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Our Fish-In 2001 is over. Sad in a way because I didn't want it to end
either. Many of those attending expressed the same feelings - and of course
it is why we have such a gathering at all.
In another earlier generation the Fraternity of Fly Fishers had various names,
one name I personally like is the Brotherhood of the Jungle Cock, there were (and still
are) private fishing clubs with great old buildings and the best of the regions
waters. The Pere Marquette Club in Michigan and Henryville come to mind, but there are
others across the country. Some of the FAOL readers belong to such groups
and share the special affection membership brings. It's not like the 'frat' house,
but there is a special connection between the people in those groups.
Those who were at the Delaware River Club for this Fish-In are a very strong
part of the real fraternity of fly fishers. Folks sat outside well after midnight just
talking about fishing. There was show and tell, fly tying, impromptu fishing trips,
new waters and methods explored, meals shared - all the parts were there. The
toughest was saying goodbye.
A while back I put the line, Fraternity of Fly Fishers under the Fly Anglers
OnLine logo on our front page. I wanted anyone who came to this website to know
our intent. Or if you will, our mission statement. Anyone who showed up at the
Fish-In will tell you the fraternity is alive and well.
Bob Petti from the Global Fly Fisher attended on Friday for Cane
Day, and wrote a nice report for their website. You can read it
here
https://www.globalflyfisher.com/reports/fishin2001/index.php .
It takes effort to make such a gathering work. I want to thank everyone who
came - you are the reason we have a Fish-In. Everyone pitched in to make
it a success. Our sincere thanks for being involved.
A very special thanks goes to Ron Kusse for pulling together the pieces to make
this one so successful. We simply could not have done it without him. Ron asked
for and received help from a lot of folks - and I know he expressed his gratitude
as well, but I don't want anyone to think they are (or were) taken for granted.
Every Fish-In is different, but each is important in keeping the spirit of fly
fishing alive. Next year's will be different too, we will hang on to the things
that worked well, and add a few surprises. Keep the light burning folks,
we are already working on Fish-In 2002! We will have a 'permanent' date set
soon, so those who wish to attend will know the date will remain the same from
year to year.
While I'm doing "thanks" I have to include Al Caucci and his staff for all their
kindless and consideration to our FAOL group. To my knowledge, all requests
were handled quickly with great courtesy. Al has a great group of folks working
for him.
Finally, JC and I had intended to have a large batch of photos from the Fish-In up
today, (Monday July 30th, 2001) but a very botched flight coming back has left us
beat with little sleep and our technical skills are at an all-time low. Stay tuned, we
will have a bunch up this week (I'll put a link on the front page), and we will add to
them as folks send them this way.
To those I haven't met before this past week, it was a delight to finally meet you!
It's great to put faces with the names. To our old friends, forgive me, I had a tear
or two when we had to part. I hope you all will join us again next year. To those
who could not make it, you missed a great time. Perhaps in the future you can
spend a week or a couple of days with us at the next one. It was grand, I'm
so glad we could be there too. Thanks everyone! ~ LadyFisher
If you would like to comment on this or any other article please feel free to
post your views on the FAOL Bulletin Board!
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