For about a year now I have been posting as Surecatch, a nickname given to me by my good friend Clint Derlago. Over the course of that year quite a few of the P.P. fishing fanatics have figured out my real name. (This amazed me ,but there are a lot of dang sharp guys and gals on this board.) I asked them to keep my secret, as I have learned that there are always a few folks who want to attack any person that has achieved any degree of notoriety. By now at least a dozen of you know my real identity, so I decided it was time to "come out"

I will post as Surecatch, AKA Dave Vedder for awhile then will simply use my name.

To all of you who knew my real identity and kept my secret thanks a ton. Special thanks to Sparky, AuntyM, DanS, 4Salt and LtlCleo.

So just out of curiosity, how many of you knew and said nothing?

you scared me for a minute there Dave , I didnt know your monkier, but hell glad to know who you are now.
By the way , nice fish on the Avater, maybe from a river up north with the same name?

Funny thread title, Dave.

I think it's great that you spend some time here on PP with all of us. I've enjoyed your columns in STS for years..............

Fish on..............

Now I have proven something to myself if no one else. On the internet and anonymous, discussions are completely different than they might be in person. I bet that now I know more about who someone really is I may have more respect for their opinions...as long as they are fishing related that is. Knowing someone even a little gives an insight to the words.
All I really know, Dave, is that you have fished with many different people and have a wide range of experience. Arguing with pinheads may be another thing. Fishing politics is even more frustrating than non-fishing politics. Being heard is a start. Credentials are important when trying to be heard. Dave, you probably have the credentials to be heard. I am a believer that WDFW commissioners and some staffers hear us only because the law says they have to. They "tolerate" us because somewhere it says they have to include the public. I believe in giving them the opportunity to listen and when they don't I believe in letting the world know they didn't listen until enough pressure is exerted to make them reconsider.

Dave,

Well I for one had no idea, but then my wife always said I was clueless anyway.

Just as well too. Cause I probably would have ratted you out.

Heck, I was convinced Dave Vedder was just a pen name, like Bill Herzog, or and alias, like Bob Ball, anyway. Of course, none of us are fooled. We all know these are just mythical figures anyway. But hey, if you want to be Dave Vedder, the famous author, fisherman and raconteur, fine whatever makes you happy. As for me, you will always be Surecatch on this board, cause otherwise I'd have to call you Mister Vedder, Sir or something else like that. Least that's what Bill makes me do, and as for Bob, I'm just trying not to get kicked of the board so I can keep hanging with all the cool guys like you.

Good to have you on this board, Dave. Keep up the good work. It's been a pleasure to know you.

PS
Now you can fix your avatar, so we can all see the cheese-eatin' grin you're wearing while holding that mean-green brute.

Hey, what happened to your awesome mean-green brute avatar?

Personally, I really respect members who are not afraid or ashamed to stand behind the person who they really are To me, it shows a persons honesty


Cowlitzfisherman

The pic of the Chum with the rubbed out face was a dead giveaway:D An official welcome Dave..

Thanks for all the kind words guys.

Yes Fish Doctor, that fish came from the Vedder - my river, at least I wish it were my river. (It was named for a distant relative, but the rascal didn't have the decency to leave me a couple of miles of river.).)

Any grandpa, you have p***ed me off more than anyone else, well maybe not more than CFM, but the truth is we share a lot more than we disagree on. Politics, other than fish politics, is really not worth arguing about. We do share a belief in sport fishing, a concern for the fish and a love of the chase. That’s enough of a basis for a friendship, or at least mutual respect.

As for the sport fishing advisory position, I wasn’t kidding when I said I had no desire to serve. My posting that news notice from WDFW was simply to let folks know about the call for nominations. I still do not want to be on that commission. I doubt they would take me anyway, as I too have been quite critical of the dept for years.

Dave,

When we met at the Steelhead Symposium you mentioned that you followed discussions here, and then that Surecatch guy started recommending Amato books as references, specifically ones authored by that "Vedder" guy , so I was pretty sure, until 4Salt confirmed it for me on our last trip north.

Glad to have you "out", as now you don't have to be as circumspect in your posting or your opinions for fear of giving something away.

See you later!

Fish on...

Todd Ripley
VP Political Affairs
Wild Steelhead Coalition

Dave

Sorry I pissed you off so much but that is what I do best sometimes. The best way not to piss someone off is to remain silent.

Any other secrets you got locked up in that closet? On second thought keep 'em to yourself...

Welcome out into the open

Namedropper!

If one did not know any better……..Clique…Clique…Clique..Clique-Clique

What clique? What group?

How could that happen?

Cowlitzfisherman

It;s cool to see Dave Vedder on here! Welcome Dave!

HOLY C#*P! SOMEONE ON THIS BOARD WHO IS ACTUALLY OLDER THAN ME!

Tis nice to know that not all that is said or implied here comes from trying to hide a zipper or trying to throw one off of the scent of where the action is truely going on, good to have you here as you, Dave, I too have enjoyed your many travels and stories. Many thanks, Fishy.............

Aren't you the founder of WENDY'S? I thought you passed away......

Robert

bigb8bigfish: No I didn't found Wendy's. But I got a lot of my girlish figure there!

I fully understand why you would want to hide behind a monicker.Hell I am not one of the "Amato boys" and I experianced what you are trying to avoid.Price you pay I guess.I know I want nothing to do with it.

I did mention my fishing passions to a certain roofer at work a few years back.He told me just how spoiled you have become So I guess the pros out way the cons

tight lines surecatch

Dave who???

Sorry, Dave. I didn't want to be the first to say, but since Sebastes did, who's Dave Vedder? I've only met a few of the PP BB members, so Surecatch was working well for me. I've enjoyed many of your posts, and I'm glad you contribute by any name.

Sincerely,

Salmo g.

Salmo G.

Dave Vedder is the guy that outfishes me about six times a month, but not by very much most of the time.

I was only doing an inside joke with my fishing buddy.

Dave is one of the most prolific outdoor writers in the Pacific Northwest with something like 400 outdoor articles published. He is the author of a book on float fishing and co-author of one on jig fishing for salmon and steelhead. He writes a regular column for Salmon Trout Steelhead and is the Pacific Northwest editor for Salt Water Sportsman.

His picture has been published in so many fishing articles that it is almost impossible to fish on a body of water without someone walking up and asking if he is Dave Vedder, the outdoor writer.

He is bit of a curmudgeon and a man of strong opinions, but most importantly a fine fishing buddy.

As a close friend and fishing partner of Dave's for many years, all I can say is that he's a good angler, a knowledgeable person about many topics, and has a great sense of humor.

If you want to know more about him, I have pics, videos, and audiotapes of him enjoying himself in B.C. when he's not fishing. Dave, I'll expect a check in the mail soon to be quiet.

I will remain "Snake Pliskin"because of my serious approach to fishing and the fact that I have 3 ex-wives and other ex relationships that could recognize me

Happy you finally came out Dave

Mocch, you're funny!

With the rivers going on the way out here and some time off for eveyone, maybe we can have a giant thread in which everyone tells their dirty secrets.

On second thought, that might not be such a good idea!

Dave, I have enjoyed you as Surecatch and shall enjoy you as AKA Surecatch. I have read a lot of your articles and own a couple of your books. They have all taught me something. I wonder how many more famous people we have on this board? If I didn't know him, I would have thought that Grandpa was Brother John Birch himself!!!

Now Eddie.....We are supposed to be kinder and gentler here....You know full well that ol' grandpa is not necessarily what he appears to be. I don't look one bit like that guy on the billboard on the way down I-5 to Longview. Had I not known you I would have thought you might be Dennis Kucinich's campaign manager but a good ole bleeding heart , politically correct , left wing liberal is probably good enough. If we all stick with fishing related topics we will be safe I think. Still plenty of room for big disagreements there.

I knew who you were(are) along time ago, but I keep names and rivers to myself. I haven't seen the original spoonman for a while though.

Sorry Dave, but even some "not too sharp" people figured you out. Be careful with some of the fishers on this board though, or pretty soon you'll be fishing from dawn to dusk and carrying a flask!

Beezer

Dave,

It has been my distinct pleasure fishing and corresponding with you the last few months.

Keep up the good work and whatever you do, don't get rid of the teal vest!

There was someone on here from Kirkland and when you clicked on their homepage it came up as Dave Vedder.

Welcome Dave,

I can understand why you wouldnt want to come out of the closet.

I have been one of those guys who got on writers for saying to much about zippers but I havent seen that from you.

Keep up the good work

All right Dave,
Now that we know who you are let's move on and talk about stuff that's really important. Such as how I can get "my name" on a lamiglas rod.
But really, I've read your work for years and attribute much of my success as an angler to your teachings. thanks. However, I'm still serious about the rod thing......

Rich G:

I have been criticized for writing about such zipperlips as the Gold and some of the Northern Vancouver Island rivers. It's a tough cal. I try to ask myself if the river can handle the added pressure, but my answer may be different then your. I do NOT see the Gold as a zipperlip. It's in the top ten in the province in total angler days. But the locals who were once used to having long stretches to themselves are mighty angry at me. And I do understand their point.

We have a local writer who has seemed to make his career out of writing about zippers, including some of mine!!! I think he’s an idiot, but some guys would sell out their mother just to see their name in print.

Fishing and Hunting News is the worst about that. I am proud t say I have never written a word for the F&H News. Don’t plan to either.

I know nothing............NOTHING.

"There's a fine line between fishing and just standing on the shore like an idiot."
Steven Wright (1955 - )

Steven Wright had me peein my pants at a stand up show I went too.

Hey Jerry, and you won't see the original spoonman most llikely. He and I have had lengthy disscussions about the whole internet thing and fishing and how it has ruined alot of things we loved such as solitude. You just can't get away from the crowds to often because so much information is at anyone's fingertips.
Peace
Superfly

Well Superfly, the same can be said of guides and magazine articles, they have all led to the demise of the solitude we all desire. Whether or not Bill posts on fishing boards is not going to change other peoples desire to discuss "spots" to fish. I do believe that Bill could be a great asset when the discussions are about techniques and reading water etc.
I do understand Bill's reluctance to post with all the nit-pick sniping that goes on but I hope he will reconsider some day.

A real shame too, Bill has so much more to share and offer than his extensive knowledge of technique, tackle and hot spots. I think most just weren't interested in what was most important to him. You know, pearls before swine and all that. He is a great guy and has a deep love of the resource and sport. I wish him all the very best.
I can certainly understand his feelings, but may it serve as a stark reminder to all of us that ultimately it is our loss when we treat others with disrespect.
Who knows maybe we will hear from him again. Under a different moniker? Bill, are you there? Dave, was there there anyone else in that closet with you?

Peace

Who could forget 'Heavy Metal'?

Super,
When are you coming out the closet??? Just kiddin dude, You me and the general have to get together and put the smackdown on some winter runs soon!!! Heck I'll even row, (your boat of course) we have to pimp the Thorbuilt you know!!! Later L.J.???
Winterun

Bill maybe alot closer then you think.

Wow! Dave, you are one of the reasons I got into steelhead float fishing! You must do one heck of a lot of winter steelheading, and this must take up much of your time, but are you going to be putting out any more books like the float fishing one? Just wondering. Since I'm just startinbg drift fishing, I find that floats are definitely the way to go.

GZ: My good friend Bill, the sack, Herzog always says that float fishing is like training wheels for drift fishing. You may want to try float fishing until catching steelhead is no longer a challenge, then move on to something that requires a bit more skill like drift fishing. Also by moving to drift fishing you will get more opportunity to tie leaders and buy tackle. Maybe you can visit Bill at Sportco. He is there on the rare days he isn't guiding, fun fishing, or simply malingering. If you find float fishing too difficult you might want to try plunking.

Bill's just a float hater, and since Nick is so good with a float, Bill must figure anyone can do it with a float and jig.

But believe me, Nick's just that good with a float and jig. Parasite fish next to him a few days and you'll learn some things.

Sure, anybody CAN float fish and catch fish. But not just anybody hooks fish like the floatmasters do. You see the same learning curve in float fishing than with any other method.

Bill thinks hardware fishing is the most technical, or difficult method to master. I think that's precisely BECAUSE he's mastered the art of fishing hardware. He's tried it, adjusted this or that, experimented with different spinners/spoons/rods/reels/lines until he anchored himself at the top of Spoon Mountain.

Hardware fishing may BE the most technical steelheading method........but it's the technical aspects of any method that separate the fishers from the catchers. Any grapefruit can hold a Loomis noodle rod in their hand, drag bait, and hook fish...........BUT only if the guy running the boat has mastered the technical aspects of side drifting (i.e. bait size/color, boat speed and location, fish-holding areas). Grapefruits with a grapefruit running the boat DO NOT catch many fish sidedrifting.

Same story with floats. The dude with his dink float laying on its side going downstream at 10 mph because his line is in the water isn't going to catch fish. The guy that realizes the float needs to be standing vertical, maintains a drag-free drift, and fishes the jig at an appropriate depth is likely to hook some fish on any given day. The guy that knows where the fish are going to be, what color jig they prefer, and what gear will get it where the fish are........because he's spent the time on the river to figure it out...........is going to hook good numbers.

Rating the methods made a cool article, and Bill was mighty comical as usual, but it doesn't really mean anything. Just goes to show you, Bill is quite a wordsmith. Here we are still talking about that article. You know you're a good writer when you write an article people talk about years later...........and they're not plotting ways to kill you for writing it.

To Funny L.J. But damm, I ain't letting you row again, I remember going no where fast.
Anyways you me and Billy will have to hit one of my favs when the water comes back in a day or two. Give me a call anytime, as a matter of fact I just got off the phone with your Bro.
Also what about them leader rollers???
Peace
Superfly

If you find float fishing too dificult you might want to try plunking! That was the morning giggle.

If floats are training wheels for a drift fisherman then floats are for me!I have never been any good at drift fishing!I have always held a confident drift fishermen above us spoon chuckers.

Then again I have taken people with little fishing experiance,set them up with something shiny and put them smack dab into a herd of steelhead and watched them have fun.Sometimes I wonder how hard any of it realy is.I think the biggest part of my learning curve was not method but run timing and where differant fish like to live in the river.

New member FOGGEDIN in could tell you a story of the twelve -nuthing wooping he put on me drift fishing years ago.Casting same set up same slot.... twelve-nuthing.I think that was the begining of my love afair with spoons

Mr. Vedder-

Is float fishing really that easy? The few times I've tried it seemed like I had a tough time figuring out depth, either fishing too high or dragging bottom. I don't see where Bill H. would find it so simple. As far as effectiveness, my neighbor recently showed me how to boondog small roe clusters on the Cowlitz, and wow! Great way to catch winter runs! Must practice more with the float thing. And Dave, have you ever wrote an article on pink worms, and which publication coulld I find it in? Thanks for being on board!

Greg.

GZ: If you were "fishing too high" I can see why you might have had a problem with floats, but I would guess that might hinder you in other fishing styles as well.

You may be onto something with the idea of dragging a bag of guts down river below Blue Creek. I hear that steelhead sometimes gather there. Does that technique have a name? Perhaps you could call it "drifting a gob of guts alongside the boat."

You sound like an intelligent fellow and I think that you may one day catch a steelhead if you keep at it. Remember it takes patience and a bit of luck. Being able to read water doesn't hurt either. Read all you can especially anything written by Bill, the sack, Herzog. He's my hero.

And yes I did write a few articles about fishing the pink worm. In fact, I believe I was the first to write about that technique in the Northwest. But remember I'm older than dirt.

I agree with your comment about none of us being as smart as all of us. Bill H. says that a lot too.

GZ we seem to have the same name.

Well I am off to spend the day practicing my drift fishing With a sack of guts somewhere around the steelhead campground and constance creek.

Tomarrow we are going to practice at the end of the hundred road and up above the oxbow.

That is if my old yellow subaru gets me there.

Is that even possible?

I have seen fisherman that couldn't get out of the car, or stand and stare trying to remember why they are standing on the bank of the river with waders on----- looking at a container of sand shimp wondering if they would cure the munchies.

The answer is "No".

GZ,
I use to fish High all the time but I had a hard time feeling the bites LOL
No float fishing is a great way to fish, just ask the experts Like Nick Amato and Dave Vedder,
They will tell you all you need to know.
And yeah Bill H told me to loose the training wheels once before too.
Peace
Superfly

Jerry,that hit too close too home.I am still laughing