It was another beautiful Spring Day here in the Pacific NW, and I was reviewing my options for this glorious Sunday. As my wife and I had coffee I reviewed my three top options: 1. Razor clamming at Long Beach WA. 2. Spring Skiing at Mt Hood Meadows. 3 Kayak Bass Fishing on the Columbia.
Option 1 & 2 were out because I could not get anyone to go with me, so that left option 3, Kayak Bass Fishing on the Columbia River! After our coffee time, I loaded the Kayak and headed up the Columbia River Gorge. I arrived at the boat ramp in Stevenson, WA. 30 minutes later and launched my Jackson Coosa Kayak.
I paddled out a little way and noticed some Kite boarders - a sure sign that the wind was blowing - and quickly realized that my kayak range was going to be limited due to the
high winds.
I tucked my Coosa into a wind protected cove and started casting a crankbait along the bank. I figured that the day was already a success because I was out on the water, and any fish would be icing on the cake. I worked my way through the first cove, and as I approached the back side of it I felt the strike of a Smallmouth! After a brief fight I landed the little 14” bulldog! Now my Day was complete - how could it get any better! - But it did!!!
I caught one more small fish in the next cove, and paddled back up against the wind to fish the cove one more time. On my first cast I felt the strike and knew it was a big Bronzeback. These Columbia River fish are amazingly strong. My rod was bent under the boat and drag was slipping off the reel. I had already lost one big fish this year, so I
really wanted to land this one. I had changed the hooks on my crainkbait to Trokar treble hooks, and it made a big difference! The fish stayed pinned and I was able to land the 18” beauty!!!
Now my day had gone from great to fantastic! How could it possibly get any better?? - But it did!!!
I fished for another hour or so, and headed back to the boat ramp. I loaded up and was headed out of town. As I drove past the ramp and through the back side of Stevenson, WA., I drove right past Walking
Man Brewery - I hit my brakes, backed up, parked and headed inside for one of their fine craft beers. The place was packed and very festive! If you are ever in Stevenson, I highly recommend stopping by this famous brewery. The atmosphere is great and the beer is amazing!! So now I had two of my favorite things on this day - Bass & Beer!! The day just kept on getting better!
I was feeling great because of my amazing luck on this day and as I walked out of the brewery to get in my truck I walked right into a Bigfoot! I stood in disbelief, how could it
be....Beer, Bass and Bigfoot all in the same day!!! Only in the Pacific Northwest can someone have such an incredible day!!!
Thanks for reading,
Bill