Went fishing again yesterday afternoon, third time this week, and caught about 6-7 trout.Have a mile of C&R stream that goes through the boundary of a large park in Salem, Virginia. Had a neat experience when a little boy, about 5-6, and his parents came down to the area I was at about 6:00 pm. The little fellow was carrying his little red rod and some other gear and his dad was trailing with a dog on a leash and mom was carrying her own fishing gear. I had just hooked a trout and waved to his folks and pointed at the little fellow. They came closer and I asked them what his name was and they said Robert; so, I asked if he could help me reel in a fish and they said okay. I handed the rod to him and he knew what to do and was reeling with all his might. At this point wished I hadn’t left my camera in the car. About fifteen feet from the bank it came off and the line sailed over his head and he had an awful look of disappointment on his face. His folks said not to worry as that happens sometimes and I told him it was a good job and maybe we’d catch another. Didn’t really think that would happen as I hadn’t caught one, since that one, in the last hour or so; but, wouldn’t you know it. The fates intervened and I promptly hooked another on the second cast not a minute later. Called over to Robert to help me again and this time he brought it all the way in, reeling mightily on my 8 1/2’ Orvis fly rod, and landed an nice 12" rainbow. He wanted to pick it up himself; so, I told him to wet his hands, which he promptly did, and brought it to the bank. He held it while I removed the hook and then asked his folks about keeping it. His mom told him we were in a Catch & Release area so he had to put it back. He was disappointed but complied and listened when his mom told him to move it back and forth in the water so it would revive okay. It swam away in a bit and Robert was good to go! His folks thanked me and I told them I enjoyed it more than catching one myself. Who knows, maybe we’ll have a new fly fisher soon. His dad later asked me where he could get a decent fly rod for Robert. This was a way better experience then the previous and later trout I caught this week.
Yes!
Grn Mtn Man,
THAT’S what our sport is all about! I’m proud to be a member of your FAOL family! What a great impression you made on Robert & his family!..(and on all of us who read this!)
Mike
[This message has been edited by ohiotuber (edited 27 May 2005).]
Awesome story!
I think your handle is misspelled. You have Grn Mtn Man. I think it should be Great Mtn Man! 
…lee s.
Thanks for the kind words folks. Think that “Pay It Forward” deal might work pretty good anytime.
GM Man, …
That Sir, is the essence of the sport.
Christopher Chin
Jonquiere Quebec
[url=http://pages.videotron.com/fcch/:95870]http://pages.videotron.com/fcch/[/url:95870]
Well done!
Hey GM man;
Great story and you told it well. You just know we’ll meet that boy astream someday.
Mark
Mark,
I’m hoping his dad follows through with the fly rod purchase. Yes - would be really neat to meet the little feller astream on some future date. You never know how some one little incident may influence your future. Looking back two come to mind; but, those are a whole 'nother subject!
An example of living in your complete world, not just your private world or the one right in front of your nose. Well done! I’d like to fish with you too.
OUTSTANDING!..You may have changed that young boy’s life in a very positive way forever.
You live up to one of my favorite quotes…By Lefty Kreh “Don’t show knowledge, Share Knowledge”…
Well Done,
John G.
Albuquerque, NM
Greg & John,
I came to fly fishing late, three out of the last sixty-five years, and wished many times that I had started much sooner. Have fished since about the age of eight or so and trout fished with my father-in-law starting about 1961. He was a “bait” man; but, always used a fly rod because he said your sense of “feeL” for a take was much better. He would always let me fish a run before he went through, if we were together, and was always helping folks and dispensing tips to anyone who would listen. He could read the water better then anyone I’ve ever seen and I used to accuse him of having hidden gills! Reckon his example of sharing the knowledge must have rubbed off some. My son wants me to teach his son to fly fish; so, maybe the ranks will continue for a few more generations.
That’s really wonderful of you. When I’m out on the river with the boys they can get a little loud and excited and have been known to throw a rock or two. We’re trying to teach them to appreciate nature and not veg in front of a television. We’ve come across some wonderful fishermen and women who have taken the time to speak with the boys and show them fish. I’m sure Robert will remember you for a long time.