Dear Santa,

Except for that under-sized (only slightly) walleye that I kept last summer, I've been a good boy. This year, however, my Christmas wish is not for me, it's for my best friend, Vinnie and his new wife Vickie, because they are learning how to adjust to fishing and marriage.

It all started when they got married. It also began a new phase in our fishing friendship because the wedding was on the same Saturday that the steelhead started to run in Elk Creek. It was a tough decision, but I attended the wedding. I think it was the right thing to do, especially since I was the best man.

Then, I gave them a few days for the honeymoon. On the Wednesday after the wedding, I called, "Vinnie, are you fishing this Saturday?" I said, pausing long enough for him to ponder the question. Then I added, "I heard a fresh run of steelhead was in."

Now, for someone who had just attended his wedding, he sure seemed unhappy to hear my voice. "I can't fish this weekend," he said. "It's not right to fish so soon after the wedding and I'm not sure Vickie likes fishing." Vinnie never turned down a fishing opportunity. So this weekend, I was on my own.

I arrived at Elk Creek before daylight. Soon, I was catching fish. Above me, I noticed a woman, very pretty at that, fishing by herself and doing quite well. Downstream, another angler, also alone, was hooking some fish too. Now, anglers are a sociable bunch. So, I did the right thing. I walked upstream to say hello.

It wasn't a long walk, just long enough to straighten my vest and put a hat on my head (I never carry a comb when fishing).

"They're really hitting today," I said, not the best opening, among anglers, though, it's acceptable.

"Sure are," she said, looking back.

"Vickie?" I said, befuddled and shocked. "I didn't know you fished. Why isn't Vinnie with you?"

"He said he had to help a friend fix a car," she answered. "Besides, I'm not sure he likes fishing and after missing the first run, I couldn't wait any longer to fish."

"Does Vinnie ..." I started to say, but was interrupted by a scream from the downstream angler.

"Fish on! Someone get a net!"

Well you guessed it. Vickie followed me downstream. "Thank God it's you, Jed," to my surprise, my best friend, Vinnie said. "Net this monster for me. It's the biggest steelhead I've ever seen!"

"I didn't bring my net," I said, as coyly as possible. "But your wife did."

Vickie netted the fish, while I quietly walked away, and as I did so, I could hear conversation, somewhat loud at first, then quiet. I looked back. Vinnie gave her a big hug; Vickie kissed him; and then, they started fishing, together.

I didn't call for a few weeks - which I thought was the best thing to do - but when I did, I asked Vinnie, "How is every thing?"

"Couldn't be better," Vinnie said, "except that Vickie is constantly catching more steelhead than me."

"Do you want to join us this Saturday," he added, "we're trying Twenty Mile?"

"Sure," I said, smiling because not only did my best friend still want to fish with me, but we have a new friend to share fishing memories with - his wife, Vickie.

Here is my question for you Santa: Can you bring Vinnie and Vickie a special fishing gift this year, maybe something they can share even when the fish are not hitting?

Yours truly,

Jed

PS: Even though you and I both know, we won't tell the new WCO, Brook Tolbert about that small walleye.