Fly Fishing and KidsWritten by Cameron Larsen
I have taught all three of my kids about fly fishing, and many of their friends as well. Like all things taught to humans, some caught on faster than others. Some pursued it, so never touched a fly rod again. I have become a patient and good teacher, and now enjoy time I spend teaching others, in particular adolescents to fly fish. I was not always so good at this. When my two oldest kids were both younger than five, I was not as patient as I became later. Not having as much fishing time as I would have liked, I sometimes resented feeling of having to teach fly fishing, instead of just being able to lose myself in my passion. Yet I must have done something right, because years later they are both knowledgeable fly fishermen. Many things stick out when I look back to those days. I remember both of them caught their first fish on same day. Their first fish all alone that is, one in which I hadn’t hooked first and then allowed them to reel in. One time, my younger son had been standing on a rock behind me, in a small stream while I fished a riffle next to far bank. Well he decided he was cold and wanted me to carry him back to shore. I tucked him under my non-fishing arm, and low and behold here came our Golden Retriever puppy unable to touch bottom and with a slightly panicked look. I slipped my hand under his color. This whole time I had left my nymph in water, and I was heading back to shore with my son and puppy. If that wasn’t chaotic enough, it was just then that a fish struck. I safely deposited my son and puppy, and then reeled in fish. I was always kind of proud of that fish, even though it was just average in size. Several times my sons were extremely competitive in fishing, and it seemed they went hot and cold at exact opposite times. With one catching several fish, while other one got skunked. And when one was losing all hope, magically fate would reverse. I would tell them only thing they can’t control is how many fish they catch. They can control how they fish. How they cast, how they present fly, which fly they use, and most importantly how good of time they have. And a good time fishing can definitely happen when no fish are caught. Actually we wouldn’t enjoy fishing if we knew we were going to catch fish, fun is in surprise, fun is in not knowing. They would look at me like, “yeah dad, whatever,” and go back to fiercely trying to catch a fish. The one memory that sticks out most, though was when my oldest was 13. We had scheduled a four day float trip down Deschutes River, with two other dads and their sons. At last minute both other parties canceled, and I was faced with spending four days alone with my reticent son, who seemed to be a more distant stranger by day. I had toyed with idea of calling whole thing off, but quickly decided that wasn’t acceptable. My son’s mother and I were heading through what would prove to be a lengthy divorce, and my son never talkative was growing more withdrawn every day.
| | A Golfer's DietWritten by William Breland
GOLO GOLF GRUB Fuel for golfer. “A good diet can not make an average athlete great, but a poor diet can make a great athlete average.” -David Costill, Ball State University, Indiana Golf is a lifetime sport that both men and women of all ages enjoy participating in. However, for competitive golfer, it is a test of athlete’s physical and mental endurance. While equipment and physical fitness are important to game, a balanced diet is often most overlooked aspect that all serious golfers must consider. DEFINING A BALANCED DIET For golfers, a balanced diet begins with eating at least 50% of your total caloric intake from carbohydrates such as whole grains, breads, pastas, rice, fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy. Carbohydrates are body’s preferred energy source during activity. It fuels brain and nervous system, preserves protein while helping to burn fat. Consuming carbohydrates during activity helps maintain blood glucose levels, allowing golfer to have improved concentration. Protein is another important macronutrient to incorporate into balanced diet. Have 6 to 8 ounces of protein daily, and choose lean protein sources such as chicken, fish, round or loin cuts of beef, beans or legumes. Protein is needed for growth and repair of muscles, and helps regulate body processes as enzymes and hormones. Fat is final macronutrient in balanced diet. Fat, like carbohydrate, provides fuel for working muscles, but it is a more concentrated fuel source. Recommended fat intake is same for athletes as for all healthy people – no more than 30% of your total calories coming from fat. This is approximately 4-5 servings of fat (based on 2000 calories). One serving of fat equals 1 teaspoon of oil or margarine, 6 nuts, or 2 teaspoons of peanut butter.
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