Fishing With Dogs

We've all seen the ads for men's jeans or the latest cologne that show a virile young man dressed only in the sponsor's jeans throwing a stick to a Golden Retriever in some quiet, tree lined lake or walking slowly with a fishing rod and another retriever on the shore of that same no-name lake. They might seem quiet and restful but to anyone who has a real dog and who has tried to take the dog fishing, it is entirely Hollywood. That is not to say that you can't have the perfect fishing companion who also has a wet nose, but my experience is completely different.

I have a yellow Labrador, Toby, two years old. When my wife, Maria, and I are headed out the door, it's bad enough remembering everything we will need. If Toby is going, just getting ready is a chore. Not only do we need to pack the fishing gear, we get to store it along with the dog stuff (food, water, toys, leash, bedding, waste bags, etc.) in one half of the storage capacity of our vehicle. The other half will be filled with dog; a dog that is constantly whining about something.

He is old enough to let us know if there is a biological problem that can be taken care of by a quick trip to the nearest grassy spot. The whining is that he sits in the back rather than the right front seat, "shotgun". The whining could also be because he has just seen this very attractive poodle in the car next to us. He also hates motorcycle riders for some reason.

When we finally get to the water, I make a point of going to the spot I will least likely fish. As a Lab, he loves the water, which is one of the problems. The first hour at the water will be taken up with a rousing game of fetch in and out of the water. We make sure the current isn't too strong for his swimming. Although he is a good swimmer, we still worry about him getting carried downstream. Needless to say, every fish within 50 yards has been made aware of our presence and has taken up fasting for the next few hours. I'm not saying this isn't fun for both of us. It is beautiful to watch him swim and retrieve the toy we have thrown into the water. At some point in the trip, though, it is time to put this wet, tired dog in the truck. It's time to go fishing.

Have I wasted two hours of precious fishing time? Not really. I have taken two hours out of the middle of the day when no hatch was occurring anyway and spent it with a companion. The fish will be there when I get finally get on the water. Not exactly where we played mind you but in the spots I reserved in my mind that the fish will be. Later in the day is better fishing anyway, or at least I've been told.

I then go out and do my thing. Whether it's dries to rising trout in the darkening water or nymphs (trying to remember Ron Hart's technique) along the likely seams, the fishing is always good. The water is always cold and clear. The skies are always perfect. The mosquitoes never bite. And, catch and release prevents me from bringing in any evidence one way or another to challenge my experience.

When I get back to the truck, Toby is still sleeping. He is one tired dog. I silently watch him chasing rabbits or fish in his dreams. When he awakes, we both eat and relieve ourselves. The ride back home is uneventful except for that policeman in Oakdale that Toby did not like. It's tough to drive and strangle a dog at the same time.

The trip was good for both of us. I got out of town for a little while. Toby got some exercise. We both got some fresh air. And I got to fish!

What could be better than that!

– George Conway

P.S. We again need a raffle chairman. Kelly Bandlow, who has done a superb job as raffle chairman, is leaving the area and has resigned. PFF is a lesser place for his departure. So now we need to fill this very important chair position. The raffle is vital to the club. It and the dues are the main sources of funding for the club. PFF has given and still gives to each and every member. Now is your chance to give back something, your time. And I'm not talking about much time, once a month with the raffle, when you plan on going anyway. Think of the glory it will bring to you and your family. Never run a raffle? Don't worry; there is enough experience from those who have run it before to carry you through the learning process. If you are interested, contact any club officer or me. We need your help!