Westside Springer Clinic at Hoggs

I have finally come to the conclusion that "springer" salmon don't actually exist and their existence has been one of the most elaborate pranks in internet history played out over the last eight years by the likes of Rawkfish, Spot, dberd and minnowmagnet.   Somewhere out there, there is a freezer full of 12 -16 lb fall salmon that you guys pull out every spring, defrost, and take photos of on the water.   The fact that you've been hosting clinics is really over the top.   Meanwhile I've been eating it up hook, line, and sinker.    Every spring I head out in my kayak looking for "springers" and return with nothing.   A small navy of powerboats often follows me out and I'm pretty sure they are just there to take photos of me so everyone can laugh at me later.     

Har, har.. you got me.  Can't believe it has taken me eight years to finally figure this out.

That is how I feel about steelhead. I am at about 5379 casts. According to legend, I should have caught one about 4379 casts ago. I think these guys have been taking us out on snipe hunts. The "steelhead" are always conveniently caught when I am not around. They look a lot like big planter rainbows and they seem to be caught most often when ODFW starts stocking ponds. Coincidence? I think not.

I have finally come to the conclusion that "springer" salmon don't actually exist and their existence has been one of the most elaborate pranks in internet history played out over the last eight years by the likes of Rawkfish, Spot, dberd and minnowmagnet.   Somewhere out there, there is a freezer full of 12 -16 lb fall salmon that you guys pull out every spring, defrost, and take photos of on the water.   The fact that you've been hosting clinics is really over the top.   Meanwhile I've been eating it up hook, line, and sinker.    Every spring I head out in my kayak looking for "springers" and return with nothing.   A small navy of powerboats often follows me out and I'm pretty sure they are just there to take photos of me so everyone can laugh at me later.     

Har, har.. you got me.  Can't believe it has taken me eight years to finally figure this out.

Hahaha. ...wow,can't believe a mention on the same line as these guys. Seriously, clinics with these guys  (add ndogg) made alot of difference for me. Add what I learned from my buddy jfek  (perseverance ) and then the confidence that comes after you catch your first that you are doing  the right  thing.But yeah,listen to the masters,can't thank them enough.
Now,if you'll excuse me,I've got to go thaw out a fall Chinook and fire up the Photo shop machine...

Bump.... Getting close

Ah, thanks for the reminder!

This Thursday everyone, just another reminder

Thanks John!

Hey, the Springer Clinic even got a mention in Bill Monroe's Oregonian/Oregon-Live column.  Stoked!

http://www.oregonlive.com/sports/oregonian/bill_monroe/index.ssf/2016/03/governor_should_sign_bill_rati.html


-Mark-

Was scratching my head about the location and Ooh, just looked at the map. Is this the place that used to be the traffic cone and safety flag emporium ?

Was scratching my head about the location and Ooh, just looked at the map. Is this the place that used to be the traffic cone and safety flag emporium ?

Yes it is.  That used to be one of my favorite stores, with all that blaze orange they had in there. 

We've got pizza and prizes.  Come on down.

Was going to make it to this, but too tired from sailing today

Great clinic Mark, thanks

John

We've got pizza and prizes.  Come on down.

PIZZA??!!  Now, I see that there was pizza...  Oh, just shoot me now.  And I missed the clinic.

Good job with the talk. I learned a couple of things I was able to actually explain to Mrs. P when I got home.

Thanks for the talk I learned a lot and took lots of notes. I really appreciated it.

A big Thanks to everyone who turned out last night.  You guys had some great questions, which is what gives these clinics value.  And, thanks for saving me a couple of pieces of pizza! 

Oh yeah, and thanks to Rawkfish for turning out and sharing his insight!

-Mark-