quality gear delivers quality performance. If budget permits keep the odds in your favor and purchase quality; remember it is the tight line connection to you and your quarry. Quality gear not only delivers dependability and performance but also maintains value for future upgrades.

Whatever kind of fishing you engage, when starting out remember, don’t bite off more than you can chew. Keep it simple; be patient, relax, enjoy the learning curve and most importantly have fun. A successful fishing experience isn’t measured by how many fish caught but rather how much fun you have and what you learn and experience while fishing. That’s why the worst day of fishing is better than the best day of work. Amen!

Have fishing questions; how and what is needed to get started? What’s happening? Need Rod-Wader Rentals? Contact TRINITY FLY SHOP, your Local Source, (530) 623-6757 or trinityflyshop.com…Local waters have cleared; TR river flows subsided (450 cfs.) and mid-summer options are delivering some fun activity. Now Get Out There!!!

Fishing is quality time-the Burton Bash 98 (and a young Kit).