This is getting to be a habit, fishing Silver Creek near Show Low, Arizona. This time it was with a local Superior resident named James Grey. James, in his younger years, was in the music industry, playing bass for various rock and roll bands. He’s brushed elbows with The Allman Brothers and Vince Gill, to name just a couple.

I lost count of the number of fish I caught at 7. This means I caught 7, or maybe as many as 10. I just don’t know. It was a pretty good day though, having landed 3 of the large Rainbows in Silver Creek. The first one went maybe 22”. The last one was at least 6” longer. Taking into account a fisherman’s tendency to exagerate, we’ll call it a 20” fish and a 24” fish. Still, not bad for a small mountain stream in Arizona, even if it is stocked with these large trout.

James did not have as successful a day, but he enjoyed the day nonetheless. On the way home, we spoke of the similarities between fly fishing and playing the bass. An expensive instrument does not make one a better player. Nor does a high dollar rod make one a better caster or catcher. In both cases, the finer tool makes the experience so much more pleasurable. You just have to practice your craft, whatever it is. Spend time doing the thing, whether you’re good at it or not. With repetition comes mastery.

So, a custom fly rod won’t make much difference in your success rate, but you will enjoy the learning curve so much more. If you want to enjoy the process more, contact me. We’ll find a blank to fit your style and budget.