I feel like your friend helped to guide that beautiful brook ie to his fly. Sorry for your loss, but it is neat how you still get to fish with him in a sense.
Great job Jim. I ways love your reports. The different species this month is a special treat. I personally haven't seen a White Catfish before. Thanks for sharing it.
Jim, I look forward to your post with your beautiful fish and scenery. The last time I fished was the salt and only caught pollack and 1 mackerel.I missed 2 stripers. The next time I fish will be through the ice. Mean while I will enjoy your fish pic’s .
Jim - great work as always, I can only hope to possess a fraction of your knowledge/skill one day! Great story about the fly tied by your friend; and sorry for your loss. I can only imagine the feelings tying that fly to your leader and then having it hit. A retirement box is more than fitting! Would love to see/hear those stories some day.My grandfather was a sniper with the 4th Division Marines at Iwo Jima; like too many, more than earned his purple heart with 4 bullet wounds and bomb shrapnel too close to his spine to remove. He was nearly left for dead until another soldier heard his faint prayers who carried him to safety; a mystery man, likely a boy at the time, our family has been unable to thank. My grandfather was told he'd likely not have a long life nor ever walk again but after 1 year away from his family lying flat in a hospital bed he walked out of that facility wearing braces. He saw his children have children and that brought him more pleasure than one can imagine following that diagnosis and he inspired the love of the Maine outdoors within the family. Unfortunately, the doctors were right about his longevity, passing at 61, but at his Northeast Carry hunting camp where he told my grandmother if he were to pass there know he died at peace at his heaven on earth. Thanks to all of our vets reading this post; know that for many, the appreciation extends well beyond Veterans Day alone. (sorry Jim, I feel like I hijacked your post but your tribute to your friend inspired me)