Golf, anyone?

Last Thursday evening, Barb and I suffered an experience that was both humiliating and frustrating. At this time of year, any angler finding trout that are feeding steadily for several hours on any river is considered to be very fortunate. When we arrived at the pool on the East Branch of the Delaware we had chosen to fish, we were delighted to find 10 or 12 trout feeding constantly. Oh boy, let’s go get ‘em.

Two hours later, as daylight faded toward dusk, there was no joy in Mudville. Like Mighty Casey, we ended the day without a hit. On several occasions, we each suffered the disappointment of having a trout seem to rise and take our fly, yet when we struck we hit nothing but air. We did not even snick one of these risers. Frustrating evenings such as this are enough to make one wonder if the price of a set of golf clubs is comparable to that of a bamboo fly rod. The pain of failure was compounded by the fact that even a bungled cast did nothing to stop the fish from feeding. All evening they seemed to present easy targets, but no fly we showed them produced a solid strike.

When we returned to the campground, where members of the “bamboo gang” hold their weekly meetings, we learned that Tony Bonavist and Roger Menard had also found the fish to be nearly impossible. (If you enjoy reading essays on fly fishing, pick up a copy of Mr. Menard’s book, My Side of the River, Black Dome Press, Hensonville, NY 12439, 518/734-6357.)

Just at dark, Roger had finally hooked a 14-inch brown trout. Except for that fish, both these fine anglers had suffered the same experience as Barb and myself. Yeah, I know, that’s why they call it fishing, not catching. Cute little lines such as that do not relieve the annoyance of being unable to deceive a life form that has a brain barely the size of a pea. This week, I’ll spend some time at the fly tying vice trying to produce a fly that will bring us success on our next trip to the East Branch.

While discussing fly casting with Roger and Tony, I mentioned that I had never mastered the art of double hauling when casting a fly line. This technique increases the speed of the fly line, improving accuracy and the distance cast. Double hauling requires perfect timing and the ability to make the hauls short and smooth. Upon hearing this, Tony stated that he would teach me to double haul in five minutes or less. I thought, no way. After Tony had explained and demonstrated the mechanics involved in making this cast, I found I could indeed double haul. My casts simply were not as accurate or as smoothly done as Tony’s. A bit of practice on my lawn should correct those problems. Mr. Bonavist is one heck of an instructor.

The most memorable part of this season has been the time Barb and I have spent with the members of the “bamboo gang.” We have been able to cast all sorts of bamboo fly rods, from highly prized and very expensive rods made by Everett Garrison and Jim Payne to moderately priced rods bought and refinished by members. Listening to them argue the merits of different rod builders has added to our appreciation of bamboo rods. A lack of unanimity in their opinions only adds spice to these discussions.

Let one and all know that Mr. Doug Galloway has joined the fraternity of fly fishers. After an epic struggle, he landed a six-inch brook trout from the upper Willowemoc Creek. May that trout be the first of many.