Well the day finally came when the Delta Estuary system around Franks Tract was the place to fish. Having been invited by the father in law to fish with guide Doug Lovell as belated birthday present it was decided that the Marin Flyfishing Show booth would be run by Kate and her mum Liz and we blokes could bond.

The night before we all enjoyed the induction of Marty Seldon into the Hall Of Fame by the NCFCC at the Marin Rod and Reel Club which is just around the corner from where we live (separated only by San Quentin Prison and had spent time talking with the Delta Master Dan Blanton. Dan predicted that we would find some fish but with the cold weather forecast that included snow, a rare occurrence that had happened that day on Mount Tam, it would be slow. Dan spoke very highly of Doug Lovell as did Van and the thought of the following days fishing made sleeping on the new cosy Mary's Futon a little hard.

What a day greeted us and an early start up the highway with a stop at Denny's for a quick breakfast preluded a fantastic day on the water. Bethel Island was the starting gate and Doug Lovell's Delta Bed and Breakfast the launching spot.

Doug is a founding owner of the Fish First Tackle Stores and he is a long time guide, Federation of Flyfishers member and environmental engineer. His company Streamborn is run directly next store to the Fish First location at Albany. Doug has 8 cats with Binkey being one of the fattest cats you will ever see.

Hopefully the photos under this article will tell the story of the fishing day in general. We worked hard for the fish but ended with 14 fish with one at 13lb and another at 17lb. Lunch was had at the Bed and Breakfast where the opportunity to view some fantastic fly plates featuring Dan Blanton hang proudly on the walls amongst other interesting fishing paraphernalia.

Doug can be contacted via email doug@fishfirst.com or on the phone at 510 5203146