Departure and first delay

We left Michigan early a.m. on 07/16 and headed for Canada. At the border we were subjected to the most intense thorough search by customs I've seen yet and hope won't be repeated.. not just soon but ever. It started with the toll booth officer, a VERY attractive younger gal asking questions. All was fine until asked "and how did you all meet?" Charles answer; "Fishing". She exits the booth entirely, placing hands on hips "FISHING! How does anyone meet FISHING!" That was the start of our inquisition, which did end fine, but unpleasant additional stress. After digging through a ton of gear one of the officers asked in all seriousness "What are you guys, professional fishermen?" That struck us as quite comical and went a long way relieving tension. In contrast returning to the States in Houlton ME, when asked same question Charles gave same answer. The officer replied "Been up on the Miramichi?" He then launched into the fishermans lingo, telling us how closely our report mirrored his favorite land locked fishery..LOL.. Border crossings are so much easier with an officer that understands.



We arrived in camp to find very low warm water conditions. Depressing situation but not terribly surprising. I'm already mentally doing a rain dance and praying for cooler cloud covered skies. That afternoon John & I walked up to the pool and sat over it watching and talking. He saw one fish porpoise, a good sign. We did get some clouds, unfortunantly it was overnight which seemed to seal the heat in and not cool the air much if at all.

Charles and John on the pool




Sunday was our first crack at the river. I was blessed with optimism after seeing a fish break just before we went upstream. John started on the lower water working a dry. Charles and I swung our way down through it. In short, morning and evening produced zero takes / sightings.

Mid morn I noticed someone walking upstream towards us. Clifton asked "How long do they build those rods??" ..LOL... in his opinion our 11' ish rods are more than enough. It was NB Rob from the Speypages forum board, toting a 15' stick. We spoke briefly, shook hands, and he was in the water fishing. As I watched him fish down it was obvious he's a fair hand at casting. I asked him later what line he was using, thinking it an Airflo Scanhead [by color] and was surprised when he told me it was a 65' Carron! He worked that line in tight, very nice and effective. So much for the myth you cant fish a long line very well short..

After one pass and some socialising he took Charles off on a tour of some other waters. I was mildy envious [seeing/fishing new waters ranks high with me] but glad Charles had a chance to go. I know he enjoyed it from his commentary later. Especially a certain pool that borders a popular outfitters water.