Romy and Ali, long-time friends, embarked on a weeklong road trip around British Columbia, Canada, their hearts set on adventure and rekindling old friendships. Their first stop was a hidden gem of a fishing spot, where they were to meet their old friends Jarred and Nicole. Both Jarred and Nicole were seasoned fly-fishing anglers, known for their knack of finding the best fishing spots.
The drive to the spot was rough, with a narrow, wooded road that twisted and turned through the dense forest. Romy and Ali clutched the car seats as their Bronco bounced over roots and rocks, feeling like they were in an off-road rollercoaster. “Are we there yet?” Ali joked, peering through the windshield as branches slapped against the windows.
When they finally pulled into the clearing by the river, they spotted Jarred and Nicole’s truck, kitted out with two Yakima DoubleHaul rod carriers atop a Yakima OverHaul Truck rack. The ultimate angler’s setup, and a sight for sore eyes.
As they parked and stepped out, Jarred and Nicole greeted them with warm hugs and a hearty laugh. The air filled with tales of past fishing trips, each one more exaggerated than the last.
Eager to get started, they began unloading their gear. Romy and Ali had everything meticulously organized in their Yakima MOD GearCrate, including the essentials for any successful fishing trip: stove, coffee, and of course, bacon. You can’t catch fish on an empty stomach.
They slipped into their waders and boots, the snug fit bringing back memories of past fishing adventures. With their rods prepped—thanks to the Yakima DoubleHauls—they were ready to hit the water.
The hike down to the river was a tangled mess of roots and branches, but the promise of a perfect fishing spot kept them going. As they emerged into a beautiful clearing by a bend in the river, they set up a small stove and coffee pot. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee mixed with the crisp morning air, creating the perfect backdrop for their day.
Jarred and Nicole began sharing tips on casting techniques and the best flies to use. Ali practiced her cast under Jarred’s watchful eye, while Romy and Nicole tied on new flies, and waded up the river to a perfect spot to cast.
The crew got warmed up and started feeling the flow of the river. Casting and moving, it was only a matter of time before one of their flies had a hit.
Then, it happened. Jarred’s line went taut, and he felt a powerful tug. The fish fought hard, putting up a battle. “It’s gotta be a steelhead,” Jarred speculated, eyes wide with excitement. But as the fish got closer, his expression changed. “It’s a massive Bull Trout!” he yelled.
The excitement was contagious. Everyone dropped what they were doing and rushed over. With Romy’s help, Jarred skillfully brought the fish in, while Ali and Nicole cheered from the sidelines. They managed to snap a quick picture before releasing it back into the water.
The rest of the day was filled with more fishing, laughter, and shared stories. As the sun began to dip below the horizon, they packed up their gear, stowing the rods back in the Yakima DoubleHauls and securing their GearCrate back on the MOD.
Romy and Ali felt a deep sense of satisfaction as they bid farewell to the river. They were ready for the next leg of their journey, their spirits high and their bond with Jarred and Nicole stronger than ever. “If this is just the beginning,” Romy said, grinning, “I can’t wait to see what the rest of the trip has in store.”
