I seem to reflect a great deal in my later years, and today being my birthday the first of which was celebrated in 1940, I look back on the road I have traveled, the paths I have crossed of others some going in my direction, some not, and consider the ‘what if’s’!  My friend Marty Malin has a friend he nicknamed ‘fonly’ – he was always saying if only he had done this, or if only he had done that but always questioning decisions made and relying on hindsight in every day situations.  Like everyone, I too have regrets and ‘if only’s’, but I have come to the realization reflecting on missed opportunities in business and relationships with family is not productive.  I choose to look forward, not back, and rely on my experiences to guide me in the future.  (However, if only I had signed the contract pushed in front of me some 20 years ago offering me exclusive distribution rights throughout North America for Burton Snowboards, but then my experience growing up in the North told me, who in their right mind would want to surf board on snow even if it was the rage in Switzerland!  Ah, well. . . . . . . . . .).

 

Those of us who have been around fly fishing for a long time, and even many of the ‘newcomers’ when asked who, in their opinion, contributed most to the popularity of fly fishing and who are the most prominent teachers in this era, most of us would reply Lefty Kreh and Dave Whitlock.  For my birthday I was given by my wonderful wife Linda and my two sons Ryan and Chad, a full day – one on one with Mr. Whitlock, and his wife Emily, to participate in his great teaching methods and to fish the White River in the Ozark’s with ‘the master’.  I am at this time trying to secure dates and to see if my son’s will join me to make it a 3 day event!  To say this salty dog is excited would be an understatement!  Just two weeks ago two customers spent a day with Mr. Whitlock and from what they tell me are in awe of his genius and technique, his art work and of his writings and endorsements.  Mr. Whitlock’s Website:  http://www.davewhitlock.com. 

 

This past month it seems the gods protecting our fishing gear have been on a holiday!  I have been repairing and replacing broken rods daily all month!  Seems car doors eat a majority with a few tail gates and even bow mounted trolling motors gobbling up rods, with Kayak’s and the jetty rocks claiming several others.  And on rare occasions a fish dives under a boat when the line is short!  That doesn’t happen if you fight the fish at a short distance and retrieve him with enough time to revive the fish.  The technology in the new rods are not as durable as the old ‘ugly stick’s and the occasional breakage should be expected.

 

Mark this date on your calendar – Saturday October 23^rd!  From 11: a.m. to 8: p.m. the Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) is having their annual Family Festival at the Helotes Festival Grounds across from O’Conner High School in Helotes.  There will be live music, food and refreshments, boat dealers, booths, activities for all and I am hoping for a surprise visit from my ‘Team Navy’ guys with the Fountain ‘Team Navy’ boat for photo opp’s and a little casting off the bow, but unfortunately, a small amount of ‘politics’ must be played first. 

 

All the special’s I had in last months newsletter have sold with the exception of the 9’ for 9 weight 3 piece Sage RPLXi at $325.  Heck of a deal. . . . . . . . . .

 

I currently have a good selection of Sage Casting and Spinning blanks in lengths of 7’9”; 8 ½’; 9’; and even one in 11’ in various powers for line weights that range from 6 pound to 40 pound!  The long rod would make someone a great jetty Tarpon rod for casting. . . . . .

 

Come by for a visit or cast a line out back.  Looking forward to seeing you.

 

Dennis O. Freeman

RODMMAKERS

rodmaker@rod-makrs.com

210-479-3477

13457 Blanco Road

San Antonio, TX 78216