The Spencers just got back from a quick family vacation. We spent the past few days along Pine Creek in isolation. Teach has several good friends in her industry. One of them invited us up to her cabin. We did the exact same last year during COVID. We had such an amazing time. It was a no-brainer.

My terrific in-laws also made the venture. Yes. They also live in the same neighborhood. I have nothing but love for both Mike and Diane Coledo. We are extremely blessed to have them so close, and we actually see them on a daily basis. I used to object when Teach would always include them. I have learned that it comes with the territory. I have very little say. I get one vote, and the tiebreaker always goes to Mom.

Work continues to be super steady. Some say that is a good thing. True statement. Michelle and the crew headed up Monday. I stayed behind to sell a few more rocks and joined them for supper later that evening. I then took two personal days for my well-being. Coach Reed was in charge of the Golden Knights. He was outstanding.

Pine Creek is so beautiful, and we sometimes take it for granted. It only took me 30 minutes to arrive at our destination. The cozy cabin is just a few klicks south of Waterville. It is in a great spot with immediate access to the water. I quickly said hello and jumped in my kayak. I felt bad. But I desperately needed to get in a few casts before the hotdogs on the fire.

The Spencers did a lot of kayaking the past few days. The water was perfect. There are several access points along Big Pine. Do some research before you head up, kids. Take a good look at the weather and those gauges before you plan a trip. The upper stretch from ANSONIA to BLACKWELL is better in the spring. But the lower portions near WATERVILLE are simply ideal. I had to return to town on Thursday. Teach, and J stayed until this morning.

I was in the mood for an adventure. I have paddled many sections on Pine before, but I was looking to do a lengthy all-day float. I convinced my lovely bride to drop me off bright and early. My plan was to drift from HAMILTON BOTTOM to the cabin. I estimated it was a good 8.6 miles. I packed the essentials—a few snacks, one large Gatorade, and of course, two ultralight spinning rods. One was equipped with a topwater HEDDON TORPEDO. My favorite lure for catching Smallmouth. The other had a gold MEPPS AGLIA spinner. I missed getting back to my basics.

I caught several fish on both setups that morning. Nothing to brag about, but it was still early. Pine Creek is loaded with all types of species. I already landed some smaller bass and even a few Rainbows up north. I saw all kinds of critters too. There were a few deer who were rather curious by the water. I enjoyed a brief interaction with a family of Mergansers. It was a mother and 30 or so young ducklings. I even captured some AMAZING footage. I spotted a pair of Bald Eagles feeding. They were enjoying a shore lunch. Both got spooked and took to the air. I was very fortunate to hit the record button. It is extremely rare to see two so close and in person. But you almost never get them on video. IMPRESSIVE. What an awesome experience.

I continued to catch bass after bass casting along the banks. The water was flowing great. I never got stuck or had to drag my boat. I added a few Rock Bass and some Creek Chubs to my list. I got to a nice pool below Waterville and felt determined. There was a small mountain stream crashing down from the rocks above. I made a great cast next to a log and twitched my topwater TORPEDO. Nothing. Strange. There has to be something in here cruising. I switched to my spinner and made another cast in the same direction. I started to retrieve and saw something massive. BANG.

My drag began to scream almost immediately. The fish made a quick run towards the shadows. I was only equipped with 4lb test line. If I wasn’t careful- I might lose her before I even realized what she was. I was beginning to think it was a healthy Walleye or something. Then all of a sudden, it made an impressive jump. OMG. THAT IS ONE MASSIVE RAINBOW!

I was doing my very best to battle the fish and deal with the current. The monster trout made another dive. This time she went under my kayak, and I was snagged. My other rod was now tangled. I leaned back and performed some minor surgery. The line was free, and she was still hooked. That was so close. Good thing I am still doing some AM yoga.

The fish was beginning to tire, and I just wanted to land her for a quick picture. I reached over with my net. OMG! LOOK AT THE SIZE OF THAT FISH! This 24 inch Rainbow was simply gorgeous, and it was my personal best from a kayak. There is no cell phone service near the cabin. I even drove to Jersey Shore so I could post. My latest episode went viral. “I was actually fishing for bass” can now be seen on several websites and pages. What an experience. Another reason why I will be coming back to Pine Creek in the near future. Cheers.