It takes a lot of nerve and a whole bunch of stupidity...

Tuesday morning, while my wife and I were at my oncologist's appointment and our 19-year old daughter was at the vet's office with our Maine Coon Cat, three "meth-heads" decided what was mine should be their's, and they proceeded to make it so. Not only did they rip off my fly-tying vises, almost all of my fly rods, more electronic gear than I care to list and an old shotgun, they then decided to try and wreck everything that they couldn't carry! They broke the stained-glass inserts on a couple of cabinets, took a hammer or tire iron to my roll-top, dumped book shelves over and then finished it all with emptying boxes of hooks onto a carpeted floor. And, if that wasn't enough, they finished things with breaking out the glass in the porch and front doors.

What in God's name gives someone the right to "violate" someone else's home? Forget the fact that I'm still trying to regain my footing after last year's battle with a third brain tumor. These @^%$#^&* didn't just rob the place... they DESTROYED it! And, what I really want to know is WHY??? For kicks? For meth supplies??? Somebody please help me make some sense of this, as my fishing buddies and I have been working non-stop over the last 48 hours to "right" the place again.

As the title of this rant states, "It takes a lot of nerve and a whole bunch of stupidity" to do what they did. And, now I'm on the hook for it all because of the fact that my homeowner's insurance only pays for one such claim in a three or five-year period! Yes, we were hit once before within the last 30 months. It seems to happen a lot here on the river, as most of the places are empty during the winter months. That is, except ours...

If you've guessed that I'm still PO'd, you're right... I guess that I just don't understand people these days as well as I once did...

Sorry to go on and on. After finding getting my "full remission status," life was looking up again. Until Tuesday morning...

Thanks for letting me vent, my friends... Jerry, aka hairwing530, aka "Captain Hooks" the PO'd

Sounds to me that someone has been watching your movements and it also sounds like young people because an older person would want to get in and out. As a kid, I did stupid stuff like this, not that I'm proud of it but, I would do some sort of damage, which leads me to the idea that it must be someone maybe late teens or so. I'm glad I saw the ere of my ways and have grown up over the years. Something like this is a selfless act and God will repay them somehow. I really am sorry that it happened to you. Seems like this type of stuff happens to the good people. If you need a rod to fish with, I can loan you my Orvis outfit. I wish there was something else I could do for you my friend. I forwarded your e-mail yesterday to my wife and she was very upset for you. I know you and Debbi and your daughter will recover but, you can never regain the safety that you had prior to these stupid acts of greed and violation, not knowing whether it will happen again. Does your house have an alarm that goes directly to a monitoring company? If you don't have one, it might be worth it to get one and it will lower your insurance by 10%-20%. I wish you all the luck my fried and hopefully they will be caught and get what they deserve.

So sorry to hear this, Jerry, after things were looking up.

Hey Scott,

Thanks for the offer on the Orvis outfit, but -7 isn't my kind of fishing weather. Late March? Maybe... Until this boatload of bad news, I'd been concentrating on filling hook boxes and tying a few myself. The tying will have to be put back on the "bucket list" until the house is fully back in shape and I've sorted out this mind-boggling pile of hooks. I'll be spending a lot of time with a sizing gauge in the days to come.

As for the alarm idea? The house is "remote," as in it would take 20-30 minutes for a response, unless they happen to be in the neighborhood. That's not a likely scenario...

Not to worry about these guys getting what they deserve. When the three retired "cops/fishing cronies" finish this-- and they WILL finish it --I'm willing to bet that the guys who were responsible for this will be wishing they'd picked another address. 'Nuff said about that.

Again, Scott, thank you for the offer, but ice flows and wind chills below -15 just aren't my style these days. Besides, there still a lot of work to do INDOORS!!

Be well, my friend, and thank you again... Jerry, aka hairwing530, aka "Captain Hooks"

Jerry , sorry to hear that 's happened to you.
PM sent.
Best,
Steve

After reading what happened, I would be just as upset as you are, but, always remember and be aware that "things" ARE still looking up. You are still in remission and have been given a new lease on life. What the low life took and destroyed were just "things" which can be replaced, but, they did not take away your "remision" and new lease on life. They will get their punishment. I would check into another insurance company just to see if you could get better coverage. I think I would be more upset with the insurance company and be forced to have a "sit-down" discussion with the agent. If they expect you to pay for coverage each year then they should provide protection for you each time something like this happens. What they are doing does not make any sense to me. If your home is hit by 2 fires in one year, are they only going to provide coverge for one of them? You have paid a lot of money to them over the years and they should provide you with some sort of coverage and they need to understand that there are other insurance companies that would gladly have you for a customer. Put your insurance agent's feet to the fire and see what happens. I understand that a home in a very remote area can be "hit" often and insurance companies can write in protection for themselves, but, you are still paying them each year. Afterall, there are homes along low lying areas along some rivers that get flooded out each spring and the insurance companies still provide some sort of help and your insurance company should provide you with something. If not 100% recovery, as least something to help out.


Above all else, keep your head held high and keep the Faith. Replace, over time, what has been stolen and destroyed and always remember that you are in remission, you still have your family and He will guide and protect you.

Awww, Jerry! This just makes me sick of heart. I do agree with Warren, that the punks may have taken some of your stuff, they cannot take your remission! And goodness knows, there are many on this site with far too much stuff, and would be more than willing to send you what you need to get going again ... at least flyfishing/tying wise. I'm glad your daughter wasn't there alone.
Vacuum up what you can of the hooks, use a magnet to get the rest of them up ... and throw them away! Tell me what you use, and I'll gladly send you a box of each of the numbers! Someone surely has a spare vise laying around collecting dust .... who'll step up? What else do you need? Some rods? What size?
Someone be watching ebay ... local flyshops ... pawn shops. Some of the equipment (fishing and electronic) are bound to show up.
Rejoice in your remission! Rejoice that no one was hurt! Rejoice that it was "only " stuff!
Hugs

Betty & WarrenP,

You are exactly right! Over my 15-year battle against the beast known as cancer, I've watch the treatments and technology grow in quantum leaps and bounds. I'm living proof of that, as my original prognosis when I was diagnosed at 44 years young was 24-30 months... max! Yet, here I sit, cancer free and still drawing breath, some 12.5 years after I was supposed to be taking my leave, if you will. And, that in itself, is a true blessing...

There have been other blessings as well. My second brain tumor robbed me of my eyesight from late 2004 until late 2009, a condition-- being blind --that couldn't be corrected. Then, two very talented and brave surgeons spent over 12 hours doing what all others said couldn't be done-- they gave me back my sight! When the wrappings came off and my eyes finally adjusted, it truly was one of those "WOW" moments...

And, I would be remiss if I didn't mention the unwavering support of my family and friends, some near and many so far away. They-- and everybody here --have always been there for me, no matter the odds, and no matter the costs. I can't thank my brethren at FAOL enough. The fly fishing community as a whole is a fine example of kindness, generousity and strength of spirit, and as protective as a mother griz with cubs. Again, thank you for letting me into your hearts...

Well, back to the hook sorting. There is an expansive pile on the table right now, and it may be a few days before my "crew" and me get them all sorted out.

May the Good Lord forever bless you all with tight lines, and friends to share a favorite with... You're welcome on my stretch of the water anytime... Jerry, aka hairwing530, aka "Captain Hooks"

Jerry--Fortunately your daughter or anyone else in the family was not at home to be in the middle of this sorry mess. At least you and your family didn't receive the same thing your possessions received. Good luck to you and I hope they find the suckers.

George

Captain:
I cannot imagine how you must feel. I would be so mad that I would dedicate my life to finding the culprit (s) and seeing that they were punished accordingly. You are a better man than I, so that is great for you.

A fellow on Craig's list did not follow through on a purchase I made from him. I sent him the funds and did not receive the item. I have my lawyer son pursuing him.

You are a hero Jerry!!!

Jerry,I am so sorry to hear of this.We live in a sad world.I wish we could all come up there and sort hooks.Ray

Ray,

And, you would all be welcome, if you could stand the mess. Slowly, we're getting things back into place. The cabinets needing their glass replaced have been hauled off by a buddy of mine-- Yes, another fishing "cronie" --as he dabbles in stained-glass work, the roll-top section of my tying desk is now at another "cronie's" wood-working shop-- he's been known to work a miracle or two with wood --and we've thoroughly scanned the floor with as powerful an electrified magnet as possible and now have all hooks retrieved... or, so I hope. At any rate, the Speaker of the House and our youngest daughter and the cat all are coming back home to stay tonight. Things are liveable again, but there's still clean-up work to do.

I can't begin to express how much your support, well wishes and offers of equipment, materials, et al have meant to my aging self. It's a boost to my sagging morale right now, as I still am having a difficult time fathoming why someone would do this. I was raised with certain ethics and an approach to my fellow man... or woman, and I've always tried to live by those standards-- being generous when I could, always giving more than asked for or expected, and just being there whenever a friend needed me. I've taken on cancer and kicked its backside, and tried to stand tall in the face of burying two of my four daughters, something NO parent should ever have to do. So, WHY??? Why this? Why now, when I'd been given a reprieve from the cancer wars? It tends to shake one to the core...

Enough... My friends, I thank you all from the bottom of my heart. You've shown me more kindness, generousity and good will in the span of a single day than I've been privy to in a very long time... except for my "cleaning crew." They've all been absolute "rock stars" in keeping me going and helping me shore up the homefront. I only hope that I can one day repay you all for that which you've given to me. It's an act of faith restoration that I will carry the rest of my days...

Be well, my friends... Jerry, aka hairwing530, aka "Captain Hooks"

Well, when the weather warms up, give me a shout. I knew there was a reason I did not send it yet. Good thing I didn't but, now I have it so, it is waiting for you when your ready to float a line my friend.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by hairwing530

Hey Scott,

Thanks for the offer on the Orvis outfit, but -7 isn't my kind of fishing weather. Late March? Maybe... Until this boatload of bad news, I'd been concentrating on filling hook boxes and tying a few myself. The tying will have to be put back on the "bucket list" until the house is fully back in shape and I've sorted out this mind-boggling pile of hooks. I'll be spending a lot of time with a sizing gauge in the days to come.

As for the alarm idea? The house is "remote," as in it would take 20-30 minutes for a response, unless they happen to be in the neighborhood. That's not a likely scenario...

Not to worry about these guys getting what they deserve. When the three retired "cops/fishing cronies" finish this-- and they WILL finish it --I'm willing to bet that the guys who were responsible for this will be wishing they'd picked another address. 'Nuff said about that.

Again, Scott, thank you for the offer, but ice flows and wind chills below -15 just aren't my style these days. Besides, there still a lot of work to do INDOORS!!

Be well, my friend, and thank you again... Jerry, aka hairwing530, aka "Captain Hooks"

---

Jerry,

One thing to remember is to take this in stride. You need a positive mind set. With what your body has come through, you need to make sure your mind stays calm. Stress can wreck you body. You are in remission and you need to make sure you stay in remission. Stress and being upset can cause you harm. You are going to come through this and all will be fine. All will either be repaired or replaced.

Once you get everything pretty much back into shape, make a list of what you need and either send me that list by PM or post it here on FAOL and I feel confident that what you need will be provided. I have extra vises and other equipment that I will be glad to send your way. This equipment may not be of the quality of what you lost, but, it is in good working condition and beats nothing.

Just keep the Faith, be calm and know that your needs will be taken care of. Send the list....

Warren, It's not that they won't pay for the second claim, they will but, then they would drop them because of being a high risk and he would be put into a high risk pool and would end up paying a higher premium for the same coverage with another company if any other company would pick them up. My wife and I have gone through this with damages caused by Mother Nature to our house. It sucks royaly but, it's there choice. After all, the insurance companies aren't there to protect us, their there to take our money and protect themselves. What a scam these insurance companies are.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by WarrenP

After reading what happened, I would be just as upset as you are, but, always remember and be aware that "things" ARE still looking up. You are still in remission and have been given a new lease on life. What the low life took and destroyed were just "things" which can be replaced, but, they did not take away your "remision" and new lease on life. They will get their punishment. I would check into another insurance company just to see if you could get better coverage. I think I would be more upset with the insurance company and be forced to have a "sit-down" discussion with the agent. If they expect you to pay for coverage each year then they should provide protection for you each time something like this happens. What they are doing does not make any sense to me. If your home is hit by 2 fires in one year, are they only going to provide coverge for one of them? You have paid a lot of money to them over the years and they should provide you with some sort of coverage and they need to understand that there are other insurance companies that would gladly have you for a customer. Put your insurance agent's feet to the fire and see what happens. I understand that a home in a very remote area can be "hit" often and insurance companies can write in protection for themselves, but, you are still paying them each year. Afterall, there are homes along low lying areas along some rivers that get flooded out each spring and the insurance companies still provide some sort of help and your insurance company should provide you with something. If not 100% recovery, as least something to help out.


Above all else, keep your head held high and keep the Faith. Replace, over time, what has been stolen and destroyed and always remember that you are in remission, you still have your family and He will guide and protect you.

---

Jerry, your post really made me angry. The last time I encountered something like this was when I was helping Homes For Our Troops build a specially adapted house with state of the art features to make it accessible and useable by a young vet who had become a quadriplegic in Iraq. There was lots of signage posted about what the construction project was. Over 4th of July weekend, thieves broke into the container box there and stole all of the contractor tools in it. Animals!!

In that case, Home Depot heard about the theft and quickly donated a full set of replacement tools, without seeking any publicity on this good deed.

Let us be your "Home Depot" on this by letting us know what equipment and supplies you need replacing. Do NOT think of it as asking for charity. Instead, you are giving us the privilege of feeling good about helping out a fellow fly fisher. I think the response will surprise you, help restore your faith in the overall human race, and give you the good vibes you need to stay in remission.

Trust me on this. 8 years ago, my family experienced a much different, but equally devastating, crisis. The amazing support we received from the fly fishing community still influences the way I feel about the human race today.

Brad

Nicely done Brad. I can help out with a vise. It is a basic vise but works

Scott,

I'm covered on the vise end of things, thanks to a very kind and generous FAOL'er who decided that karma, paying it forward and friendship were far more important than his own financial picture. And, oldfrat, I hear what you're saying. Everyone here on FAOL already has thrown me a proverbial "life preserver" and emotional safety net. The "list" thing just doesn't seem right to me, as I tend to be more comfortable as the "giver" rather than the recipient. And, I know that I'll get duly chewed out for letting my Scot/Irish/Polish pride get in the way. Come tomorrow, I'll give everyone an update on any immediate shortages, and we'll go from there.

Brad, thank you for just making the offer. Once again, my "fishing buddies" near and far offer to swoop in on a rescue mission, much as the "cronies" who've all gone home for the evening for some much deserved rest. If I know them, they'll be back before first light...

Have a good night, everybody.. Jerry, aka hairwing530, aka "Captain Hooks" the weary and headed for the rack...

DATELINE: 6:40 AM ON FRIDAY, THE 25TH...

The final push to get things buttoned up around here begins in less than an hour. "The clean-up crews" are all coming back this morning. And, when the first light starts to break, I'm going to grab an old Coleman lantern out of the shed and head out for a 30-60 minute "river walk," just to clear my head. Wandering the banks of the river when the tracks are still fresh and where the sounds of the AuSable River fill the air lets me know that I'm alive, and helps me to get my head back into a better place.

And, not to worry... I won't be going alone for most of it. I'll start out that way, but "Doc" and my youngest daughter, Jesse, will soon catch up. I can't seem to shake "Doc," as he shares some of the same fears as WarrenP. Retired or not, he was my chief oncologist for a number of years, at this point serving as another "fishing cronie" and "resident worrier." My primary oncology care now rests with his daughter, a fine doctor in her own right and one that's been at her parent's "river place" much of this week, just to keep an eye on me. She also made sure that I slept last night.

I'll update with any needs for materials, equipment and the like later on today. That is, if any "contributors" here on FAOL will allow me to send you something in return. It may be flies, lines, or basically, "who knows" items. It would make me feel better to "exchange" a part of me for you to remember than would a strictly "one-sided deal." Just having you all to chat with over these last few days has meant the world to me.

Later, my friends... The brutal cold and the great outdoors are calling... Jerry, aka hairwing530, aka "Captain Hooks"

I wouldn't wish your illness on anybody, but how lucky you are to have doctors that are also your friends.

The "river walk" was a good one, and I made it back to the sounds of on-going activity in the house. The "cronies" even went so far as to kick me out of my own tying area and the rest of the work sites until most of their plans are finished. Apparently, "Doc" let some cat out of the bag about his concern for my fatigue factor. Under my current marching orders, I'm sequestered to my office, and that room alone. There, I can finish the official tally of "lost stuff," a very nice way of making me sit on my backside while the crew works.

I have a rather disgusting question to ask, but I need the advice/wisdom of somebody or somebodies with more insight than I. Is there any way to remove the smell of human urine from the feathers that were stored in a plastic tub full of hackle? We discovered this unpleasantness yesterday, and I can't find anything on-line about the subject... probably because it doesn't happen too often. At least, I'm praying that it doesn't...

If anybody can shed some light on the matter, I'd appreciate it. Otherwise, I'll have to replace some hackle, as six Hoffman necks and a couple of saddles will become fodder for the burn barrel. And, that, my friends, is a crying shame...

Just when I thought I'd seen it all... Jerry, aka hairwing530, aka "Captain Hooks"

Did someone actually urinate on your materials? Thats pretty disgusting. I know when you die feathers you put them in hot or boiling water and then nuetralize it with vinager so, maybe either placing them in hot or boiling water with either dish soap or vinager or do the DS first and finish with the V and then squeeze them so the ecess water comes out and blow dry or air dry. Davie McPhial has a video on how to dye feathers on youtube so, follow his directions but only use dish soap and then the vinager. That should do it I believe because, I have read about using vinager to nuetralize the smell of pet urine. Good luck and make sure to wear latex gloves

While I realize it's not practical to put the hackle in the washing machine, laundry detergent removes the urine smell from clothing, I would think it would for feathers. I might add a light does of chlorine bleach. In case they did not pick up on the defiling of your hackle, save a few for the police for DNA matching.

It's good to hear you have a good bunch of bossy friends who are doing their best to look out for your best interest.

Sure, put a few in the freezer for DNA match if you want. THEN, take all the rest that are so afflicted, and BURN them! Put what ever type they were on your list, and forget about them!!! You don't need the extended aggravation!!!
I, personally, have more feathers than I'll ever use in 7 lifetimes. I'd be glad to share my necks and saddles.

I think the washing machine is a good idea. My buddy and I used to clean up wood duck flank feathers by placing them in
a pillow case and washing them on a very gentle cycle. Very mild detergent of course. Then dry on the lowest possible setting.
Hope that will work, and if it's a bad idea hope someone will chime in on that.

Jerry,
send me your address when you get a chance,I misplaced yours. I have some hackle and other items to send out as soon as I get back from Somerset Fly fishing show.
Keep the faith my friend
Best,
Steve

I have read through this thread several times. As a past victim I can emphasize with your situation. I had a small alarm system but it didn't do much good. I finally installed cameras around my house and inside. I also have a few "dummy" cameras in plain site. It's a deterrent but won;t really keep the people who want in, out. My fishing buddy had an ADT system installed. It has a SIM card installed so it doesn't rely on a phoneline. With hidden camera backups and a hidden DVR you can get some pretty good ID's.

I'm sorry for all your grief Jerry. Just keep the faith. Mean people suck. Jim

Dear sgallas2,

My address is as follows, Steve...

Jerry Warrington
2007 Townline Rd.
Grayling, Michigan 49738

The home/office e-mail is the same as my Paypal account: jwarington1@copper.net

For whatever you're planning, Mr. Gallas, I thank you for your kindness. And, if you take a photo or two at the Somerset show, please send me a couple. I've never been, but I hear great things about it.

Safe travels, and to you all, thank you for kicking my drooping spirits in the pants and uplifting them!!

Jerry, aka hairwing530, aka "Captain Hooks"

thanks Jerry. you'll be hearing from me by Monday.
Best,
Steve

Man Jerry, I should have read this before. What a bummer. Don't worry about getting the hooks out to me until you get your place back in shape, I know you're good for 'em.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by hairwing530

Ray,

It's a boost to my sagging morale right now, as I still am having a difficult time fathoming why someone would do this. I was raised with certain ethics and an approach to my fellow man... or woman, and I've always tried to live by those standards-- being generous when I could, always giving more than asked for or expected, and just being there whenever a friend needed me.
Be well, my friends... Jerry, aka hairwing530, aka "Captain Hooks"

---

It was s different world when you and I were growing up (same age based on my calculation). Simpler, more neighborly, less violence on the tube (remember Red Skelton, Lucy & Desi, My Three Sons, Captain Kangaroo, etc) and we were held more accountable for our actions, remember the switch to the bare back side? I do! Our heroes were do-gooders; The Lone Ranger, Superman, Dave Crockett and the guys coming back form the war. Not a bunch of vampires, zombies or raunchy front men and women. We didn't lock our doors and our play was outside playing baseball, football and tag, or just running with our friends 'til we were exhausted, not sitting in front of a TV with video games. Corporal punishment was the rule when we did something wrong, not the exception.

Yes, it was a different time, with different values, and I miss them.

Jerry, I just tried to send an e-mail you might appreciate to the address you posted and it bounced back. should I try again?

Here's what I got.

This message was created automatically by mail delivery software.

A message that you sent could not be delivered to one or more of its
recipients. This is a permanent error. The following address(es) failed:

jwarington1@copper.net
SMTP error from remote mail server after RCPT TO:<jwarington1@copper.net>:
host ismtp.copper.everyone.net [216.200.145.235]:
550 Recipient Rejected: No account by that name here

Here is his e-mail. He was missing an R in his last name

'jwarrington1@copper.net'

Thanks, Scott!

Morning, Everybody...

holensum, I agree with you in the fact that this is a very different world from that in which many of us were raised. Far too few now know the meaning of the words "work ethic, respect or responsibility" and those who don't live by those standards choose to take rather than to give, and feel "entitled" to things to which they've never made a contribution. The "instant gratification" generation feels little kinship to the skills of yesterday, spare a very few. There are so many other things that are better when "done by hand-craftsmanship" than when mass produced, things well beyond just being able to run the latest apps. Sadly, however, the "teachers" of these crafts are disappearing far too quickly, which will soon leave a whole generation without someone to show them how...

I know this because I've been teaching free fly-tying classes to a small group known each year as "my kids," youngsters battling through this or that stage of cancer. They're eager to learn, and proud as one can be when a fly comes from their vise that any self-respecting trout/panfish would take. The desire to learn is there. It's just not being cultivated sufficiently.

And, oldfrat... I'm sending you an e-mail this morning.

Scott, as always, kudos to you again, my friend.

I should have something of a list put together later today, though I hesitate to post it. Throughout my years with cancer, I've always worked hard to rely on "self" and not be a burden to anyone else. It's an unrealistic expectation in a lot of ways, to say the least, but my upbringing and my approach in general has been to give rather than receive! The sheer magnitude of this situation, however, has pushed me into a hole from which it may be necessary for me to accept the workings of a whole lot of other shovels.

Would it be too generic to just list the fact that tying supplies-- materials like hackle and dubbing, tools and the like --are high on my list, as are a rod or two in any weights between 3-wt. and 6 wt.? I'll also be looking for an older Superfine in either 5 or 6 weight in the months to come-- I plan this as a purchase --as two of the rods lost were old Superfines given to me by two daughters who've gone on ahead of me. We lost Lauren not long after my birthday in 2007(drunk driver) and Laramie in 2010 to a rare form of leukemia. Burying one child was heartache enough. Burying two of our four daughters within three years is heartbreak beyond compare. NO parent should every have to bury a child...

Back to my original litany. Reels are pretty simple, in that I like standard arbors in the weights cited above. Beyond all that, I'm completely open to almost anything "fishy..." No doubt, there will be things that I will discover to have gone missing in the weeks to come...

I hope that everyone realizes this, as I'm sure that you all will. When I posted about the break-in, it was without expectation. I didn't ask to be made whole again, nor would it ever cross my mind. It's just not my style, though I did request a prayer or two. That said, I am forever in the debt of my FAOL breathren. Your kindness, generous spirit and willingness to pitch in and help me right the ship again humbles me to the core. In this household, you all will forever be welcome, and always have a rod slot on my stretch of the river...

Have a great Saturday morning, my friends. I'm going to be attacking the brain-numbing sorting of a pile of hooks that I don't even want to look at this morning, let alone sort, size and store in their boxes again. But, I'll get the job done, as I've plenty of help riding to the rescue.

Jerry, aka hairwing530, aka "Captain Hooks"

Jerry, I don't know how you feel about building a rod or maybe someone here will volunteer thier services to build it but, I would like to give you a Batson Rainshadow RX6 8'6" 4pc 5wt blank, Snakebrand Guides, Stripper, hook keeper. Cork grip with walnut insert and downlocking hardware. It would make a perfect rod for you. I modeled it after the Orvis Clearwater rod so, should be a great caster. Not sure if I have a reel or not but, will look. If I remember correctly, I have a reel marked 7/8 but is more like a 5/6 and it has line on it also.


Will someone step up to the plate and volunteer to build this for Jerry if I send it to you? I think you said you were set on a vise but, I will look through my materials and see what I have. I do know that I have a ton of pheasant and also turkey tail feathers and sure I can come up with other stuff as well.

I just remembered that I have a old but in perfect shape Fenwick spin/fly rod and a beautiful South Bend 24-9 Bamboo rod in 3/2 configuration. Let me know if your interested.

NewTyer 1,

Scott, old friend, with all that you're going through-- and don't forget that I know your concerns and pain more than most --I wouldn't seek to impose on you. You have more than a full plate, and I don't want to heap anything onto it.

Buddy, I'll get by in fine shape. On that, you can rest assured. Still, please accept my heartfelt thanks for your generous offer. I should be the least of your worries...

Be well, take good care, and give "our" girl a hug from the crew here in the north country in their entirety...

Jerry, aka hairwing530, aka "Captain Hooks"

Jerry

I'm still just dumbfounded about what those creeps did to you. Very relieved to hear that you've got some "cronies" nearby to give you a hand.

I'm starting to think that a gun safe might be a good place to store rods, reels, and maybe even the fly tying stuff.

Give your wife & daughter extra hugs.

Take care friend, and keep us informed.

Jerry, I'm fine. You and Debbi have done for me, I just want to pay forward because I can. I will get a package out to you next week.

Well, believe it or not, nearly half of the grand pile of hooks has been sized, sorted and restored to their correct boxes. There will be more sorting and clean-up chores ahead, but not tonight. My friends/cronies have all gone home for the evening, carrying with them my request that they observe the day of rest tomorrow. What do you think my chances are of them not showing up tomorrow morning? If you knew this group, you'd know that the odds are definitely not in my favor. But, that's OK...

This latest bump in life's proverbial road has driven home a fact that I'm relatively sure that I already knew... that the greatest people in the world share a passion for angling with the fly! From my "cronies" nearby to my more distant friends here on FAOL, I am one man who is truly blessed! The extension of friendship is, indeed, a gift, and not one to be taken lightly. And, I'm the type who values each and every friendship built, be it right next door, or 2000 miles away.

So, thank you one and all for taking me and mine into your family of fly-wranglers. It's more of a blessing than you know...

Tight lines, everyone... Jerry, aka hairwing530, aka "Captain Hooks" the humbled