Was this the reason? Nobody seems certain.

Was the run even late? A few veteran anglers from the west coast that I spoke with noted that last year’s timing was pretty close to normal, and that what we had been experiencing over the last number of years prior to 2007 were actually early runs on many rivers.

Add to this puzzle the fact that there were some fresh salmon in quite a few rivers, and you’re left wondering what happened to the rest of them. Many also wonder what else is happening at sea during their lengthy and arduous migration. This is a major concern of DFO.

Whatever the reason(s), let’s hope for the sake of our sanity - not to mention fishing vacations that many anglers have planned or will be planning over the coming weeks - that things get back to normal this season, at least with respect to the timing of runs.

Most dedicated salmon anglers are well versed in all the legitimate excuses, such as “water too low... water too high... a week too early... a week too late...” And we accept this. It’s part of what makes salmon angling such a challenging sport, although our patience was really put to the test last season. Fishing 12-14 hours a day, 10 days out of 12 and hooking just a couple of fish would not sell a rookie on salmon fishing.

Granted, things picked up later in the summer, but that did little to ease the frustration and financial burden of those who booked trips well in advance and came home without hooking a fish.

But we’ll be back out there again with our high hopes; no doubt about it. Although some have a different description, this is what we call dedication and a true love for this magnificent sport.

Speaking of things “picking up” later in the summer, we did see quite a bit of action on the Lower Eagle River in mid-to-late July, including a seal with a 10-pound salmon in its mouth. Many of you will probably recall as well the seal we filmed way upriver at Big Falls on the Humber a few years ago, chasing fish from pool to pool, then plopping itself on a rock just below the falls to rest until its next meal.

Many others across the province have reported seeing seals at the mouths of rivers, waiting for salmon and sea trout, so those creatures are obviously having a significant impact on fish stocks, despite what the seal huggers may claim.

In closing, let me once again encourage families and friends to get out for a few days or even a few hours of good ol’ troutin’.

The May 24th weekend is fast approaching - a great time to have your first flick of the season - and the benefits to be derived from such a rewarding and relaxing activity are immeasurable. Pretty cheap, too.

And no, kids, it definitely isn’t “cool” for you to get in a boat without a life jacket, nor is it cool for Dad, Mom or anybody else to do it, either.