The river warriors of Group Ta Two returned home on Friday to fish the rivers local to Missoula, the rivers we are accustomed to. The Mighty Mo was good to us, but I think I speak for the Group when I say we won't miss the drive over there!
Ladd and Kristine Bedford delivered the first boat report, from the Upper Blackfoot. The pair landed 12 fish total, with a 16" rainbow and a 17" cutbow. Ladd had the most exciting fish fight of his fishing career when he battled that cutbow for 15 solid minutes, with the fish jumping and diving all over the river! As it turns out the fish was hooked in the back, they fight a little different when you do that to them!
Rob Cooper and Scott Vion delivered the following report:
Rob: "Stupendous"
Scott: "Ditto"
But don't be fooled by the brevity of the report! Those are two carefully chosen words, and anyone who knows Rob and Scott know that they mean it. It was a 20+ fish day in their boat, with a big 19" rainbow, with Rob adding that it was the 'best day I ever had on a river." The guys also spotted a moose on the bank, and were able to get within 30 yards.
Rob shows this fish who's boss:
Patty and Ken Snider wrapped up 3 fantastic fishing days with Patty spiking the grand slam, Brown, Rainbow, Cutthroat and Bull trout all landed, first GS of the Extravaganza, well done!
Tim 'Marauder' Moratto fished solo, and brought a dozen fish into the boat, with another dozen hooked into. Gotta set hard Tim! But not too hard. Just right! Most were in the 15-18" range.
the Marauder with what appears to be a Perch:
Shanna Rodgers and Lori Ware did a little nursery school fishing after their big day on Thursday, catching 15 fish UNDER 15"! Not a fishing tale you commonly hear boasted of here on Rock Creek, but these ladies aren't your typical anglers, and we love them for it! A highlight was also the rapids on the Blackfoot, skillfully navigated by guide Evan, who also deserves recognition for making it back to the Hackle on time despite a late shuttle. Congratulations Evan, you live to fish another day!
Lori and Evan, the 'Muscle from Missoula':
Dry Dave Currie and Drier David Nelson were next. I'm actually not sure which is actually drier, but it's nonstop straight man comedy with these two around. Their fishing however was no joke! The two had 60 fish on the line during the day and landed 35 of those. They were on the Bitterroot, fishing back channels with guide Kurt. Dave Currie battled a big brown in 3" of crystal clear water, making for an exciting fight! David Nelson reports it made Currie a little nervous, seeing that giant fish before it's landed really puts the pressure on! David Nelson had a big fish as well, a 6lb 25" squawfish! It was heartwarming to see the man has some integrity and did not enter his parasite into the illustrious Twenty Inch Club.
Currie's beauty:
But the big news came from the last boat to report. UberRookie and first time fisherwoman Jamie Grassi was on the Blackfoot with Tim Rodgers and guide Drew. For the third fish of her career, Jamie hooked into a monster! She battled for an hour as Drew steered them expertly through the rapids. He was able to net the prize at the exact instant the line snapped, and the result was a 31" Bull Trout! The whole thing was captured on HD video by our IWFF film crew, we're all looking forward to seeing that! Jamie added another several trout for a 7 fish first day, a fine debut indeed! Tim also fished well, catching several Bulls, with the biggest being 20".
Jamie and her whopping 31" Bull Trout:
Jeanne and the film crew:
View from the bank of the epic battle:
Capturing the battle in Hi Definition!
There was one more boat that did not report, as they put up a bagel out on the Bitterroot. So to protect the guilty, names are omitted.
The moose is on the loose!
That evening, Group Ta Two gathered for the farewell dinner and award ceremony. A terrific Group and some terrific times with friends and fish we won't soon forget!
Group Ta Two gives praise to the Extravaganza spirit!
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