S
Squaretail
Active member
- Joined
- Dec 29, 2006
- Messages
- 1,862
Most flyfisherman I know have had a mentor of sorts. Even I am a mentor to a couple folks, and the idea is to show someone else that shows some curiosity just what it is that makes it so attractive.
I've had more than one mentor, and this mans name is Mark. His primary role for me was he simply put a flyrod back in my hands after well over a decade of "chuckin' the corn" as he puts it.
Our own PaulG has played a role as well. Although mentoring from him about flyfishing would pretty much consist of "tie on the beetle and cast the beetle", what I've taken from him is to just be nice. I doubt I'll ever hit his level, but it has helped me to keep out of some dilemas, especially on the board.
Even Glen from the fisherie boards turned me and some family members onto some fish after going fishless and insisted we take his spot and use his flies.
But the truth is, nobody has taught me quite as much as this man. I'll never forget the first time I fished with him. It was up on Penns with the March browns and sulphers. I was like a dog on a leash that was trying to get off of it as bugs were everywhere and he just wanted to sit on the bank and catch bugs while waiting for this thing called a spinnerfall.
Ofcourse after casting my arm off all afternoon for a couple fish, Dave and Penns taught me an awesome lesson as the evening and said spinnerfall arrived.
Chicky took to him pretty quick and jumped right into his vehicle and onto his lap the second day she saw him. Hes always busting on me about her but as you can see...he atleast likes her a little.
Dave is far from just a flyfisherman and hunter. Former Director of Media Relations for the PFBC, former guide with his own lodge, 5 books to his credit, countless articles and awards and a conservationist to the core. Hes still pumping out articles for two newspapers a week plus his full time job in outdoor retail.
Although we bust each others chops pretty often, I cant help but have some respect and sometimes what he says just kinda sticks. This past week I was on Clarks fishing and Dave was with just to take some shots. I was getting a bit frustrated because I only brought three to hand and blaming the stocking and Dave said something to the effect of, "What? Arent you catching enough? Is it the trouts fault that your missing the strikes? Arent you enjoying this beautiful day?"
That same feeling started creeping up on me today and thats where what Dave said before "stuck". I figured what the heck, the best times are right around the corner, just go to the open water, grab some sucker spawn, and catch some fresh stockies and enjoy the day.
Little did I know......
All I saw was movement. It did look like something chasing minnows but I had no clue whatsover this thing was there. I just couldnt believe it. It was on a blind cast and it jumped twice wildly , but weirdly that looked more like a race car flipping down the track than a leap.
I'm trying to convince myself its not wild but I'm having a hard time of it.
I dont know what I could say about the fish that the pictures don't except that it went a little over 22".
I can say that when I was resting it near the bank, my conversation with Dave the other day ran through my head again and I'm sure there was a little grin that came across my face. I most likely would have been gone had it not been for the other day with Dave.
Theres more that hes taught me, much more. This is just another classic example.
Thanks Dave. You did it for me again.
