Pretty lively day! I always pay for fish activity by some negative aspect, like losing a box. Better than falling in (though my camera is water proof).
Field of dreams. I'm always reminded of a string of lights in a used car lot.
I don't know if I'll put up with that scenario again this year. As we've said, you can fit in and not snag anyone, it could be worse, it's not the ballpark, but it's also not nearly as fun as some space and peace to yourself. One Sunday evening circa '84 , during a rare New Joisey blizzard, I went to hang out in small music venue friends of mine ran. The dilapidated school bus out front had Texas plates and the chalkboard said 3 bucks for SRV and Double Trouble. Who? Noone showed and the band was stuck in the rooms upstairs of the old inn. They came down and practiced for an audience of me and the bartender. Stevie even jumped up on my table and played behind his head. I've had days when I've found big pools with no people and steel in residence. To me it's about the same kind of feeling. Blessed, privileged, right place right time.
I have real trouble with big steelhead. It's not that I don't know what to do, I just hate the prolonged battles and put the over pressure on almost every time. I use 3x that is around 9 lb. and change. Seems so dam thin when one is on. Glad you had a good day, despite the little stuff. We'll forgive the no pics, you've put up some good ones this season already.