Fishing Buddy Code

Don't get slapped by that tail...

The walleye bite must have slowed significantly.  The curiosity of the walleye angler cruising by for the second time made that evident.  Of course, I was working to haul in a 15+ pound common carp from the depths of one northeast South Dakota glacial lake.  A heavyweight bout captivating enough for at least one spectator.  Fortunately, we were the only ones on the water on a beautiful Sunday morning.  With big fish all around me, the sun at my back, and blue skies on the horizon, this was shaping to be a perfect fishing adventure.  There was only one problem...this wasn't my spot to try.

Common after common fell by the guides of my new 8 wt Quest II.  Presentation options ranged from big fish feeding/lounging in the rip rap to cruising shadows on the shallow gravel beach.  In all instances, fish were ready and willing to destroy my fly.  As my hands stung from line burns, and my muscles ached from consecutive fights, I couldn't help but feel guilty about being there alone.  You see, it was supposed to be tandem trip, but circumstances (as they usually do) got in the way.  It all started with a new message on July 7th.

It was all set, an overnight trip to the northeast for a carp hunting adventure.  The day of departure was when things began to unravel.  Unforeseen circumstances and bad luck led to us postponing our trip.  There was still a possibility for me, however, because I had planned a family trip to the same area for the weekend.  The plan was to spend two days chasing carp in tag-team mode before meeting up with my family to spend the weekend in Watertown.  I brought the fly rod just in case.  When the kids were running around at 11:00 p.m. on Saturday night, I new Sunday morning would be my opportunity to break away for a quick trip. I was out the door at 6:30 a.m., fishing by 7:30, and on my way back to the hotel at 9:30 with sore arms and a shit-eating grin a mile wide.

Was it wrong for me to "scout" this new spot?  It felt wrong going without the guy who told me about it.  Or maybe it was just the fact that I had nobody to share my excitement when stalking a 15 + pound fish with his nose in the rocks and tail in the air.   Spots like that are meant to be shared, and I was hogging it all.  There has got to be some line in the Fishing Buddy Code that condones this behavior, right?  I'll look into it.  Until then, I'll have to look at the bright side, we'll no longer be starting from square one when we do finally make the trip to this carp paradise.

Don't call me an expert!

What do you think when someone is given the "expert" title?  Better yet, what are your thoughts on self proclaimed "experts" in any field?  I read an email lately from a membership organization regarding an upcoming meeting.  The email referenced a guided trip that has been offered to the auction block for an upcoming fundraiser.  The individual offering the trip was proclaimed an "expert" in the particular fishing experience being considered.  I don't know this guide, and I don't know if the "expert" title was given by his constituents, or self proclaimed.  One thing is for sure, the "expert" title does nothing to sell me on one's abilities.  What does it take to acquire the expert title?  Do you have to write a book?  Host a seminar?  Have so many year experience in a particular field?  Know so much more than everyone else?

I cringe when I hear the term "expert".  I think of elitists.  I think of talking heads who speak at people rather than with people in their given field.  I think of people who demand respect and admiration because of who they are or things they've accomplished.  I think of someone who has surpassed the need for educating themselves on any particular topic.  It was Abraham Lincoln that said, "once we stop learning we're dead."  I firmly believe that.  If anyone fails to see a need for educating themselves on a particular subject, they have made the decision to stop progressing.  That's not for me.  I believe that there is always someone that can teach me something.  Or as my dad used to say, "There is always someone better."  Which is why we should constantly strive for improvement.

I realize that this is likely an exaggeration, especially in the fly fishing world.  The majority of folks I come across, while amazing fly fishers, are very humble and ready to learn.  This soapbox is for those who aren't.  Remember to check your ego and attitude stream-side.

    

Tying with Kids...Round 2

Tying up a storm...A beautiful sight

I was beginning to question my rationale.  I had only just returned from a two week trip abroad and the tying clinic was on Saturday!  "Stay calm," I thought.  With all arrangements seemingly in place, maybe my anxiety was unwarranted.  But I get this way when I host events.  I want to ensure each and every participant finds value in what we are offering, especially with a tying clinic.

This was the 2nd annual Kids Tying clinic, and I was excited to have nine children signed up to participate.  Tim Bjork and Jason Burt were kind enough to join as Tuesday Tyer expert instructors, and Nick Lowery from the Capital Journal joined to share his love for the sport.  Of course, many parents stuck around as well and really helped out.

After some careful reflection, all of the Tuesday Tyers who participated had so many positive things to say about the students in this year's class.  To the four first-year students: your determination and excitement fueled the fire within all of us.  Trying something new can be difficult, but you showed no signs of distress or discomfort.  The immediate skill at the vice was also a surprise to us.  Some of the flies produced by these first time tyers rival those that come from all of our vises, and I'd be willing to bet that they will catch just as many fish (which is a lot)  : )

To the returning students: we have officially dubbed you all "rogue tyers".  This was so fun to see from our perspective, because as a fly tyer, experimentation is a part of learning.  After that first fly, you were ready and willing to try some new patterns.  My constant requests for questions were only met with, "nope, we're good" replies.  Fur and feathers were flying everywhere as you were swapping fish stories and pattern advice.  If you ever wondered what the Tuesday Tyers crew does during the winter time, all you needed to do was look to that table of kids.  That's basically it...  Again, the skill and excitement shown at the vice brought us all a lot of joy.


So from all of the Tuesday Tyers, I'd like to thank everyone who participated in this fun event.  We could not have done it without some great sponsors and local businesses who helped out a bunch.  Please check them out when you have some time, and support fly fishing in South Dakota.  Their logos are listed below.  

We hope to continue this tradition next spring, hopefully making it more beneficial for all in attendance.  Until that time, please make a commitment to get your children out with a fly rod.  Whether in the backyard or off the dock, practice will help build confidence, and that will help them catch more fish.  Getting out on the water wouldn't hurt either, so get out and enjoy some parent sibling time!   Have a great summer!