I spent some time at the tying desk yesterday afternoon tying up some very complicated flies. I must say that it was exhausting. The pattern that was tied was the "pinkie". The fly requires two materials and a hook. The fly has a multitude of complicated tying moves and the tyers complete concentration. When completed the tyer is allowed to enjoy a beverage of his choice which in my case is a cup of coffee. The fly's materials are hook, thread, and pink chenille. This fly is deadly at times, like every month of the year.
A little story. Many years ago while I was fishing a stream I came across a group of children along with their teachers. They were holding a class in the field. I stopped for a spell and listened to the goings on. They were being taught the ways of the fields and forest along with the life within the stream. Well they saw me fishing and soon were right along the bank watching me. They were very intent on what I was doing and asked a multitude of questions about my fishing, the flies I was using and the fish I was hoping to catch. As it turned out I managed to catch a brook trout and the excitement in those kids could not be measured. They gathered near the waters edge and watched as I lifted the brookie and showed them. Many oohs and wows were said. I then let the little brookie go back into the water and he swam off. Lot's of questions ensued..why did you let it go, will he die, are there a lot of fish in the stream, along with many more. While I was answering their questions one of the children stepped on my rod. I saw it and did not make much of it instead I stayed with the questions and answered the best I could. Soon it was time for them to move on with their work and they moved to another area. I looked at the rod and said my day is done.
Back at the car I saved the broken piece. I managed to fit it as best I could to the other part of the rod.
I had no tape with which to bind the repaired rod so I used several band-aids.
The rod repair held up and I was able to continue to fish. There were a number of lessons learned this day. Lessons that these children will remember and maybe put into practice one day. I also learned from this day, that is always carry some type of tape...
That's a funny post, Alan. The "Pinkie" is what we call a San Juan Worm. It is also very effective tied in other colors. As for your learning experience, keeping fly rods (and other delicate objects) out of harm's way around excited children seems would seem a valuable lesson as well ;=)
ReplyDeleteWilliam Shuck
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Bill they are indeed very much the same.
I learned a lesson that day, and it remains forefront. I hope the kids came away with some positive things about the outdoors.
I tied a couple "pinkies" and remember wiping sweat from my brow several times during the event. Good lessons for the kids, you'll probably get a couple of future fisherpersons out of the group.
ReplyDeleteMark Kautz
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Mark after tying the pinkies I had a roast chicken dinner...had to build the strength back.
It would be nice to see a couple of them take up the sport.
Alan
ReplyDeleteLoved the story, one for us all to learn from, proving where there is a will there is a way. Thanks for sharing
Bill Trussell
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Bill in my Army days as a young man one of the things that was drilled into my head was the term "improvise" that term stayed with me through out my life. Came into good use.
Great read! It gets better.....Wait until you try to tie a pink Squirmy Wormy....it's like trying to nail jello to the wall.
ReplyDeleteRalph Long
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Ralph that's a fine analogy. Never tried squirmy worms and I think it will that way in the future.
Great story, Alan. Those youngsters could not have run into a better man and fisherman than you during their venture in the woods. I bet they could not believe such a beautiful fish lived in that little stream. I have to believe some took up fishing, or will at some point after meeting you. A shame about your rod, but good thing you were able to improvise with the band-aids to keep on fishing.
ReplyDeleteParachute Adams
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Sam I was more excited than they were. A few faces had that Christmas morning look. I hope that gave a few of them that boost to pick up a rod and continue the tradition. Fishing and conservation...
St. Croix sent me a replacement tip for the Avid rod and I still fish it.
Fabulous story, great way to both spread and apply wisdom.
ReplyDeleteMichael Agneta
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Mike even if one of them picks up a fly rod and sees the value of fly fishing and catch and relief then the broken rod was worth it.
Lovely story and a glimpse into another world for those children. On the reservoir that would have been 'day over'. I once had an old seven foot split cane rod and snagged a briar on the other side of the beck.I carefully put the rod down on the grass in a seemingly empty field waded over and untangled the leader and turned round to see four curious black cattle looking at me. You guessed, end of split cane rod. Lesson learned. Regards, John
ReplyDeleteThe Two Terriers
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John unforgettable times for sure, and expensive times I might add.
Love that you let it go, and focused on them loving the outdoors. Also that you used bandaids to fix a rod - awesome!
ReplyDeleteHibernation
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Will I could not get upset. Those kids were so excited.
I now carry duct tape in the car.
great post again Alan, shame about the rod but am sure they learned so much from you, san juan worms bet they stretched your tying abilities to the max...lol, they are albeit a very good attractor if fished in the right conditions.
ReplyDeleteGeorge
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George those kids got a very valuable lesson about life in other places, well worth the rod which was repaired.
Those "pinkies" can really challenge a tyer.
what a mess..!! Sometimes we can not explain to ourselves these things that happen to us ... !!! Patience and a good face ... but it was already in the memory ... they are good experiences at last.
ReplyDeleteArmando Milosevic
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Armando, "patience and a good face" so very true. If this is the worst thing that could happen to me then I'll take it.
The kids were happy.