The first time I met Paul Hamilton was a brisk October morning on the Snake River at Heller Bar; he showed up with Rob Holman from Northwest Fishing for a combo Chinook salmon and Steelhead trip. This was first of many shows we filmed together over the years.
One skill I have developed over my 32-year guiding career is reading people. I can watch a person as they approach the boat and it’s amazing what you can decipher in 1 minute. On this morning, Rob approaches with his crew and immediately I notice this larger man with a smile, cowboy hat and a mouth full of chew. By his appearance alone I knew this was my type of dude. Paul hopped on the boat with a spring, he was fairly agile, I could tell for a bigger man he was athletic. Sure enough, within an hour I knew his life story. Paul was a college wrestler and we shared good friends, many who had wrestled with him.
A Few Things About Paul
He lived in Hillyard which is a suburb of Spokane and sold insurance for Allstate. My pal loved Hillyard and loved selling insurance and he was very good at it. I feel fortunate that he was the type of guy you liked and trusted. After a few hours into the trip it was evidently clear Paul liked fishing and he was a excellent angler. He caught multiple Salmon and Steelhead.
He was very good on the camera. It’s hard to find someone good on camera. Most people see the camera and immediately clam up, so when we are filming a show it’s nice to have a personality like Paul. Paul was a go-to person for some entertainment and good camera conversation.
Over the years we spent a lot of time fishing and filming together. I joked with Paul and called Paul the CEO of Northwest Fishing. Paul and I got a kick out of this as everyone knows Rob holds that title (haha). Paul dubbed himself the “Baitboy” and really loved the title.
Our Last Trip
On my last trip with Paul was to Drano Lake and the Wind River. Paul showed up with T-shirts with his image holding a salmon titled “Baitboy”. I laughed and gladly wore it! Paul had brought some personal friends on this trip; they were longtime buddies. Those last two days were filled with amazing stories and fish catching. I’m glad to have known Paul, he was a character and enhanced any environment he attended. I will wear his shirt loud and proud just like Paul.Editors Note: Baitboy T-shirts are available at www.northwestfishing.net with all proceeds going to a newly established Paul Hamilton Memorial Fund to benefit youth in his community.
