Just another guy trying to catch a fish on the fly

To Dave, he thinks he is “just another guy trying to catch a fish on the fly” but to his friends and followers he’s the guy you want to fish with and learn from.

I became Instagram friends with Dave early on in my fly fishing journey, granted it’s only been a year and a half but I noticed something quite different about Dave right off the bat. He may be the only person I know that takes even more time than myself to engage on a one-on-one level with his following. To the point that he has been out fly fishing with a ton of them. Crazy right?! I decided it was time to get in touch and see how or why he does this.

 “Probably some of the best things that have ever happened to you in life, happened because you said yes to something. Otherwise, things just sort of stay the same.” 

Dave, like many of us have other jobs than fly fishing. After all, how can we afford the gear, fly tying material and drinks without a paying gig? However, when he isn’t working you know he is on the river. I was curious though, what started his journey of fly fishing with so many random people? He started his Instagram as a way to keep up with his kids and then started posting his fishing photos. One day he was happy about a post and a coworker teased him about his 30 likes, so he decided he was going to make something of his page. Through all his great posts his following grew. Amazingly these people reached out to Dave and ask to fly fish with him, so he says yes! Kind of like Jim Carey in Yes man. Well, with a little more restraint I imagine. Speaking of which here is a fitting quote from that movie “Probably some of the best things that have ever happened to you in life, happened because you said yes to something. Otherwise, things just sort of stay the same.” 

“Even golfers with bad habits like to correct their form, it’s the same with fly fishing”.

Let’s get back on subject. Dave is willing to travel to his people that are eager to fly fish with him and some do the same to meet him. He has taken several people fly fishing on a private stretch of water he has access to which helps when teaching them how to fly fish with no pressure of other fisherman fishing and having the river to themselves. His go to lessons on the water for beginners (for free) are how to cast, how to mend and teaching his new buddies about proper fly selection and match that hatch! Now if he is out with someone with more experience, he puts it like this, “even golfers with bad habits like to correct their form, it’s the same with fly fishing”. There is always something new to learn and enjoy it during the process. 

I asked him what is his best advice, he kept it simple “write down what you learn”. That makes sense actually. I know there is an association with writing things down and retaining it as a memory. What a sharp man!

"Oh, to have been able to witness that day of shenanigans. HAHAH! No fish were harmed, just maybe feelings."

When it came time to wrap up our conversation, I asked Dave to tell me about his most memorable fishing trip He said it was combat fishing with Adem, Gary and Josh. Apparently it was every man for themself on the water that day and they made a game of it. Oh, to have been able to witness that day of shenanigans. HAHAH! No fish were harmed, just maybe feelings. 

What I love most about Dave’s journey is his “pay it forward attitude” We all could do a little more of that I believe. HE does so by fly fishing with followers and random people. I challenge y’all, in what ways could y’all pay it forward? Comment below!

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Tight lines & good vibes!