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May the Force be with you, always.
I have little fear of having the title of "expert" associated
with my name in the same sentence. I am not nor shall I ever
be such a despicable creature. To admit or attempt credit for
mastery of all aspects of fly-fishing would be the ultimate
sin to me. I know that the "fun" would cease to be if I ever
achieved such a low and impossible level of all-knowing knowledge.
With all that one can pursue or be involved with the fly-fishing
infection, I am secure in the fact that there is no danger of
this ever occurring by my efforts alone. It would take divine
intervention. May I never be perfect.
The adventure of achieving new levels and techniques shall I ever
strive. I do not support the elite presentation of most print or video
media. Whether you fish for western trout in Montana or bluegills
in Alabama, fly-fishing is a food for the soul. No victim of
the no-name disease should ever have his or her status degraded
because of the species they pursue or have available locally.
I am so severely stricken with the no-name disease; I have begun
to fish to carp as one of my primary sources of "fun."
The no-name disease contamination has caused me to gain many new
friends, many anonymous comrades from chance stream-side meetings
where flies were shared, priceless memories with my children, and
my hope for the next sunrise. Fun? It is much more than that.
It is life. If you ever ask yourself the question, "am I having fun?"
and find you cannot answer positively. Please, you should seek
another infection.
The book Rising Trout was Charles K. Fox's representation
of Theodore Gordon's lost and unpublished manuscript. In the book,
Fox illuminates us to the fact that Gordon fished until his end.
Though he spat blood on himself from his grave illness and fished
in a greatly reduced physical state, Gordon thought enough of his
fly-fishing, his water, and his trout to carry on to the end having
fun. I trust and pray that the Almighty grant me such an honorable
passing. In that passing, I seek no recognition as being special.
I would rather be another thankful anonymous victim of the no-name
disease that was allowed to participate and share.
Have fun. ~ Boxcar
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