June 1st, 1998
[Publisher’s Note: This is the very first “Lighterside” article published on
Fly Anglers OnLine, shown just as it was in 1998, it’s author, Al Campbell is still
writing for FAOL.]
You Might Be A Fly Fisherman, If
by Al Campbell
Have you reached a summit in the sport of fly fishing? Are you qualified to call
yourself a “fly fisherman”? If you’re not sure, I’ve developed a simple test you can take to find out if you
qualify for this title. Take a moment to complete this short test. You might be surprised by the results.
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If your buddy tells you your fly is open and you have to ask if there is another
way to attach the wings, you might be a fly fisherman.-
If the map is describing an off ramp to the freeway, and the only loop you’re familiar with is
in your back cast, you just might be a fly fisherman.-
If the only indicators you know how to use have the word “strike” in front of them, you might
be a fly fisherman.-
**When your friend who’s been taking flying lessons mentioned he finally got his wings, if you
asked if he tied them upright or swept, you might be a fly fisherman.-
If the only royalty you read about has the word “Wulff” attached to it, you might be a fly fisherman.
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When your geometry teacher asked if anyone could describe a triangle, if you spent the next fifteen
minutes describing a fly line taper, you might be a fly fisherman.-
During a recent job interview when the potential employer asked if you had any bad vices, if you told
him you gave that vise to your son and purchased a new rotary one that really holds a hook, you might be
a fly fisherman.-
If your definition of a downrigger is a bead on the head of a nymph to get it down fast, you might be
a fly fisherman.-
If the only Latin you’re familiar with has something to do with the names of bugs, you might be a
fly fisherman.-
You just might be a fly fisherman if your favorite winter jacket has lots of pockets and a fly patch.
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During a recent history exam, when the question read “What is the historical significance of Siberia?”
If you answer was “big fish that haven’t seen a fly before,” you might be a fly fisherman.-
If your idea of a cultural exchange is a fly swap, you just might be a fly fisherman.
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If your favorite shirt has a rod holder tab, you might be a fly fisherman.
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If your vacation pictures have more fish, water and bugs in them than people, you might be
a fly fisherman.-
When your wife was cooking a turkey and sent you to the store for some sage for the dressing,
if you returned with a Sage fly rod, you might be a fly fisherman.-
You might be a fly fisherman if your favorite boat has the word “drift” in its description.
On the other hand, if you’re spending your time reading this, you just might be a fly
fisherman.~Al Campbell**
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Originally published June 1st, 1998 on Fly Anglers Online by Al Campbell.