[fishfinder]

little history is in order to set the stage. I am in my second year of flyfishing so I consider myself a rookie. And I am 70 years old to boot. So I'm not sure I will live long enough to be anything but a rookie. I live in Western Washington so my fishing there has been limited to beaches and lakes so far.

Well this summer the wife and I fired up the old motorhome and headed East. We traveled East through Montana, ND, MN, WI and the U.P. of Michigan. Finally arrived at our destination in Northern Michigan. Now the FF adventures. My brother-in-law has been taking me to some of Northern Michigans premier trout rivers, Manistee, AuSable, and Boardman rivers. I was introduced to the thrill of wading in moving water, deep holes and dry fly fishing. I think I will find it difficult to come home and drag a fly around behind my pontoon boat again. I haven't caught any large fish yet but I sure have had a great time so far. Next big adventure is a float trip down the Manistee. I still have to wade the Betsie and Platte rivers near where I am staying. And the best part I have yet to fall in the river or walk into big holes yet.

I have to admit they don't have the thrill of hooking a salmon on a fly rod like we do in Puget Sound. Looking forward to stopping in Montana for a shot on the Madison on our way home next month.

Mike