When a person reaches my age he's supposed to be able to slow
down, at least a little. It sure didn't happen. What did happen was
that everyone still wants a piece of me. I'm viewed as a non-producer
when I'm out there on my stream or boat. I've even heard hints about
converting all that useless time I spend on the computer into dollars.
Once when the family saw the price of flies in an Orvis Catalog I was
asked what the difference really was. When I explained that it entailed
a little more skill and the use of premium materials the comment was,
"Well, if you can't get $1.75 for each one maybe you could get $0.90 or so."
I casually slipped in with a comment that I could teach the family to
sort hair and feathers and trim finished flies, and since I'd be marketing
them myself they could do the packaging while I spent all my time tying.
Since I was the only one that could tie, the rest of the family would have
to pick up the associated jobs that I wouldn't have time for. That sure
killed the fly tying adventure.
The place where I work has real difficulty in accepting the fact that I
only work seven days out of fourteen. When they need someone extra
I'm expected to jump at the chance. I have no life outside the store in
their eyes.
Now since the kids are out of college and gone, it's not money it's
my time they want. I fear this worse. I now face not only the loss of
my fishing time but I'm tortured with events and occasions I would
not force my dog to attend.
The fast lane takes a detour this year . . .
Dave and I will fish Lake Erie a lot. We can do it almost for nothing
and since he doesn't encroach on my Fosters supply he has become a
preferred player. He can fish one-handed till his shoulder heals.
I need to go keg fishing
for catfish on the Ohio River one last time. There is something about
watching a fish pull a bobber under that turns Old Rupe on. Especially
if the bobber is a pony keg and the fish is six feet or better. I have the
well rope and I am trying to get a hook made. It has to fit around a
Mothers Oats box. If the Pattonsville bunch are still around it would
make a nice weekend. I thought about combining that event with a
pig roast. I hope no one drowns.
I would also like to spend three days on the river just fishing from
shore for smaller channels, cleaning and eating what I catch then
and there. A few long necks and catfish. I would just sleep in the
back of my truck.
I want to hit the grass beds in Sandusky Bay and East harbor for
nice pike on a fly.
If my river is down then I will probably spend a week on the
AuSable in Michigan.
New Brunswick, Trapper and the 'We Love It Lodge' will have
to do without me this year. Trapper is a super person and the lodge
merits a stop on anyone's trip, but I will pass this year. No fiddle
heads for Old rupe. Salmon will be in short supply on my table.
I never kept them there anyway.
I have planned my act for this year pretty close. Harry Tommer has
promised that my boat would be in the water April 15th. If Harry's
alive then I can count on fishing the 16th. My bass boat and pond
boats will be ready the first of April. I had that scheduled too, but
there is a little delay on that for now.
I already have all the toys I need.
Dave and Jerry have first pick, but if they aren't there a free fishing
trip is available. I only go out with two people at a time. Me and one
other. I clean the fish in the evening and provide a ratty trailer for
my guests. Ribs and Fosters come with the trailer. If you know how
to contact me you know me well enough for a long weekend.
I now am tying in anticipation. Everyone else is doing without.
I'm going fishing. I hear some terrorist just bombed the fast lane.
Old Rupe
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