 Much of the fun of getting to know a new fishing buddy is the slow and pleasant process of asking questions about their life and answering questions about yours. Where’d you grow up? What do you do for a living? If you could have any superpower, what would it be? That’s the routine Tom and I […]  Sincerity—if you can fake that, you’ve got it made. Attributed to many. Those of us who relentlessly pursue large trout with a dry fly are hopeless addicts. If we weren’t, we’d take up easy chores like curing cancer, ending world poverty, or explaining how long forever is. The essence of our addiction is uncomplicated: When we see a good trout rising, […] Once again your way with words (suitably and beautifully illustrated as well) has just absolutely stunned me. I had one of those days with a friend yesterday and you described it perfectly. Thanks Tim. Thanks Howard. I’m happy that you enjoyed the essay, and I’m more happy that you had one of those days with a friend. Best wishes.  Everything is amazing right now and nobody’s happy. Louis C.K. The modern marvel of flight transports us from New York to San Francisco in under six hours, but—as Louis C.K. observed in his brilliant comedic rant—a twenty minute delay on the airport apron is an occurrence we remember for its extraordinary cruelty. Humankind’s spectacular escape from the Malthusian trap has […] I may never make it to Voelker’s Pond but even reading about someone’s trip there is enough to evoke images of fishing along side of one of few heroes. Another winner Tim, thanks.  When someone asks why I release nearly every fish I catch, I have a friend who says “Tim likes to play with his food.” I didn’t always do it this way. Much like Howell Raines, I was schooled in the Redneck Way. Sure, fishing was fun, but a bucket full of bluegills proved that I […] As I small stream guy who revels in equally small fish, I release them not to grow larger, but just to make sure they are there the next time I come to visit.  Bliss Perry was a pioneer in the teaching of American literature. He taught at Williams, Princeton and Harvard, and edited the works of Ralph Waldo Emerson, among others. But I wouldn’t know anything about Professor Perry if he hadn’t written a book called Fishing with a Worm. His short book—published in 1916—begins with an indictment […] I’ve been giving this some thought because it did hit home for me. Unfortunately, my story has to do with fishing with Powerbait, isn’t nearly as romantic (To my knowledge no one has written a classic about Powerbait)and doesn’t have nearly as good an ending. Thanks Tim. Howard, This looks like an opportunity. I think your story “Fishing with a Powerbait” could become the classic we need on this topic. Put the pen to paper, my friend. The nice folks at Berkley might even sponsor your project. 😉  I have a friend who casts a fly for neither distance nor accuracy nor stealth. Aside from those limitations, he’s a splendid fisherman. It’s not for lack of strength or dexterity or intellect. Warren is a farm boy from Catawba, Wisconsin, and he has the farm-boy frame you’d expect: bone, muscle and gristle. He learned […] Tim I just discovered your blog over on Facebook and all I can say is keep telling stories. I can’t wait to read more!  Two recent deaths in my family sent me searching through old boxes and files for a photogragh someone took during a camping trip in southern Illinois sometime around 1970. My obsession worsened for about a month until the person most affected by those deaths sent me a scanned version of the photograph. The man with a child in […] I’m a fan of the Mike’s Gone Fishing blog and there was a link to your Madness and Magic page. I’ve read this one post and it was excellent and real. I’m looking forward to reading more on your blog. This story touched my heart. Thanks for sharing with us.  Fishermen acquire the talent. They start out lying to themselves and, before they know it, they’re lying to anyone who’ll listen. – Paul Quinnett The latin word for witness is testis, which—according to ancient lore—arose because male Romans testifying in court were required to place one hand over their “jewels” as they swore to tell the truth, the whole […] Good stuff, one of the best pieces I’ve read in quite some time, in print or electronic.  When my friend Jerry invited me to join him, Chad, James and Tim for a couple days on the Trophy Waters of the Au Sable River, I worried that I would be out of place in this group of tremendously talented writers and artists. But just as I’ve come to know Jerry to be, these guys are […] A fun few days indeed Tim and yes, a great pic!  I had just threaded my line through the guides, tied on a fly, and was ready to cast when the intruder emerged from the curtain of alders below the downstream bend. In a rushed act of deceit, I hooked the fly to one of the rod’s guides, tightened the line around the reel and walked casually downstream, toward […]  I don’t normally do how-to essays. My way of doing something might not be the best for everyone, so I worry about feeling bad when someone points out that there is a better way. Just the other day, though, I caught the biggest brook trout of my life. That made me feel good. Really good. And now that […] Sound like sage advice to me. Oh ..you sly one you! What a plan. 😉  After Ted Williams watched three balls go by without offering the slightest evidence of a swing, the young catcher behind the plate turned and complained to the umpire. “You’re squeezing us, man.” “Listen, bud,” the umpire responded, “when your pitcher throws a strike, Mr. Williams will let you know.” That’s what I thought about as I clipped off Clarence Roberts’ […] A fine story and a great baseball anecdote. Hope home is treating you well, my friend. Most excellent Sir Schulz! Most excellent indeed .. a definite strike down and inside with just enough light to scare the puppies into submission! ‘Tis true .. they WILL let ye know. Loved the tail of the tale. Keep ’em comin’ we’ere all ears. 😉 You put me right there in the river beside (and slightly behind) you. Ted Williams and fishing go together seamlessly! Beautifully written, Tim. |
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by Tim Schulz
Love this story, I totally relate to it.
I also think most fly fishers end up right here at some point.
Not quite at the river mouth yet !
There comes a time when whether we like it or not, we are old. It allows me a lot of leeway in things I say and do whether I’m fishing or just around people. When you reach that stage of life, you seem to relish in those things that are important and get irritated at those things that aren’t too you. I don’t know where I’m going but I will know it when I get there.
Wherever you go Howard, I hope it is near a good river.
Thanks Mike, I’m glad you liked it. Stay away from that river mouth, there is still plenty of good water upstream.