I'm a United Methodist Pastor, born and educated in West Virginia and now living in the mid-west. I've been fly fishing for several years now and really enjoy it. I bought my first bamboo rod a few years back and now own (more than I should) and have another on the way - or wish I did! A wise friend once said something to the effect that "Getting started with bamboo fly rods ain't any more expensive than a drug habit, but it ain't no &%$#! cheaper either!" I should have listened. Once bitten by the bamboo bug friends, you'd best guard the savings!

I have been married to the same wonderful woman for over 30 years now (June 09) and she is truly my life-partner. We have one daughter who is married to a great guy and they have two beautiful daughters who are as ornery as their mother (and grandmother). My son-in-law fishes with me when he can, my wife fishes with me (when the weather is nice) and my daughter just started fly fishing a year or so back. I was blessed enough to have my whole family join me on a fishing trip to the Yellowstone area this past fall (Sept. 09) and we're looking forward to going back again. Love the Yellowstone area!

My oldest grandaughter is five and I bought her a 6', 3 wt. graphite rod for her birthday last year (you can't get 'em started too young!). I'm looking for a cane rod for her. Of course, her 'PaPa' might have to keep it for her for a year or so. And, since we just increased our family with a grandaughter in August 08, I guess I'd better plan on (and save for) two! I really hope they come to love the beauty of the outdoors and fly-fishing. Nothing would make me happier than to hand over all my bamboo rods and vintage reels to the grandaughters.

Like many of us, I didn't start fly fishing until later in life (late 40's). And then only after my doctor "suggested" that I find a way to get out of my office more and reduce stress - so I bought a flyrod. Turns out I re-discovered my passion for the wonder of Creation. I can leave my office with the weight of the world on my shoulders and a few hours later, after listening to the water, the birds and the wind in the trees along the stream, any stream, and, well, my problems don't seem quite so big anymore. I guess my troubles just float downstream and I let 'em go... When I am surrounded by the beauty and wonder of the outdoors; I can filter out all the static and distractions and hear God much clearer.

Fly fishing has been a wonderful blessing to me and I'm grateful for the opportunity to share it with people I love. I regularly share my passion for fly-fishing with young people from scouts (Boy and Girl Scouts) and my church who want to see what it's all about. I think it's our job to share the love of fine things, the pride in good craftsmanship and the intentional stewartship of our planet with the next generation. That won't happen with our complaining that "...someone should do something!" If we truly love clean, cold streams and wild places and want to see them last for future generations, that "someone" should be us!

Anyway, I am grateful to all the truly wonderful people on this board who have been so helpful and so patient with yet another person asking the same old questions. I have made some wonderful friends on this board. Thank you all! And, God bless!

FFP