It's Not About the Gifts, but...

[kglissmeyer]

Any particular Christmas gift or gifts that stand out for you this year? I know it's not about the gifts, but many of us receive something so unexpected that you just want to jump up and down screaming like a little kid. Did this happen to you? It did to me this year. My fishing buddy, Buzz tracked down a brand new copy of LaFontaine's book Caddisflies, now I've wanted this book for years, but just couldn't find it or was hesitant to pay the new cost. Here it shows up under my tree on Christmas morning, wow! On top of that, due to my ankle problems it became evident that I would need a new pair of wading boots, so the dear wife gets me a pair of Simms Guide Boots with the new Vibram soles, double wow!(First time I ever owned the newest and the best when they were still the newest and the best - I usually end up buying the closeouts because it's all I can afford). I was looking at the new Bugatti reels from Albright, but ended up spending the cash I had for some home necessities and missed the sale. Wouldn't you know it, a new Bugatti 3/4 reel from my two boys, triple wow!
Now I've just got to heal up from the surgeries and hope to get out on the water by March or so and try out the new gear, in the meantime I have a great new book to devour.

What surprised you this year?

The best gift I got was being able to have all of us home for the holidays.

Kelly.

[jeffnles1]

I guess the best gift I got this year was spending some time with my mom and dad. We usually go out to a movie after Christmas lunch. This year, we got mixed up on the time and got to the movies at 11:30am but the movie didn't start until 2:00pm. So, we came back home, and my wife, son, mom and dad put in National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation and hung around the house watching the movie. Getting to spend quality time with my dad and mom was a great Christmas present for me. My dad's not getting any younger and I treasure the time.

Jeff

[nighthawk]

Being alive and after what happened to me that is no joke. When the doc sits you down and says if we don't get this under control now you won't live, well, that really gets your attention.

Also got a personally autographed watch from the Trans-Siberian Orchestra for running Operation 4T sending their Cd's to the troops.

[flywatersmallie]

I got a discontinued rod.... I don't know how she knew but, I have been pining for one of the brown blank Orvis Superfine "Trout Bum" rods (the 7' 4 piece full flex 4 weight) for years. Couldn't really afford one when they were current, missed out when they closed them out. Now that I can afford one, I couldn't find one. How she knew, I don't know and she isnt saying but its proudly sitting in my fishing room now waiting for the soft water. Such a cool little rod!

[Kerry Stratton]

'07 Ford F150 4x4 with canopy. Replaces my old '01 F150 4x4 with over 218,000 miles on it. Here's to another 200,000 miles.

[jrgocards]

Kelly - congrats on the Guide boots, I love mine. As a recent trout fisherman, I have learned that you don't scrimp on wading boots. Mine still look like new and i have used them a dozen times. My earlier cheap pair only lasted 5 trips.

My surprise for Christmas was a new Wachter hand crafted landing net. Not surprised that i got it, becuase i knew I was getting one - but surpresed that it was delivered by Christmas.

Happy Holidays to all!!!

JR

[nighthawk]

'07 Ford F150 4x4 with canopy. Replaces my old '01 F150 4x4 with over 218,000 miles on it. Here's to another 200,000 miles.

Sweet truck Kerry! I know a guy who has a 1978 4x4 F-150 with the M engine in it. He has almost 500,000 miles on it, a lot of farm use and never had to do anyhing really major to it.

[Shakeyfly]

Gift Certificate to one of my local fly shops got to buy a whole bunch of more tying materials that I "need". Plus the fly shop was having an inventory clearance. Old books for 3 bucks each etc. Got some old classics and new boooks and materials all for 75.13. I literally had to fork over 13 cents for all the goodies I grabbed