A fly tying challenge and a wonderful story.

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...