- Work
- Sick kid
- Piano lessons (youngest child)
- Soccer practice (oldest (oldest child)child)
- Soccer game
- Soccer practice (youngest child)
- Soccer game (youngest child)
- Part time jobs to compensate for inflation
- A truck that broke down
- Lawn care
- Lawn care machinery that broke down
- Boat maintenance
- A lack of sleep
- Shorter days which mean less time to fish
Tuesday, October 15, 2024
If You're Too Busy to Go Fishing, Then You are Too Busy!
Thursday, October 10, 2024
I was Reminded Recently: Vary How You Retrieve a Streamer!
Monday, October 7, 2024
New Trail Cam Pictures and More Fishy Prints from my 3D Printer
Tuesday, October 1, 2024
I Didn't NEED a New Hobby...but Here We Are!
I didn't need a 3D printer, but I have wanted one for a couple of years now. After pitching the idea to my youngest son and getting him on board with the idea, I decided to pull the trigger on one. I chose to buy a used one off Facebook Marketplace because, on average, the 3D printers that I found were half the cost of a brand new one and already assembled. This seemed like a win-win situation to me. I picked up my printer on Sunday and was printing things as of yesterday morning. However, that is making a long story short.
I didn't realize the learning curve that I would experience with this toy/tool. There was a lot to learn and I didn't know where to start. Since I bought the printer used, I didn't get the user manual, tools, or experience of assembling the machine. I wasn't sure what software to use, how to use the software that I chose, or how to use the settings on the printer. I learned a few things on Sunday on my own but also experienced a lot of frustration, a feeling of being overwhelmed, and some buyer's remorse.
While reading online discussion boards, watching YouTube videos, and texting some folks that own 3D printers helped, I needed a teacher. I needed a person to look at what I had, show me how it worked, and identify flaws that my printer had. Luckily for me, the guy that teaches industrial technology at the school that work at has a lot of 3D printing experience and an extremely helpful demeanor. He was able to show me things, correct errors that were present in the machine, and help me understand my misconceptions.
This process reminded me of a couple of things. For starters, I learned that learning something new can be really difficult and sometimes frustrating. As a teacher, it seems like I should know this, but this endeavor was a reminder of the process. It seems like the older we get, the less we take on new and difficult tasks. When we do, it reminds us that learning something, especially something complex, is a challenge. Second, there is no replacement for a good teacher. Sure, I could have watched a bunch of videos and read a bunch of content online, but having an experienced, patient, and enthusiastic person to help me move past my confusion.
Now you might be wondering, what does this post have to do with fly fishing? You would be justified in your thinking but here comes the purpose of this post. I am hopeful that I will be able to 3D print some fly fishing tools and equipment in the coming weeks. I've already printed a knot tying tool and fly line collector that can be attached to a belt. I'll keep everyone posted about what I am making and will be sure to give field testing reviews as well. I'm excited to see what I can make and I hope that you find this new endeavor to be interesting as well!
Friday, September 27, 2024
Frontline Fly Fishing: A Powerful Message of Hope and Healing
Tuesday, September 24, 2024
Ladies Fishing Day at Bennett Spring State Park, THIS SATURDAY!
Friday, September 20, 2024
I was Asked to Participate a Fly Tying Competition at The Iron Fly. Here's my Story- The Conclusion
So there I was, blindfolded and determined to tie the best wooly bugger that I could without my favorite of the five senses. The mental picture of where my tools and materials were located was still fresh in my mind. I knew that I was going to have to lean on that picture and a bunch of muscle memory to complete a fly that wasn't embarrassing.
Surprisingly, things didn't feel as unnatural as I had expected. The hook got secured in the vise, I attached my thread to the hook, and trimmed the tag of the thread with minimal problems. Once I let go of wanting my vision back, I focused more on routine and feel. I've tied a lot of wooly buggers in my life and that level of experience came in really useful. I sure was glad that I wasn't tying an Adams or a Humpy.
This endeavor was not without a few hiccups though. I got my thread wrapped around the point of the hook once. There was also a moment when I dropped my hackle (feather) and panicked but eventually found it. I also got the hackle wrapped around the point of the hook once as well but was able to reverse my wraps and get things back on track. I eventually got to the step where I needed to whip finish my thread (that means make a knot so my fly doesn't unravel) and this was tricky too. I gave a couple of whip finishes because I thought too many knots is better than no knot. I was ready to remove my blindfold but, I'll be honest I was scared to look at the results.
I didn't know what to expect. Would I cast my eyes upon a hideous monstrosity or something that at least resembled a wooly bugger. I wasn't expecting perfection at all, but I was hoping that maybe I tied something that was fishable. When I finally built up the courage to open my eyes, I was pleasantly surprised at what I saw. It wasn't bad.
I inspected my creation and took time to notice the flaws as well as unexpected but favorable components. Some very kind folks shared some generous praise with me, and I'll be honest, my ego inflated a little. It felt good. It always feels good to receive compliments but one glance at my fly brought me back down to earth. It wasn't awful but it could have been better. Between the internal and external conversation, I completely forgot that this was a conversation.
At some point, Cody (my youngest son) pointed out that awards were being handed out. While I hadn't inspected the other contest entries, I thought I had a shot at not being at the bottom of the rankings. In all honesty, that was all I was hoping for. I know, those are some pretty low standards but I struggle with self confidence and always have. I heard the name of the third place finisher and it wasn't me. That was fine. I then heard the name of the runner-up, and that too, wasn't me. Finally, my buddy Eric gave me a slap on the back and said something to the effect of, "Well, I guess we are going to have to give this one to The Show Me Fly Guy."
What happened after that was a blur. I can only liken it to what people experience when they win the Super Bowl and are then asked, "What are you going to do now?" The only words I had were, "Are you serious? Oh my gosh! That's awesome!" I had never won a fly tying contest before and at the risk of sounding egotistical, it felt really good. That feeling didn't last long and humility rushed in without any hesitation.
I realized that I was standing in the presence of heroes and that is not an exaggeration. It took seconds to realize that my small victory was miniscule when compared to what the other attendees had experienced. Make no mistake about it, I valued every handshake and hug that I received from folks that I respect and appreciate more than I can describe. I am not a veteran or a frontline worker. I get to revel in and appreciate the freedoms that these fine folks have afforded me. I get to tie flies blindfolded because of the efforts and sacrifices of our frontline workers.
For a moment, I felt like an equal, but it was fleeting. I'm not on the level of folks but I try to appreciate them at every chance I get. So if you're a frontline worker or a member of Frontline Fly Fishing or a veteran of public service, please know that I appreciate you and everything that you have done for the citizens of the United States. All of us that are indebted to you, appreciate what you have given us. The trophy that I will proudly display for the rest of my life is not one of pride, but an acknowledgement of a tip of the cap from legends and heroes.