Both of my grandfathers died before I was five years old, but all of my Grandpa Baker's fishing equipment was in our downstairs storage room. An old bamboo rod, leader boxes, fly wallets, etc. There many stories about him fishing the Provo River. He would start at Vivian Park Bridge, but if it was crowded, he would move down fifty or a hundred yards, and fish. When he would start catching fish, everyone by the bridge would move down closer to where he was, which would make plenty of room for him up by the bridge. The flies were magic to me as a little boy. There were flies for the Provo, and flies for Strawberry Reservoir. All were the fodder for legend in my young mind. I would take a bait hook, some of Mom's sewing thread and feathers that would poke out of old pillows, and try to fashion flies. Even after many attempts the product never looked anything like Grandpa's flies. On my eleventh birthday, I was given a fly-tying kit from the fabled Herter's catalog. I had no idea that you didn't tie flies on Mustad bait hooks. I had no instruction, and little knowledge. When I was fifteen I purchased an inexpensive (cheap) fly rod, and a green Perrine automatic reel. ( I still have the reel). I learned to cast on big ponds. I have caught some very nice Rainbows and Cutthroats on Strawberry by wading out to the top of my hippers and casting large Double Renegades to rising trout. I am at least avid, some would say obsessed. I have been a fine music teacher in the public school system in Utah for 31 years, so I could support this activity. There are several special events which have propelled me forward in the flytying/fishing way of life. First was during the summer of '64 when I was working at Old Faithful in Yellowstone. I wish I had known then (about flyfishing/tying, and about life) what I know now. I met a fly tyer during that summer who was passing through the Park. I think his name was Don Murray. Any of you west-coasters may know the name. He drove an old panel van which had a picture of a funny-looking fly on the side, and it read, " Don Murray, inventor of the Parachute Fly" His specialty was a parachute fly called the Sierra King. I will share the recipe with anyone who desires it. I kept several of these for a long time. The other events are more recent; associating on-line with all the fine fly-people on the VFB It is truly a treat. Byard is a prince among men, because he not only cares about his business, but he does many things for us because he cares about us and about fly tying in general. I have met several of you folks. I would like to meet you all, I would like to fish with you all, and I would like to invite you all to come and fish in Utah. Tony Spezio is a special man. I love to swap flies. I learn a lot. I am slow, but I make up for it by being fun to watch. I have had the great good fortune of tying alongside some terrific tyers, like Joyce Westphal, Karl Barton and Tom Davenport. You can learn something from everyone. The other significant happening has been the purchase of a Norvise. Can't tell you what a boost this gave me as a tyer. Thanks for listening. Didn't mean to take so much room, so forgive me.
Larry Johnson [EMAIL PROTECTED] >>> [EMAIL PROTECTED] 02/20/03 10:48PM >>> Why I fly fish is a simple question to answer. It is good for the soul. I am totally at peace out there on the water. Why do I tie -- because it keeps me connected with being out there on the water. Ken MacGillivray Coquitlam BC
