Mike, Yeah, buddy, you bring back memories. It is nice to see that the majority of the 'celebs' in this business are not perched on pedestals. Kudos to you.
About 10 years ago I met Dave Whitlock for the first time. He had come to Casper as the Sports Show guest. I was tying for the local fly shop, but I went to where he was tying and sat and watched for a while. He was about as nice a guy as you ever want to meet. I asked him if I could have a fly of his for my collection and he said he would have it the next day. I invited him to come down to the booth and see my giant flies that I had on display. I didn't see him that day and thought he had forgotten about me. But the next morning he showed up early at the booth and just stood across the aisle from us and stared at all the flies for 20 minutes as people came and went. He then came over, complimented me very nicely on my work and handed me a beautiful deerhair-head sculpin that he had tied the night before for me, along with an autographed card. I was floored! A Dave Whitlock fly of my own! I returned the favor by giving him a giant 14/0 sculpin (which he later proceeded to use in one of his videos to demonstrate he Duncan loop knot). Later, the flyshop owner said to me, "Damn, Don. I been tying for 50 years and I don't have a Dave Whitlock fly." I said "And you ain't gettin' mine, either." Since then, Dave and Emily and I have become good friends. So, Mike, you are so right about how good it feels to have someone of notariety take the time to be your friend. Not too many fields are like this one in that regard. It made a big impression on me, and I always wanted to be like Dave in showing friendship to others, especially beginners, especially if I ever got to be a 'celeb'. Maybe someday... Since then, I've become friends with Lefty, Jack Dennis, Gary Laontaine (MHRIP), Royce Dam, and many other famous individuals in this port. Because of the intimate public contact we have with these individuals at the many shows, I think this sport rates above all others in this regard. Thanks for the post, DonO ----- Original Message ----- From: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Saturday, December 21, 2002 6:32 PM Subject: [VFB] WOW!! I must share... > Hey Guys ! > I must share my good fortune > with you! In the Art Of Angling vol.1 , 3rd issue there is a very interesting > article by Michael Simon ,an exquisite artist and flyfisherman. I believe he > wrote the article on Bull Trout in Montana. Well I met him today at my local > fly shop! This guy is unbelievable . He shared with me his photos frrom > the trip ,which were unreal....and some of his art work. He was painting as > we spoke. I did'nt know it , but he is originally from right here in VA! We > started talking and shared a couple of fly patterns and it turns out my > favorite "Brookie" stream is also his favorite! He gave me a card with his > number on it and invited me to fish with him as soon as I could break away. I > was truly honored to say the least! I think Mr. Simon has set up a temporary > residence at my local shop. Well I won't bore you anymore...It was quite > elating for a novice like myself and I had to share it with someone who might > be able to appreciate it. My wife did'nt have a clue and thought I was acting > "crazy"! Well ... thanks for listening ! > > Mike Lipscomb Richmond,VA
