|
Once again something needs to be done and once
again, yours truly, I, James Castwell will rise
to the task and get it done. It has come to my
attention that there are a whole bunch of clubs,
organizations and otherwise groups of fits and
misfits who gather in one form or another and meet
or communicate under the cloak of the names of some
highly revered folks in the fly fishing business.
Many are named after such notables as T. Gordon,
Ike Walton, or such. Sometimes an area or region
will get attention but I am not concerned with
them here.
This is to address the terrible fault associated with
naming groups after dead guys. Swell, what an honor!
But... duh, they're dead. Gone bye-bye. Outta here.
What an honor! Why not start one while they are still
alive? Indeed you say? Yes, indeed I say!
When I used to announce for rodeos, one of the phrases
I often used was when a cowboy hit the dust after being
flung aloft from a nasty critter went a bit like this,
"Ok folks, he's on the ground now and can hear ya, give
him a big Montana hand for a great ride!"
I think we should all give some very serious thought
to looking to the future and start naming groups (new
ones, no point in messing around with those old ones)
using the names of guys who have not yet snuffed it. If
the names are to be considered a honor and a compliment
it only seems the proper thing to do.
Now, for instance, take my case as an excellent example.
I use my case as an excellent example because right now
no other name comes readily to mind. There are many fine
fly-casters around, some for many years, who, when they
are not writing books, giving spirited lectures or
opening shopping malls, will try to convince you that
you should cast just like they do. So far I have only
seen them able to cast the way they do, no one else has
been to get it exactly right. Does this mean they can
not teach? Or, can not write? Or, does it simply mean
they are wrong? Since no one can do it like they advise
or teach, I am suspect. But in my case, most anyone can
cast like I do, some even move on to intermediate, which
proves my point completely.
As I am getting long-of-tooth and short of patience I
feel I should be considered as the titlier head of some
wonderful new organization or group, it's about time,
really. As there is little doubt that in the future
when I have made my last mend and presentation that
some well meaning bunch will most certainly honor
yours truly with such a distinction that it would
be far better to get on with it now, while I am still
alive and could be made aware of it.
So, here is my offer. I hereby authorize any and all
of those who are of exemplary character and good
standing to use with proper discretion my name for
the purpose of forming a high-class, snazzy, well
thought of, hoydy-toydy group. Some thought should
be exercised so as not to end up with names such as
'Castwell's Irregulars' or 'the Rinky-dinks.' All
names must be reverent and relevant. Possibly names
like 'J Castwell Unlimited, J Castwell Federation, J
Castwell Club' or 'J Castwell International'. Those have
a nice ring to them.
Well gang, there ya have it. It's all up to you now.
I will await your efforts and good luck. It is a
good thing.
~ James Castwell
|
