The Steelheading Male

• Notes that it is November;

• Welcomes the first jaded, brown leaves of late fall when all others recoil at the loss of vibrant color;

• Considers fingernail length for the first time in a year, all the better to remove split shot with;

• Consults lists from last year, and begins to source bottom toiletries, headlamps, swivels, foreign licenses (nb. there must be moisturizer);

• Cares about food shopping for the first time in one whole year, thereby avoiding Stefano's pizza and damaged innards; 

• Thinks of 3 days of carefree cabin life and all that smoking, whisky and whiskey that will come (I'm going to be a child about it and I can't help it);

• Sends emails back and forth to fishing companion comparing recent wader purchases as would two men who know. 

That to hook a steehead is to truly be a happy fellow.