Morgan

When I was a boy I would cry every time my father left to go trout fishing. It was painful knowing that he was leaving to go do something that I loved. In Western Pennsylvania, trout fishing was as much a part of spring as the robins or the spring peepers. I was blessed to grow up within walking distance of a trout stream and enjoyed that luxury throughout my upbringing.I caught my first trout when I was two.I had my first fly rod when I was six. My springtime's revolved around that stream and those trout, but I would it hurt when he left without me.
I have to admit that I have not done a very good job in sharing my hobbies with my children. Don't get me wrong, my kids both love to fish, but I have left them behind on many of my own stream excursions. There are so many memories to be made and I want to make sure that we make those memories together.
So today Morgan and I headed for the backyard to do a little fly casting practice. No water or current to deal with. We did have some wind. This is not the first time she has casted a fly rod, but I wanted this to be quality instruction. I want her to be able to fish a good hatch and catch fish on the surface. She was awesome.
Morgan is our musician. She has a gifted ear and her rhythm is impeccable. She also a great student. She is a natural with the fly rod and was soon shooting line all over the back yard.




After a good twenty minute lesson, I asked her if she would like to tie a fly or two. She was excited and ready to go. When she was little she would sit on my lap and play at the vice. She loved making all kind of crazy pieces of artwork there. The material boxes were more like craft boxes, but this time she was ready for a little more serious time at the vice.
We decided to tie a "green weenie," a Pennsylvania favorite attractor nymph. She once again proved to be a great student. She was so eager and even apologetic.


It was an awesome morning and a wonderful experience to share with such a lovely young lady. I look forward to more practice and to sharing time with her on the water soon.I love you Babe! I know, I know, I am going to have to do something about her choice of fishing hats.