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28 December 2003 Newsletter |
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Another year, another time for reflections, but I think I will leave most of the reflections to the news-sawyers and let them dwell on the good and bad of 2003. But it would be re-miss for me not to at least provide my observations on the “itude’s”. An ‘itude’ is the last four letters of many words such as Longitude, Latitude, Servitude, Aptitude, Platitude, Attitude, and Gratitude, only the last of which I will comment upon.
Yesterday a good customer and friend visited the shop, Command Sgt. Major Ron Garrison, who retired after serving the U. S. Army for 35 years and is the recipient of no less than seven (7) Purple Hearts having served in all the wars and insurrections from Viet Nam to Iraq as Special Operations Chief, and as most of us know, one that is hidden in the hills and deserts, alone, selecting targets long before troops arrive and long after they arrive. Ron says “it’s just a job”, but I say, as another of my customers told him as he was leaving, thanks for your service! I think many of us take for granted the ‘job’ warriors such as Ron does to help keep us safer and more comfortable in our own small part of this world. Attitude – Gratitude. How can we not respect his attitude and how can we not be grateful for his and our military’s service!
Gary Lehman and Mike Munoz presented me with a beautiful photo enlarged, framed and matted for Christmas, of Gary in a Kayak in South Bay, with their own quotation: “ F*L*A*T*I*T*U*D*E - Flyfishing the Texas Gulf Coast at various Latitudes but with only one Attitude”. I have it proudly and prominently hanging in the shop but I am most proud as young men they understand the importance of attitude! To take life as it comes – even if it is not what we want or expect, requires a good attitude. I have already heard new years resolutions from customers – “next year I’m going to fish at least once a month!” Myself, I am going to try maintaining a good attitude and not get down on myself if what I want to achieve is unachievable.
Since my last email, many have
emailed me back requesting the recipe for the ‘English Bonefish’ (Mullet) fly
and even a photo. I don’t know how to include the photo with
this writing but the following in the recipe:
“Small dark green fly – small circle hook or nymph number 10 hook with a little
dark green dubbing. Nothing fancy, just try 3 or four different colors of green
and maybe even a few yellow/greens. Capt. Zamba suggests using a 4 pound
leader of about 6 feet in length, floating line. If the fish are a little spooky, as they
are most of the time, try chumming with breadcrumbs or small bits of
white bread.”
I am very anxious for someone to try this fly and technique as it could open a whole new world for those new to flats fly fishing, giving them experience in casting at a target and the feel of a strong fish on the line!
I apologize to those receiving my emails that are not fly fishing (yet) and would like to remind those folks you can build your own casting or spinning rods here in the shop, or for that matter, I will work with you in the design and function of the rod and build it for you. I carry some unique rod blanks from Sage such as 8 ½ footers for casting or spinning with line ratings of 8 – 15 pound test and 8 – 20 pound test (you can cast them into the next zip code!); a Sage 7’9” two piece rated from 6 – 12 pound test; and a series of 6 to 7 foot rods in 3 piece configurations in various powers that are great for the traveler. I also carry many of the St. Croix blanks.
Recently I have been privileged to provide the Joshua Creek people with fishing equipment, flies etc. and would like to share with you their Web site: http://www.joshuacreek.com/. They have excellent trout fishing, bass fishing in private lakes as well as a mile or so of Guadalupe river frontage! If you haven’t been out there, at least go to their Web site and roam around – really a class operation! My primary casting instructor, Lt. Col. Randy Bland, has consulted, advised, and is conducting clinic’s at the Joshua Creek Ranch. They have a very unique and well stocked pro shop for the bird hunters and fisher’s.
I would like to mention, again, I have a substantial number of trout flies for the Guad, Shonto (http://www.shontoranch.com/), and Joshua Creek at very competitive prices. Come by for a look see or come in on Monday and tie some flies with Herb from 5 – 8 p.m. While you are here you should go out back to my casting area and test out the new Xi 2 and TCR rods I have built and have lined with Royal Wulff Bass tapered lines – I think you will be amazed at their speed and power!
Thank you for your interest in my shop and in our recreation – quality fishing with quality products. For you, my customers and friends, I am grateful!
Happy New Year!
Dennis O. Freeman
RODMAKERS
13457 Blanco Road
San Antonio, TX 78216
210-479-3477