THE GOOD OLE DAYS…OR NOT!

My guess is nobody noticed, but just in case you did, I wanted to let you know that I took the last two months off from writing. I was not experiencing writer’s block (known as Verbiage Expulsion Dysfunction in medical circles) but rather was battling a bad attitude. My mother used to say “if you can’t say something nice about somebody don’t say it” and frankly, I just could not think of one damn nice thing to say. I had been struggling with the national news getting me down and just when I thought I had a handle on my emotions Michael Jackson went off and passed on. I think we saw that one coming. Anyway, I was trying to get positive and just could not get out of my rut. So, I listened to dear ole mom and didn’t say anything. However, I felt compelled to write this month and thought I would just rattle off a few “random thoughts”. Here goes.

We struggle with the present…we look to the future with uncertainty…we look back at the past with a fuzzy perspective. What do you mean by fuzzy you say? We romance that which wasn’t so great. So I am driving down the street the other day and I see a bumper sticker for McCain / Palin and I says to myself, “myself, the election is over and those folks need to get over it.” A few miles down the road, I see a Kerry / Gore bumper sticker and it dawned on me that this a very common occurrence. And to be very honest with you, I don’t get it…they look like sore losers. If your team does not win, you need to move on. Work hard on the next election, campaign, game, whatever…but let the past go (writer’s note: I am preaching primarily to myself here). Move on…heal thyself…put your energy into something that will change the world – at the very least, take a kid fishing. Pay it forward.

On another topic, what is up with people talking at the movies…the movies are too darned expensive these days (even with my senior citizen discount) and they usually aren’t worth the shekels. But the least several times that I have gone and have had people around me talking to each other during the movie. They run the “friendly reminder” prior to the show and you think they would get it. Kids texting, adults talking, phones ringing and on and on. I start with the dirty look, graduate to loud sssshhhh’s and eventually change seats. None of it seems to work. Woe is me.

Next rant – Major League Baseball games…baseball used to be a quiet sport (now, I think fly fishing has the lock on this market) and we would go to games, keep score, converse, and enjoy a hot dog and a beer on a summer day. Now, we have big screens everywhere, images flashing, music blaring, stuff being shot into the stadium and more. I feel like I am watching the MTV version of baseball and the whole experience is on steroids (well now…maybe it really is on steroids!). I find myself going to less and less games. It is more about the money than good baseball fans. Most folks are not even watching the game. If you are watching on television, you have the guy behind home plate in the expensive seats talking on the cell phone and waving at the camera. Does he realize how stupid he looks? Apparently not.

And now, for my final rant…folks that make a conscious decision to run red lights…not only do they run the risk of getting a ticket, but they could kill somebody. In fact, they do kill people. It is absolutely nuts! I will just say this about that – if somebody runs a red light and hits me, they better kill me or die, because if I can crawl out of my car and make my way to them, I will finish the job if necessary. Okay…now I feel better that I vented.

Now for the good stuff – if you need some therapy (and I apparently do!), take yourself fishing. Better yet, take somebody you care about with you. Even better, take a young person. You think about that…TL

A BEAUTIFUL WINTER BASS

On Saturday, March 21st, 2009 I packed up some of my favorite microbrew beer (I happen to like Cutthroat Ale), a journeyman’s lunch, a few cigars, the obligatory single malt scotch in my flask, and my favorite bass fly box. I loaded the car with my gear and snuck off to my favorite super secret bass pond (might be a lake, might be a pond…not sure which, but I do know I had it all to myself). The significance of this day was the last day of winter. Sunday would officially ring in spring (which I was desperately longing for) and I was fishing on the final day of this winter season…and for largemouth bass no less. I was reaching the outer edge of my winter blahs and felt like if I didn’t get out, my chest might explode (or implode…not sure which). If one of those two things did not occur, I was fairly certain that my better half might find a way to dispose of me. The last thing I heard before the door hit me on the bumper was “out you go, old codger!” Let’s just say I wasn’t experiencing a warm, fuzzy feeling inside.

The weather was crisp and cool and the morning brought a cloudy sky. On the way to the water, I saw lots of worm and bait fisherman out (getting their bass the easy way…I was going to earn mine!). As the day went on, cloudy gave way to a high and bright blue sky with a beautiful color that seemed to have no end. It was exactly what the doctor (and the Mrs.) ordered to bust up those “waiting for spring” blues. It was the fix I needed. I was bound and determined to catch something this day on a fly rod. I am sure the worms were drawing the demons up from the dark, but I was going to get mine the hard way…my favorite way…on the fly. I worked my butt off and had a number of different flies on but when it came to “nut cutting” time, it was my trusty ole Clouser Minnow that snookered the big mouth. I had the get the fly deep and “tease” the fish. They were a little lethargic, but I got some interest and capitalized on a weak moment. The water was crystal clear and as I was fighting the fish, an even larger fish was chasing it…almost had a twofer, but no such luck. When I finally had the fish in hand, I felt like a kid again. I suppose it was the time of year combined with my temperament, but at that moment it was the most beautiful fish in the world to me. Everything slowed down, I cracked a smile, and I am pretty darn sure that I was giggling. It was just what I needed. Everything came back into perspective…all was suddenly right in the world. I could return home to the wife unit, my soul replenished, content and ready to join civilization.

Now, time to change gears on you. Enough of that sappy crap…time to climb up on my soapbox and do a little ranting. My last few trips to the water have spotlighted how much trash there is lying around. I guess in the winter, you see more and it stands out like a sore thumb. Nonetheless, it is UGLY! Litter has always bugged me to the point of near insanity (some of my acquaintances would suggest that I am already there) and I recognize that some of it is accidental. However, much of it is created but ignorant, stupid, lazy, sub-human, moronic miscreants. If you want to know how I really feel about, I would be happy to share more with you. Anyway, I have two take homes for you – if you are one of those folks that litter, please stop. If I catch you doing it, out comes my can of Whoop Ass, and it will be game over. So…STOP littering…immediately! Secondly, if you are out in the woods, pick up all the litter you see and bring it out. Maybe even bring a small trash bag in your vest (or pocket) and make it a habit to pick up all you can carry on the way out. Leave it better than you found it. The Native Americans did…we should follow in their footsteps. It really is a small and random act of kindness that goes a long way. Not to mention, if you get rid of the litter, you won’t have to listen to me complain. There is even the possibility that I get to return to my “happy place”.

You think about that…TL

LEANING TO THE LEFTY (KREH, THAT IS…)

“Knowledge is to be shared, not displayed.” – Lefty Kreh

Over the years, I have had the opportunity to meet the Legend several times, but never the chance to hear him speak all day. I was anxiously awaiting his trip to the Ozark Fly Fishers all day meeting in February and when I heard that he could not make it, I was very disappointed (Ed Jaworowski came in his stead and he did a pretty fine job). I am not sure why Lefty could not make it, but I do think that anybody who has more than four score under their belt can do just about any dang thing they want. Maybe Lefty can make it next year. I certainly hope so. Lefty is the big jewel in the crown of fly fishing and there is only one of him. An Australian magazine referred to Lefty as "one of America's national treasures." He has been honored around the world and sought after for speaking engagements from the Far East to New York City. He is characterized by his unique fishing hat with ear flaps…I bought one like it and look like a fool when I wear it…Lefty slaps it on and he just looks cool in it.

You most likely know quite a bit about Lefty Kreh. He has been involved in much they innovation and evolution of fishing with the long rod. He has been an ambassador for fly fishing internationally and, at the end of the day; he is one of, if not THE, most entertaining characters among us. He is a special gift that we have enjoyed for decades. His spirit, his attitude, his ingenuity, and his “life well lived” is an inspiration to us all. Having said that, what I am about to share with you is some things you may not know about Lefty.

There aren’t many folks who get their own postage stamp…but then, there aren’t many Lefty Kreh’s. His Lefty's Deceiver fly was reproduced and named on a United States postage stamp. If that weren’t enough, Lefty has an anthrax strain named after him – BVK-1 (as in Bernard Victor Kreh – known to us as “Lefty”) – that he contracted at Fort Detrick. His two co-workers did not survive the incident. An accomplished outdoorsman and naturalist, while he was in his army training, he identified and spotted some Ivory Bill Woodpeckers near Camp Shelby. At the time, no-one believed him, but recent sightings have proved he was most likely right. He served in World War 2 during the height and heat of battle and escaped death many a time. The horrors he witnessed during the war and his battlefield bravery shaped much of his character. Lefty’s upbringing – the oldest of four children that lost their father to an accident during the height of the Depression – was the foundation of a gritty and determined soul. In essence, Lefty has been forged in the fire and is the poster boy for “what doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger.” I don’t know about you, but this guy is one of my heroes and I truly look up to him. On the lighter side, he got his nickname by pitching, hitting, and shooting with his left hand, but he dribbles, passes, and plays billiards right handed. He can cast a fly rod with either hand, and do it damn well, thank you very much. And, if that weren’t enough, Lefty can toss a metal washer up in the air and shoot a bullet through the hole. Really. No, really!

A Lefty Kreh along comes along once every so often. It is a monumental and time changing event. Enjoy it while you can. And if you run into Lefty, tell him you love him. Thanks for everything, Lefty. We appreciate it. You think about that…TL

KEEP YOUR STIMULUS…GIVE ME A STIMULATOR!

I have to beg the forgiveness of my readers as I begin my random thinking…I try to keep myself on the topic of the great outdoors, first and foremost fishing, and even more to the point, fly fishing. Every now and again (okay, maybe more often than that), I stray a bit and for that I apologize. Even worse, occasionally I dip into the well of politics and religion (which I really do try to avoid) and this winter I have had a difficult time containing myself. It has been, after all, an election season and we have a whole new team in Washington, D.C., and it has been the focus of attention for many. With every new election cycle, whether your team won or lost, there is a sense of anxiousness…perhaps hope, or uncertainty, or some other emotion that each of us goes through. This year in particular has churned things up a bit…we all lost money in our investment accounts…some have lost their jobs…many of us have lost our confidence in a number of things…scary times, these are. We also wonder what the implications for the conservation cause will be and we hope for the best and work hard for the worst. The times they are a changing…

Our new President, Barrack Obama said during his inauguration speech, “We have chosen hope over fear.” Within 2 weeks of taking office, he said, “A failure to act, and act now, will turn crisis into a catastrophe.” From hope to catastrophe in two weeks…are you kidding me? This is the candidate of change that Americans voted for. As his cabinet nominees have been exposed for income tax evasion, we “ordinary people” (his words, not mine) could never get away with that stuff. One of our past Presidents, Ronald Reagan said, "Government is not a solution to our problem, government is the problem." I don’t know if you liked the “Gipper” or not, but I have never been a big fan of big government. When I was a young man (a long, long time ago) I read the book Atlas Shrugged, by Ayn Rand (first published in 1957) and it really changed my thinking on personal responsibility, capitalism, the force of government, and what fly I should select when I am streamside (well…maybe not…not really). This book actually used to be required reading in the schools where I grew up. I know a number of people that name it as one of the most influential books in their life and I would encourage you to read it. In fact, I challenge you to read it and drop me a line on what you think about it. Warning…the book is over a thousand pages, but it is worth the read. I think most reasonable people can agree in a government that is responsible, accountable, and at the very least efficient.

So, the geniuses in Washington, D.C. (see my rant on throwing the bums out last fall) have all the answers to our problems…have no fear…the government is here. Drum roll please…gigantic, obese, government bailout (the so called “Stimulus” plan) So, I says to myself, “myself…what are these people thinking?” I was getting my car worked on at the shop the other day and had a conversation with the “ordinary people” in the waiting area…everyone thought this thing did not make a lot of sense. People are wondering if it will really do any good. As of this writing, the total is more than $800 Billion. Most Americans oppose it…the amount of “pork” spending in it is absurd…if you don’t believe me, look at this partial list:
•$850 million for Amtrak.
•$650 million for the digital television convertor box coupon program.
•$600 million to buy hybrid vehicles for federal employees.
•$500 million for repairing the National Institutes of Health facilities in Maryland.
•$246 million tax break for Hollywood movie producers.
•$200 million for alternative energy vehicles for the military.
•$150 million for the Smithsonian museum.
•$150 million for livestock insurance.
•$110 million to the Farm Service Agency for computer systems.
•$88 million for the Coast Guard to design a new polar icebreaker.
•$75 million for “smoking cessation activities”.
•$10 million to inspect canals in urban areas.

I could go on, but you get the point. These things may be reasonable on their own merit (although I really doubt it), but not in this bill. The most disturbing thing to me is the money that they doled out earlier, only to find it was not being used properly, and then watching our leaders express outrage after the fact. I think that tells you all you need to know. And now, they want more…and more…and more. This will help the economy as much as me sending a letter (instead of calling) to the fire department when my house caught on fire. Too little and too late.

Now ladies and gentlemen…here is Ty’s plan – I am calling my version of the bailout, the Local Economy Stimulator Plan. Each and every fly fishing person in our community needs to do the following; plan your next trip (and soon!) – even if it is only a day trip…go down to your local fly shop and gear up…purchase plenty of tippet and flies (in particular the Stimulator – I like mine in a sizes 12 and 14 in orange), and go fishing. Enjoy yourself, drink some scotch, smoke a cigar, laugh with a friend, and if you are so inclined, catch and release. Forget about all of this other nonsense for a little while and have some fun. It will still be there when you get back. You think about that…TL

Here's To The Good Guys!

In my last column I was on a rant (and a little rave…or some might say rage) and a good friend of mine suggested I should change the name of my column to “Tyrade” (correctly spelled tirade)…not a bad idea and I will take it under consideration. However, the election is now behind us and we all need to move forward with our lives. If you don’t like the way things turned out, get involved in the process. As citizens we have an obligation to do that…we can all make a difference. Let’s not get too cynical (preaching to myself, here). A New Year is upon us…a fresh start…time to focus on future and live in the present. Do I hear Halleluiah, Amen? Make it your best year ever.

Now, time to change gears on you. I wanted to focus some energy on a few people that have made a huge difference in the fly fishing community…or also known as “the good guys (and gals)”. This past few months have we have lost several or our friends that have literally helped to “change the world”.

In 1999, I had the good fortune of attending the Fly Fishing Federation national conclave and as a result, got to meet Mel Krieger and see him receive the Ambassador Award. This honor is presented annually to the fly fisher who meets certain high standards of sportsmanship, fishing skill and stream side etiquette in taking and conserving game fish internationally. He most certainly deserves it. I was able to get to know him and his wife Fanny a little and I was very impressed with Mel and his commitment to all things good in the fly fishing world. He was not only one of the most proficient casters and teachers, but he was much more complex than that – a combination of a poet, historian, world traveler, artist, conservationist, and much, much more – truly a Renaissance Man if there ever was one. He was the recipient of several other awards. Passion and compassion just oozed out of the guy…sadly, he left us on October 7th, 2008. Eighty great years of giving it all he had. We will miss him…a bunch.

Ed Story – when you hear the name, you just think “class act” and all around great guy…a gentleman in the purest sense of the word. I know that I have personally caught more fish on a Crackleback than any other fly in my boxes (and I have a whole lot of flies in my boxes – half of which I have no idea what they are or where I got them) and it is my favorite fly to tie. That was only one of Ed’s many creations, but it was a doozey. Thanks for sharing, Ed. Everyone Ed met became a friend…he was always willing to share an idea, to teach, and to inspire. His enthusiasm and love for our sport and conservation literally made the Land of Fly Fishing a better place to visit. The Feather-Craft mail order catalogue has a huge following, including celebrities and other famous folk from around the globe. The personal commentary from Ed made it that much more enjoyable (“I love this item and would not fish without it” – Ed) and thousands of people have looked forward to their next issue for many years. Little known was the fact that Ed was also a very big supporter of Project Healing Waters and a veteran himself – his shop sold more PHW gear than anyone else in the country, with a portion of the sale going directly back to the program. Most importantly, Ed was a family man…I know his family will miss him tremendously. He moved on to better waters August of 2008. I want to offer a big thank you to the Story family for sharing this wonderful guy with us. He touched so many of us in a very special way…his legacy will live on.

We lost another hero and good friend this year that had touched many lives and most certainly has left the world better than he found it. George Purvis…a name probably not known to many of you, but a huge champion of the conservation cause nonetheless. George left us on August 15th at the age of 83. We met through some mutual friends in the 1960’s and I remember being impressed with the number of things he was working on at the time. George was a pioneer that committed his life to a number of initiatives that have positively and profoundly impacted the state of Arkansas – particularly with regard to hunting and fishing. He was totally dedicated to improving the state of conservation and was known for his ethics and commitment to educating folks. He was a writer, an artist, a photographer, produced and starred in videos, had his own radio show, and published a magazine for the state. His work involved a multitude of different media. He loved duck hunting, but was also known to fish. If you enjoy the great outdoors in Arkansas on occasion, you probably owe George a little gratitude. Husband, Father, Grandfather…an outdoorsman in every sense of the word. Thanks, George.

There were others that we lost this past year and will dearly miss. We still have many heroes among the living that are making a difference. I have two take homes for all of you…first, take a moment and think about who your heroes are…those people that have made a profound impact on your life…those people that have touched you or those around you in a special way…those that have handled themselves with style and grace…those that have served others so faithfully…taught you, motivated you, challenged you, or cared about you…how lucky are we to have them. Tell them you appreciate them and thank then for what you have done. Secondly, aspire to be one of them…we need more heroes in this world…set your sights high and reach for that goal. You can do both of those things. You think about that…TL

A Gross Violation of the Public Trust

"The mystery of government is not how Washington works, but how to make it stop." - P. J. O'Rourke



I had no intention of writing a column about politics and the upcoming election this month, for crying out loud, however, I just can’t help myself. If you are not mad as hell right now, there really is something wrong with you. The recent debacle that occurred on Wall Street and in Washington D.C. is trickling down all the way to Main Street. It really has nothing to do with whether you have lost money or not (although, my guess is most of you have) and it does not matter at all what your politics are. I am not going to do any finger pointing nor give you a lengthy explanation of why this happened. It has happened and it is what it is. But I am going to offer a suggestion for what we can do about it.

My recommendation is that we throw the bums out. Every stinking one of them. NOW!

There is an amazing phenomenon that occurs in this great country of ours. Most Americans don’t like Congress but they like their Congressman. Therein lies the problem. We are suckers for a multi million dollar campaign. Both sides lie…they prey on our fear…they convince us that they are “it”…we usually have two choices…and we end up picking the lesser of two evils. I truly believe that it is time for a legitimate third party in this country but that is a discussion for another day. I also hope that each and every one of you will get out and vote…as an American citizen, it is your duty.

One of the stories that caught my eye just before the $700 Billion Bailout was the discussion by our esteemed leaders that they did not want it called a “bailout” but rather they wanted it to be called a “rescue” because they didn’t like the way bailout sounded. Are you kidding me? These morons in the Beltway created and allowed this mess and then they want to make sure that it sounds like they are doing something good for us. I think it should be called the “The Great Train Robbery of the American Citizens” but that is only one man’s opinion. Frankly, I would like to see some criminal charges in the midst of this whole thing and I can damn guarantee you that if you do enough digging you will find them. What I find most remarkable is the fact that the same people who don't know quite how this all happened think that they know how to fix it. Just a short while ago they were all tied up with hearings on steroids in baseball. Are you kidding me?

Okay, so here we are, in the middle of blog about fishing, conservation, and other stuff, listening to this old coot rant and rave about politics. What does this have to do with fishing, you ask? Well, a few things and I ask that you hang with me for just a moment.

Number one, choose your candidates wisely. Don’t make the assumption that just because your candidate belongs to a certain party that they even remotely represent you and your beliefs. You have to do your homework and you need to be wise and think. If you vote straight ticket, that is intellectually lazy. To my point, there were career politicians on both sides of the aisles that have blood on their hands on this recent financial collapse. Watch what they do, not just what they say. Hold them accountable. They are counting on you liking them, even if you don’t like Congress. What is going to take for you to see through the smoke and mirrors? We need to know where the candidates stand on issues near and dear to our hearts – and for outdoorsmen and outdoorswomen, one of those issues is conservation.

Number two, for goodness sakes, don’t take any of this too seriously. Only sweat the things that you are in control of. You can control your vote, but not the person you vote for. You can vote them in office, or better yet, you can vote them out of office if you can muster the courage. But, the truth is, you have better things to do with your time. More importantly, you can make the time to go fishing and count your blessings…I know you have them…I know because I have them too. And me, I am going fishing and I am going to light up my favorite cigar and start counting. I hope you will join me. Drop me a line and share with me your own personal bailout plan. You think about that…TL

The King's Game - To Whom Does It Belong?

A recent discussion with an old friend got me to thinking (generally a very dangerous thing). He had moved to the Northeast United States a number of years ago and is an avid fly fisherman and upland bird hunter. Not only is he a committed outdoorsman and conservationist, but he happens to raise and train some of the finest bird dogs I have ever been in the presence of. I have shared many a delicious meal with him consisting of pheasant and quail served with wild rice and gravy and I must tell you, it is something to remember. In a recent conversation, he was grumbling about all of the new development in his neck of the woods and how most of the land that he had hunted and fished the majority of his adult life had been developed into homes or private hunting and fishing clubs. It is a reality in our modern world, but heartbreaking nonetheless. 

This brings up the sticky issue of the privatization and monetizing of our natural resources. Now, I have been around a long time, but not long enough to have come over to this country on a ship from England with the Colonists. I was actually born here. There are some of my buddies who think I am older than dirt, but I just so happen to out-fish all of them. Anyway, private land ownership is an important part of this country, but so is the protection of our natural resources for the public good. I am neither a lawyer nor a politician, and I am also not independently wealthy. Consequently, I am no expert on the “rules” and I can’t buy my way into private land access. What I can do is “rant and rave” a bit and share my two cents with anyone who will listen. 

The beginnings of wildlife law can be traced back to principles that were in early Roman law. The general idea was the wild animals do not have owners and they belonged to the person that could capture or kill them. Consequently, taking wildlife was considered a personal right. However, personal rights depend upon those in charge (or put another way, the government) and have been either enjoyed, or endured. Beginning just after 400 A.D. and up unto the Norman times, England was a succession of kings. Typically, they had an interest in the land and all of its wildlife with an extremely selfish motive. In their view, the wildlife belonged to the king and he maintained all sovereignty over the land and the wild animals and would grant permission to hunt. In Europe, wildlife continued to be seen as the property of the elite. In 1389, there was a decree issued that stated the pursuit of game was limited to those that owned the land. Non-landowners could not even possess dogs or equipment used in taking game. A feud between those of privilege and the common people was in full force. This was one of the very reasons that led to our founding fathers leaving England.

When our ancestors came to North America, they found a place that was full of fish and game, and other bountiful natural resources, that had provided for the Native Americans for thousands of years. The early Colonists hunted and fish freely and felt it their natural right to do so. One of the founding philosophies was the equality and freedom of men. Liberty from the control of kings was about individual freedom and self-government. Water, fish and wildlife are not mentioned in our founding documents but it was an important building block for our new country. Here is what somebody a whole lot more famous than me; and most likely a whole lot smarter than me had to say about it:

"Above all, we should realize that the effort toward this end is essentially a democratic movement. It is…in our power…to preserve game…for…all lovers of nature, and to give reasonable opportunities for the exercise of the skill of the hunter, whether he is or is not a man of means."

                                                            – Theodore Roosevelt, 1893

What is my point? Ladies and gentlemen, we must fight aggressively for the public trust and the common man. Capitalism is wonderful and should be encouraged in this free land of ours. But we must also work hard to drive a consciousness of “shared grace” that extends to “everyman”. If we don’t stay diligent about that, it may not be there for us to enjoy with the exception of a few. And me, I never want to be one of “them” – the elite (I haven’t been invited in anyway). This country is too great to allow it to return full circle to the place we left for a bigger dream. There is too much blood buried in our ground to let that happen. It may not matter to you, but I can guarantee it will matter to future generations. You think about that…TL