Somewhere in this great land there are men who stand proudly, confident in their piscatorial acumen and possessed of that most treasured achievement: an Opening Day trout, taken on a dry fly while holding nothing but Oneness-with-the-One-Way- of-Barbless-Effortless-Oneness still in their thoughts as their backcasts coil mightily and make no man cry foul.
Such men cast long shadows, and they hold great sway among Councils of Tavern, and of those of Pub, and, yes, even within storied locker rooms wherever the Big Swinging Dicks gather. It is not for nothing that we know these men when we see them, for they tell us about their fish, unabashed and unashamed, embellishing but little and marking the Way for those lesser anglers among us to follow. It is in their debts that we pony up for fresh graphite, svelter waders, and the rapine instruction of Professional Guides. We know when we are not worthy.
And thus, brothers, on the eve of Opening Day 2007, I post this warning to eschew the little creek chub and take no joy in his capture. He is not your True Quarry and provides no gratification on a Triscuit.
Brian Cowden said:
April 6th, 2007 at 4:36 pm
Bob,
Thanks for a very hearty laugh!!! Best to all who venture forth this weekend. Yours truly will be headed to DeBie territory and the great trout of the Florida Keys! It is with bonefish and tarpon on my mind that I leave you to chase the elusive brook trout…until my return, tight lines to each and all!
Float King