The Big C

T-Minus 4 days and counting to the Big C!

Last summer I made a decision.  I was going to start to participate in the vibrant and sometimes bizarre fly-carpin community on-line and on-the-ground.  I was done lurking in the shadows like a thief eager to absorb others thoughts and knowledge without contributing any of my own. 

In December this sometimes awkward but enthusiastic participation payed off when an unbelievably generous offer came my way.  John Montana at Carp On The Fly contacted me out of the clear blue and asked if I would like to come on out to Portland and taste a little Columbia Carpin.   

I accepted immediately.  Why?  Because the fish are enormous and plentiful?  Because I feel like John shares many of my philosophies about fly fishing for carp?  Because John is clearly a great guy and a master of the art?  Yes, yes and definitely yes, but just as importantly this was an opportunity to participate.  To gain a friendship with a fellow enthusiast.  To gain new experiences and expand my fly-carpin horizons.

At some point perhaps I will get a chance to take a lesson from John and pay back or pay forward this generosity.