This isn?t really a rant, and if it is, Deanna lets me get away with it about twice a year:-)
I am always amazed that many folks believe that fly fishing is difficult or out of reach or simply for the rich and professionals. For those of you, who are looking to get into the sport, know that it fly fishing is as simple or as complicated as you want to make it.
Chris:
I read your article, and I am similar to you, knowing when it is right to help others, and when it is time when I need to ask for help.
While reading this weeks article, a really old tune started in my mind that I think in some ways effect everything we think we are good at but are not…
He was short and fat and road out of the West
With a Mogen David on his silver vest
He was mean and nasty right clear through
Which was kind of weird cause he was yellow too
They called him Irving
Big Irving
Big, short Irving
Big, short, fat Irving
The hundred and forty-second fastest gun in the West
He came from the old Bar Mitzvahs spread
Schlepping a salami and pumpernickel bread
He always followed his mother’s wishes
Even on the range he used two sets of dishes
Irving
Big, fat Irving
Big sissy Irving
The hundred and forty-second fastest gun in the West
A hundred and forty-one could draw faster than he
But Irving was looking for one forty-three
Walked into Saul’s saloon like a man insane
And ordered three fingers of two-cents plain
Irving
Big, fat Irving
Big sport Irving
The hundred and forty-second fastest gun in the West
The James boys was comin’ on the train at first sun
And the town said, “Irving, we need your gun”
When that train pulled in at the break of dawn
Irving’s gun was there, but Irving was gone
Irving
Big, fat Irving
Big help Irving
The hundred and forty-second fastest gun in the West
Well finally Irving got three slugs in the belly
It was right outside the frontier deli
He was sittin’ there twirling his gun aroun’
And butter-fingers Irving gunned himself down
Irving
Big, fat Irving
Big dumb-dumb Irving
Big dumb-dumb, dead Irving
The hundred and forty-second fastest gun in the West
Many of us (specially the self-anointed), are Irving’s’! ~Parenlli 
Chris,
Been involved in many fly tying/fishing seminars through the years, most with kids, but some strictly geared toward adults - had tons of fun at everyone of them! I’m no expert, it just means I can identify a hook 7 out of 10 times or hit the water with the fly, if I concentrate hard enough. Anyway, I recall one time (spring 1979) fishing a nice hole on the west branch of the Ausable in upstate N.Y. I was wading at the time, when I caught a lady, out of the corner of my eye, approach the bank ahead of me. She was spin fishing, and from what I remember, casting quite nicely. We shared the pool for a bit when she piped up about the trout I was catching, and how effective the fly method was. She proceeded to tell me about how difficult she thought it must be to learn to fly fish. If she would have had waders on, she could have gotten her first lesson! Anyway, by the end of our conversation, I’d like to think that I had convinced her otherwise.
Parnelli - The saga of Irving ’ the hundred and forty second’ fastest gun in the west was hilarious! You should add it to here: http://www.flyanglersonline.com/bb/showthread.php?26783-We-need-some-laughs-here-!!!
Best Regards, Dave S.
Very Nice of you to post this article…Thank you !!!
When its time to teach? Well alot ask on a wim… Then sometimes someone comes along, looks at you and says… “Tim teach me how to fly fish!” I just look at "em. A month later and the same person is standing there again saying… “Tim teach me how to fly fish!”
Then I think ok and I end up with this…
And I know its worth while…
Hi Grub,
Great post. You got yourself a double header win, what with teaching someone to fly fish and the joy of watching the fruits of your labor of love come to pass.
Keep on keeping on
Grumps
Grubb,
That’s some mighty pretty water you got there! What were those GPS coordinates again? LOL!!! It’s always great to “groom” your own fishing buddies, Cause you don’t have to have a lengthy discussion on where your gonna fish - it’s a given. It usually goes like this: Penns? - Yup! LOL!!
Best regards, Dave S.
I got alot more from teaching that young guy to fish than i expected…
I ended up with photos like this:
Fishing in places like this:
Thats me on the rock…
and whats probably the best fishing year i have had. from spring to summer into fall. My signature comes from teaching him as well…
Grubb,
Hope you don’t mind if I stole that picture of you perched on a big rock, for my rotating desk top photos. I’ll say again - gorgeous creek!!
Best regards, Dave S.
fishdog54 no not all and thank you, for your kind words…
I have to add, that is 3 different waters we where fishing all within the same area …