One of the most enjoyable parts of being a guide is being a part of peoples lives. For most you are only a part on one day on a vacation. Hopefully a great experience but not one that they plan to repeat. For others though this is at least an annul part of the family schedule. While we were all busy the number of years grew and the shared experiences multiplied.
It is a great pleasure to see those 3 year old perch anglers grow into young man who can handle a fishing rod with ease. Just like their father did what seems like only a short time ago. On the other hand hearing a client refer to their offspring; who you also fish with and know to be about your age; as the children makes you realize that you are a part of the extended family. There is also sadness as you watch a long time friend and client lose the physical abilities that made fishing together a joy for the last 30 or so years.
It is great privilege to be part of so many lives and really a part of their family traditions and of course start new traditions with families I have just met. Not the sort of thing that comes to mind when you think about being a guide but the most rewarding parts of my gig. Thank you all for creating so many shared memories with me.
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