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Last years Legend (he-he)
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Date Posted: 10:56:00 04/16/01 Mon
In reply to:
billegan
's message, "Re: Regulation Change" on 06:37:22 04/16/01 Mon
I hope you are talking about me? If you are please read on. (he-he)
"It was one of the greatest fishing days in my life. Randy Jones is everything I could ask for in a guide".
John Davison from England.
HELLO RANDY
I just wanted to take a minute to thank you for an incredible day of fishing.I have fished with you twice and I have hooked a total of 19
steelhead, I know people who have been fishing that river for five years and havent hooked that many.As I was driving home I was
laughing, the river was at 1200, the weather was bad, and the fishing had been slow for five days, still I had the best day of my life.As a
registered maine guide and a person who has fished all over the world ,I have never met anyone who works as hard to get fish as you do.
Anyone who is thinking about fishing the "Salmon River" should book a trip with you.If the dates aren't available they should change there
plans to get an open date, Its the closest you can get to a sure thing in fishing.
Thanks again I'll see you next March hope the river is high and the weather is bad.
Capt. William Griffin
Bill lands a 20 lb. Buck. Fish of a lifetime released.
November 2 is a day I will remember for the rest of my life . It started out crisp and clear in the morning as we started our drift down
the river . My companions were Randy Jones of Yankee Angler , and my best friend Jim Ciantar .
We stopped at a couple of holes but with little success , and I mean little . The second place we stopped Jim and I teamed up to take
six fish ranging from 3-6 inches long . We all got a pretty good chuckle out of that . However it gave Randy an opportunity to work on our
techniques . The proper cast and drift is crucial when fishing the Salmon River . Randy is one of the finest teachers I have come across .
He has an uncommon blend of humor , patience , and knowledge which is rare . He explained his tactics and why he uses them . Fish
location and why they are there . Also seasonal changes regarding fish location , all invaluable information
The third spot we hit was awesome . Which by the way , Randy was rushing to because he knew some fish were there . Within a
couple of minutes after dropping anchor I hooked up with a real burner but lost him . It had been slow up to that point but Jim and I
managed to hook up five more in the next
couple of hours . We worked the hole from both sides in and out of the boat . All the while Randy was coaching us on how to properly
fish the hole and
where the fish lay up . Before we left that hole I managed to hook and land the below 17.5 pound beautiful male steelie . (Who will spend
the rest of his days on
my wall . ) It has taken me nine years and a lot of time and money to get that fish . My first good steelhead . Truly a fish of a lifetime .
Jim also hooked a nice bullet about 12 pounds but lost him at the net .
I have been fishing for a long time , and for many different species , from marlin to pan fish . In those years I have had some really
great days . This certainly was one of the best . The combination of beautiful weather , great people , cooperative fish on a scenic river ,
well that is pretty hard to beat .
For those of you just getting started in salmon and steelhead fishing , do yourself a favor . Hire a guide . It does not have to take nine
years like
it took me . I highly recommend Randy he is a true professional and a real good guy .
Ron Scheer , Vernon C.T.
Randy,
We would like to take a moment to thank you again for what we can only describe as "The best fishing trip I have ever taken!" The
knowledge you passed along will last a lifetime and forever change the way I fish the river.
Jim
Randy,
Just a brief note to say thanks again for sharing an incredible day on the old Pucker Brush on March 15th. I realized afterward that I got
caught up with the catching and didn't ask a lot of intended questions. Fortunately you continued, throughout the day, to provide a wealth
of detail and information. Not only did I learn how to be a better steelhead fisherman but also learned a few things about dedication,
organization and service. Looking forward to fishing with you in November.
Bill Gemmell
Bill with just a few of the fish we landed. Bill's best day ever. Congrats! ( All fish Released )
Again both Rik and I thank you for another great trip. I continue to marvel at both your knowledge of the Salmon River and the patience
exercised in providing instructions on the techniques necessary to successfully catch fish; with the bonus of enabling us to fish with the
best Orvis equipment. There may have been a lot of fisherman in the Douglaston Run, but I seriously doubt anyone one was as successful
as Rik and I in hooking-up on as many salmon. (And lucky Rik catches his first Steelhead of 20lbs on his first cast of the day.) When I
recall us fishing a pool in the afternoon and hooking 18 to 20 salmon in a three hour period while an array of other fisherman fishing the
same pool never got a strike, is a tribute to your superior abilities as a guide. I consider myself fortunate to be able to fish with you as
many times as I have in such a short period of time (I believe it was my seventh trip in one and one half years.) There will hopefully be
many more trips and all will be you if you continue to be available. Those three successful spring steelhead trips with you has me now
hooked. As I have repeatedly stated to my many fishing friends, you can either go fishing or you can charter Randy for
"catching".
Dick Koelling
I just wanted to take the time to say THANK YOU for a most excellent trip yesterday. Having fished the Lake Ontario tributaries for
nearly 20 years and guiding for 10 of those, yesterday was by far the best fishing I have ever experienced. You really put us on the fish,
IT WAS AMAZING. In two decades of fishing my biggest coho was 18 pounds. I caught FOUR coho yesterday that beat it (18.5lb, 19lb,
20lb, and 22lb). Our Norwegian guest Geir Sivertzen had the time of his life and will remember this day forever with a big smile on his
face. I caught and released more coho yesterday than I have in the last 4 years combined! What else can I say . . . a grand slam (35lb
king, 17lb steelie, 7lb brown, 22lb coho), all three of us hooked up simultaneously at least 4 times, having to net fish two at a time, Bob,
Geir and myself landing 50 out of 85 fish AND all on fly rods!!! Yes, our arms are SORE!! We simply cannot thank you enough for
sharing your expertise and helping us to have a most memorable day. You are truly one of the standouts on our Mustad Prostaff.
Sincerely,
Jeff Pierce
Sales Coordinator - O. Mustad & Son (U.S.A.) Inc.
I have had a chance to fish with guides from all over North America and you are one of the very best. I really appreciated the knowledge
you shared and the personal attention given to Geir, Jeff and myself. Mustad is fortunate to have you on our pro staff and I look forward
to a long relationship.
Regards, Bob
Bob Funk
Sales Manager-O. Mustad & Son (USA) Inc.
Dear Whitakers,
On Sept.18, my brother- in- Law Rob Martinsen and I engaged Randy Jones’ guide services to fish for Salmon. This was the second time
this year we had been guided by Randy, the first time was for steelhead. Both outings proved very productive in regards to both fish
hooked and fishing knowledge gained. We have lost count of how many steelhead and salmon hooked when out with Randy, while we can
count on one hand how many we have caught on our own. Most importantly were the skills we were taught and the insights into the river
and its fish.
Randy was both professional and knowledgeable. He intimately understood the topography of the river and the fish’s behavior within it,
and was open in sharing his knowledge with us. He tailored his help to our individual skill levels. He was prompt and dedicated to teaching
us as much as we could absorb. His endurance was remarkable. We began at five in the morning and would still have been fishing at dark
if we ourselves hadn’t called it a day from exhaustion. We enjoyed your accommodations and plan on staying with you next spring.
Best regards,
William Au
Randy, I just wanted to thank you for one of the greatest days of my life. You are a true master of your craft. See you on the cape.
Bill Cody
Randy, I really appreciate your time and efforts, as I'm sure many others do. You define what I think all fishermen should be: thoughtful,
courteous, and respectful--not to mention friendly! Great Fun! Great Photos! Great Story! Great Memories!! Now that's fishin'!!!!
Hey Randy,
I just wanted to drop you a note of thanks for a great experience on the river last Friday.(2/23 Report) What an amazing treat it was to
see my father land his first Steelhead in almost 19 years! He introduced me to the Salmon River as a teenager, and I've been hooked
ever since. I have to tell you...Dad is hooked again! He emailed me today to let me know that he's having a fly rod custom built!
Amazing what a little "lightning" on the end of your line will do, huh? We had a great day...5 for 8, and most of all, we truly learned some
things from you that will only make us more successful in our searches for Steel! Your professionalism and knowledge of the river made
our entire day. You can count on us to refer you to all of our friends, and who knows, maybe we'll even come out to the Cape for a day
of Striper fishing!
Thanks again,
Bill
Bill with his father Jim
Posted by TTDave on November 02, 1999
Report: 10/28, Had only one hook up. 10/29, water still at 335cfs, fished with guide Randy Jones, had 7 hookups before noon, landed two
steelhead.
Hi Randy,
By the way, both Warren and I had a fantastic time and look forward to the next time. Your attentiveness, knowledge, instructional skills,
and good humor really make fishing with you a blast. And we even caught fish!
Thanks again...
Andy and Warren
Rudolf Vey NJ October 4, 1999
Dear Randy, It was again a great pleasure to fish with you as a guide. We were really; really happy with the number and size of the fish
we caught. I still think about that second day when Achim caught a 16 lbs. Steelhead in the morning and an 18 lbs. Steelhead in the
afternoon. That day I had my first "Salmon River Grand Slam", a King, a Coho, a Steelhead and a Brown Trout. What a great day fishing
that was. We were both so happy.
We must say, we felt special. We hooked and caught fish by the dozens, whereas other anglers fishing the same spot stayed either
fishless or hooked only the odd fish. Do to your knowledge of the river and the fish.
Altogether we hooked over 160 fish in three days (I still remember my number for Saturday, Sunday and Monday: 32 – 14 – 54, that’s
exact 100 fish hooked). And we still do laugh about it.
We had a ball of a time fishing, and needless to say, you had a great part in it.
Also, the accommodation at "Whitakers" was great as well. The new owners, the Adamski family, are great people – we really loved how
we were treated, not as customers - no, we felt more as friends.
Thanks again,
1 King was kept for dinner.Over 40 fish were hooked.
Rudy Vey
A couple of friends and I spent three frustrating days in SEPTEMBER fishing the Salmon River. The sun was hot and the water was low
and clear. All of us came up empty. I figured I needed a second trip to get the scent of skunk off. This was the one you dream about. On
Friday, I quickly lost count of the hookups, but it was way into double digits. Among those I landed was a 35lb male king.
I'd give guide Randy Jones even more credit here, but I'm afraid that if too many people find out how good this guy is I won't be able to
book him again. While the stretch of river I fished wasn't that crowded, others were a zoo.
Another note of appreciation for yesterday's outing for steelhead and your teaching Rick, and providing me reinforcements, regarding the
techniques for hooking, playing, and landing steelhead. I was as pleased as Rick that he caught and released his first steelhead.
Fortunately he did it while he was 30 years old and not 55. But as many of your clients and readers have previously reported, I also made
many unsuccessful trips (not even a hook-up) to the Salmon River before making a 1998 trip with you and catching several steelhead in
"Puckerbrush Creek". My only disappointment is that your reputation for catching fish and teaching successful steelhead/salmon
techniques has made you a very popular guide which makes it difficult to book with you unless you plan far ahead. Thanks, Dick and Rick
Rick and dad Dick both land a couple beauties. Congrats ! ( All Fish Released )
There ARE so many entry-level fly fishermen who are constantly trying to improve their skills in this sport. Clearly the more time on the
river with some one like you can help to reduce the experimentation and personal favorites or approaches that many times doesn’t relate
to catching these magnificent fish.
Hi Randy,
I Just wanted to drop you a note to say thanks for an awesome day on the River 3/21. Alex and I appreciated you sharing your
knowledge of the river but more importantly helping us hook into some fish. As soon as the pictures come back alex will have his lone
fish plastered on the walls in his office and in his living room. In addition I would like to commend you on your professionalism. You do an
excellent job promoting the sport. I look forward to scheduling another trip with you next spring.Thanks, Mark
Mark lands a couple small ones. (he-he)
Mark and brother Alex celebrate his first landed steelhead ever! (3 years) Congrats to you both!
Just a note to say thanks for a great day of fishing. We got home I did a bit of research. That 35lb king I caught would have been a world
record on 8lb test on a fly rod. The record is 31lb.
Randy,
Thank you for a truly great outing. Basically, I knew nothing about the river - in previous trips would usually end up somewhere in
Altmar, following other fishermen around like a sheep. Now, I feel confident that I can approach the river with a strategy and a technique
that will at least afford me the opportunity to identify and access "fishy" water and present my fly to fish for as long and as naturally as
possible. Additionally, we studied numerous slots and runs that I never would've even
considered stumbling around on my own. As I learned, it really is as precise as fitting a key into a lock.
I cannot stress enough how invaluable this experience was, from the standpoint of a guy that lives a couple hours away, and simply cannot
devote the time necessary to develop on my own a comfort level with such a complex fishery. I hope you will be able to find some room
for me in March...I promise it will take me less than half a day to figure out that "straight out in front of you" means straight out in front of
me.
By the way, I think I pulled my hamstring sprinting after that last fish.
Thanks again. Andy Romanow
Andy works the lil Black hole down to Josh and is 3 for 6 for the day. All dime bright freshies!
Thank you for your courtesy, sportsmanship, wit and wisdom, and your willingness to help others learning about fishing in all its forms.
Posted by Jay on November 21, 1999
I fish the Salmon three to four times a week and often observe you with your clients. I believe you’re a first class guide and fisherman.
Too bad there aren't more of you! All I can say is if you'd watch this man do his stuff on the river you'd be a better fisherman. Thanks
Randy!
Hi Randy,
Thanks for a memorable trip and a favorable write-up on your website! We would like to do a Monomoy striper trip with you, a fall 2001
salmon trip, and a spring 2002 steelheading trip. Just let us know when we can get out again with you...
Tight Lines, Larry
Larry and Don
1/6 Randy,
Just to let you know that Thomas & I had a great time yesterday. You have a particularly good way of explaining things to kids that help
them understand. However, the most valuable thing to me was that he (and I) got to fish with someone who understands and respects
the resource and takes the time to explain the fish, it's life cycle, conservation and on stream courtesy and sportsmanship. It's a lesson
that I hope sticks long after the memory of that 15 pound steelie has faded.
Look forward to fishing with you again.
Mike
Thanks mike, its always fun to try to help hook something other than fish. I think we succeeded!
Tom was all smiles after fighting this big Steelhead. This was his first time ever fishing for them. The second one even though smaller,
still gave him a great fight and both will last in his memory for a life time. Congrats Tom! I have a feeling it will be a long ride home for his
father Mike! ( Both fish released )
Randy Jones gets glowing remarks from everyone. I've had the privilege of corresponding with him via email on a range of
different issues related to the Salmon River fishery from conservation to fishing techniques and he is an absolute first-rate guy. You'd be
hard pressed to find anyone who has as much knowledge about the river as him and even more hard pressed to find someone who is as
eager and willing to share it. If I were to use a guide again, he'd be it. Most folks who have had any contact with him would say the same,
unless of course they were they were competing with him for business. So beware, there are guides out there who, for lack of a better
word, suck. I know from experience. If you don't know the river well and you want a quality experience, call Randy Jones. If you do
know it well and want to learn even more, call Randy Jones. He's a guide with integrity that always puts his clients first but will never do it
at the sake of the fish or the fishery.
. Re: Seeking advice on a Salmon River guide?
Posted by Jim Richenderfer on Sunday, October 31, 1999
Recommend Guide Randy Jones for first time visit to Salmon River. Was out with him on Oct. 28th. Hard working, knowledgeable,
friendly. He spends much time on the water, will get you into salmon and steelhead.
Randy, I wanted to let ya know, I was very gun-shy about hiring a guide .But after a lot of thought, and the necessity of learning( I
emphasize LEARNING ) one of the best steelhead waters in the state. I made no mistake hiring you!. You showed me one of the best
trips I've ever had. (I think he knows every hole -pebble-rock in the entire river) Your personality and teaching skills and willingness to
share it ! Far surpasses anything I expected! I want to thank you for the best trip I've ever taken. Learned more with you in 1 day ,than I
could have in a Year!! Looking forward to the next trip (still have the lower half to learn, along with my angling skills) Your
Professionalism and teaching skills are AWESOME!! Thanks Dave
Posted by Glenn D. on Monday, November 1, 1999
I second the information from Jim. I was out with Randy on Oct.16. He gives 110% to make your trip successful.
Posted by Ken Link on Monday, November 1, 1999 at 10:59:59AM
I second what the other people have said - go w/Randy Jones. I have used him the last two years and find him to be the best by far.
HOWEVER, I do tie better flies than him, according to the Steelhead and Cohos we caught together last week (ha ha Randy!!). You will
learn a lot from Randy and catch fish as well. Enjoy!
New York Fishing Message Board
Posted by Ross on November 09, 1999 at 08:40:41:
Fished last Thursday with Guide Randy Jones on the Salmon River. We had hook-ups all day long. This was very exciting fishing for these
beasts, many took me deep into my backing. We landed 3 steelhead with one being in the 17 pound range. Randy is a hard-working guide
who can put you onto fish. I highly recommend him if you are new to steelhead fishing. He loves to teach and share his vast knowledge of
the river.
:
That's great Ross! I'm glad to hear that you had a successful Trip with Randy. We are proud to have Randy on our Prostaff here at
Mustad. He is truly a great guide, teacher and person. You just gotta love those steelie's. Fishing with him back in September I landed 2
coho's that would have broken the current IGFA fly rod tippet records for 8lb and 12lb. He really put us into fish and taught our guest a
great deal.
Jeff
Wanted: Salmon River Fishing Guide for Steelhead Fishing Sunday, 05-Dec-1999 20:11:09
I am looking for a Salmon River fishing guide that specializes in steelhead fly-fishing. Can anyone provide a recommendation? I would like
to try booking a trip during the Dec/Jan timeframe. Thanks.
I suggest you try Randy Jones I spent a day with him earlier this year. HE got me into fish on day when few anglers were catching. He
will also share his knowledge and teach how to do it on your own. To top it off he is nice guy too.
I've never used a guide, but from what I hear Randy Jones is the man. There was a lot of talk about him and everyone recommended him.
He seems to be interested in helping everyone catch fish legally.
Randy, Thank You for a wonderful trip on the river. I had a great time fishing with you. If I would have just fished the river (with the
techniques I know) I would have been skunked!!!! I will say hi to Barry for you. For those reading this Barry is an owner operator of a
long running orvis store in my area. One day in his shop he was talking to some customers about the Salmon River and mentioned Randy
Jones. He said if you guys go there make sure you book a trip with Randy. I had already done so, so it made me feel confident on my
choice of guides. I was not disappointed. Randy works harder than all of us combined to make your trip a pleasant one. His knowledge
and personality makes him the best. Barry was right... Randy Jones is the best
guide on the salmon river....BAR NONE
Thanks Again
Mickey
Wow, thanx much for the great tips Randy!
Randy, you RULE! Thanks so much, I learn something from you every time. Have a great Christmas!
Dear Randy,
I wanted to thank you again for such a great day on Sunday. Steven and I are convinced that we learned as much about
Steelheading and the river itself in one day as we would have in 10 years of our own wading and exploring. Landing 2 out of 8
Steelhead made the day a grand success! Thanks again, and save me a date in Monomy for the summer.
All the best and tight lines,
Roger Murphy
Friday, Nov 5 was a wonderful day of learning and fishing on the Salmon River. I spent the day with Randy Jones. Our goal was to walk
and map the holes and prime fishing spots at the Douglaston Salmon Run in Pulaski and the lower fly zone in Altmar. That we did and at
the same time I was 3 for 8 on steelhead. Randy was very knowledgeable, patient and very informative. He provided me with four pages
of hand drawn maps of every inch of the DSR. I have spent many, many dollars on this disease called fishing but I know the money spent
on Friday is an investment that will provide a great return in the future. Thank you Randy!!!!!!!
Dave Smith
Posted by Dave Hromowyk
Truly amazed and no longer frustrated! Fished the Altmar section 10/28 and had two hook-ups with salmon. No steelies for the day.
Water at 335cfs and clear. On 10/29 fished same area only this day I had booked Randy Jones, a river guide, to show me how it's done.
Fantastic day! Hook-ups were numerous enough to enjoy a superb day on the river. They were everywhere we walked. Randy showed
me places where fish were that nobody else was even fishing. And we are talking steelhead with blue skies and 70 degrees. You want to
LEARN something AND catch fish legally; this guy can do the job! Anyway, 3 steelhead for the morning (8 - 14 lbs.), and three more
hook-ups in the PM changed my whole fishing trip.
Thanx Randy
Randy,
Thanks an awful lot for the tremendous day on the water. Once again you provided a memorable experience and some very valuable
information. Although I only landed 4 of the 10 hooked, it turned out to be the kind of trip that most people would truly appreciate. Wait a
minute, did I say TEN fish hooked?! That's more than I'd ever hooked in one day before! And these were quality fish. The float trip part
was informative as well. Now I have an idea of what to look for on my next trip out there, how to fish those waters, and with what
equipment. Anyway, thanks Randy - JOB WELL DONE! Dave
Dave with just a few we landed. ( All fish released )
Posted by Glenn D. from PA
Fished the Salmon River for the first time on Oct.16 - Oct.18. Went out with guide Randy Jones on the 16th. For anyone looking for a
knowledgeable guide to take you out on the river, I highly recommend Randy. He gave 110% to make my first trip a success. He had us
into fish right from the start. Landed two nice Kings and a beautiful Steelie. As the day progressed we moved to different locations. There
were fish moving through the area all morning. In the afternoon we traveled down river to see other area's of the river and their
productive spots. To end the day we went down to the DSR. What a beautiful area! The river widens greatly and you really have to know
the bottom structure to find the fish. LOTS of hookups, only two Kings landed. My first trip to the Salmon was a great experience. I look
forward to returning next year. Thanks, Randy
On 9/13, I fished the Douglaston area with guide Randy Jones (who posts reports on the Salmon River on this page from time to time).
Randy had a good sense of where to find fish throughout the day, so we were into fish most of the day, even though they are still not in
the river in great numbers. I landed 4 or 5, with 10 or so others on. On the way back to the car, we stopped on the steep bank overlooking
the Joss Hole. The light was on the water, and we could see to the bottom of the pool. It was an amazing sight to see 30 or so giant kings
in that pool. It looked like a scene from Sea World. See you on the river,
T.A Mckinney
Posted by Ken Link on November 03, 1999
Outing Date: 10/26 & 10/27
Fishing Quality: spotty
Report: Fished 10/26 w/guide Randy Jones, who as usual helped us figure out what it took to get some hook-ups (no fresh fish / existing
fish very spooky) by sticking w/naturals and light tippets. Ended up (2 anglers) w/around a dozen hook-ups with about half landed, better
than anyone else we saw that day. Next day fished w/o Randy but used his tips on patterns and leaders - had a very hot morning
w/surprise fresh fish, all on purple wooly buggers. Afternoon slowed considerably but did land a monster brown that was very silver in
color - must have been one of those German imports. Wish I were up there right now!! Strongly recommend Randy Jones - excellent
guide/nice guy who always teaches me something each trip (BUT I tie better flies than him - ha ha!!).
Your insight to the Salmon River is excellent. Take care and keep up the good work. The area needs more guides like you. You give the
area a good name. Thanks and Tightlines.
Once again your importation of fishing knowledge was overwhelming and most worthwhile. My learning curve has been greatly
accelerated due in large part to your expert service. As a testament, I was out the very next day to the same "honey hole" and was a
respectable 1 for 3 which included the attached beauty which I hooked and landed all by my lonesome (fish released). If it weren't for the
techniques and strategies you taught me from our past outings, I'm sure it would have been another fruitless day. See you again in the fall,
Tom
Congrats Tom, what a beauty!
Your knowledge and willingness to share it without condition is simply marvelous for everyone, but mostly for the fish. You
should be commended for helping make this magnificent fishery what it is. Hopefully, we can educate more and more people so the
Salmon and other tribs get the respect they so much deserve.
Feel free to contact my references regarding my presentations and experience:
Fishing the Cape, Harwich M.A. (508)-432-1200
Whitakers Sports Shop and Motel (315)-298-6162
Guess Im outta room, shucks!
Best Fish's,
Randy
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