At the risk of getting to philosophical, I would like to remind us fishermen and women of an important and often under-appreciated fact in our daily competitive life that sometimes goes unnoticed;  that is the ATTITUDE of the fishermen.  A successful fishing trip should not always be measured by the amount and size of the fish we catch, but also by the overall experience of sharing stories with friends, observing a beautiful sunrise or the sound of the river as it passes by.  We don’t need the fish we catch for groceries...Lord knows the grocery stores can provide all we need.  The attraction is in the experience itself.  I received an email from an old friend in Iowa informing me he may have to have his legs amputated and would like to experience fishing in salt water before he would have to undergo surgery.  I think all of us should appreciate having the opportunity to experience what we enjoy and create memories, not only of the fish we catch but of the pleasure of just being there. 

On a lighter note, Chuck Naiser (naiser@dbstech.com) tells me he hasn’t had to shave the past couple of weeks as the wind blows the stubble off his face!  Conditions have been terrible but for a few isolated days...but the good news is there are lots of fish this year.  Reports from the Game and Fish people and guides alike confirm.  Got an email from Rick Gracy in Austin saying his partner caught and released a 33 inch, 11 pound trout in Baffin the other day.  Serious trout!

Mike Munoz is graduating from UTSA this week.  Mike, as most of you know, is an excellent rod maker and the one responsible for the nice inscriptions on all my rods.  He tells me he is going on to graduate school in Marine Biology. 

Looking for an interesting experience this summer?  You might want to email or check out the Web site for Blackwater Dry Fly Fishing at www.theblackwater.com.  I am familiar with the area of British Columbia they float and it is beautiful and secluded.  They have some openings in June and July.   

I have been building a lot of rods lately:  St. Croix 11’ surf rod (when is the last time you pulled up a lawn chair on the edge of the surf next to a cooler full of your favorite adult beverage with waves lapping at your feet, soaked up sun with a surf rod and a piece of cut bait out into the second gut ?); four different Sage Sp’s and Spl’s in 8’ 2” 2 weight 3 piece, 6’3” 3 weight 3 piece, 8’9” SPL 4 weight in 3 piece, and an 8’9” SP in a four weight 5 piece. 

For the casters and spinners I just received the new Sage 7’9” two piece blanks line rated 8 to 12 pound test that is a hoot on Reds and Trout.  Magnificent action and Sage quality.  

Don’t forget to periodically check my Web site.  Has lots of info and links including tide tables!  My hours continue to be 9 to 5 Monday through Friday and 10 to 4 on Saturday. 

Dennis O. Freeman, Rodmakers
13457 Blanco Road
San Antonio, TX/ 78216
210-479-3477
www.rod-makers.com