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Jerry introduced me to Frank and explained problem I was having with a fly rod. Frank said, "Come here and show me what you know about casting." So I dropped a couple of reasonable overhand casts out onto Creek. Frank looked at me, "You know enough about basic casting, what do you do with fly when it is in water?" "Frank, if I knew what H--- to do with fly in water, I would be catching fish!", I said.
"Come on and watch what I do." said Frank. Frank shook out a little line and let it drift downstream. Then he flipped a "Tension" cast back upstream. On 3rd drift, Frank hooked a nice bow right along bank. He looked at me and said, "Now you do it!" I tried to imitate Frank but no fish.
Finally Frank asked me what I had been fishing. "Eggs on bottom." I replied. "Fishing eggs on bottom is same as fishing nymphs on bottom", said Frank. "You make a little J in line just at water line and watch it as you bounce nymph on bottom. If J twitches left or right or hesitates, raise rod tip to set hook. And don't rip rod tip up. Remember that hook is only a quarter inch or less long to bend. A gentle tipup is all that is needed." Then Frank proceeded to demonstrate with two more fish.
I watched Frank and tried to imitate him with some success. As I remember I caught and released about 6 trout that Saturday. For me that was best I had ever done with a fly rod. Frank and I fished together for some 5 years before loosing touch with each other.
But I will never forget gift of a lifetime fly fishing enjoyment you gave me Frank. You were a good teacher and fine friend to wade waters with.
Whatever big river you are fishing in Heaven, I hope fish are huge and you are having a ball.
Tight Lines and Good Fishing,
Marshall, Editor
has been a fly fishing and fly tying
enthusiast for over 30 years.
http://www.fly-fishing-colorado.com/
Marshall Estes , editor Colorado Fly Fishing Tips has been a fly fishing and fly tying enthusiast for over 30 years. Check out our other issues at www.fly-fishing-colorado.com