Last week in Long Beach California...

You can find that dazzling bit of wordsmithing here: https://www.americancastingassoc.org

(If you look closely on the right side of the picture you will see this broad-shouldered muscle man, and right next to him you might be able to see my beard.)

The celebration was a good time, but wasn’t the main reason that I had flown out to Southern California. Along with the event at the club, there was a meeting and practice scheduled for the team. I had expressed my interest in competing to Whitney, and she invited me to come hangout. I really had no idea what to expect. You might say I practice casting from time to time, but I really wasn’t sure if I was good enough to cast competitively much less be on the team (I’m still not positive that I am). To make matters worse, many of the people hanging around that particular casting pond are familiar with the weight of a medal hanging around their neck. Hell, even the man himself showed up to the event. What a guy!

So here I am, a nobody from nowhere trying to dodge the shadows of giants when my rod takes friendly fire from an attendee at the event. “Accidents happen, no big deal.” On the other hand, my comfort rod is toast, and I’m casting in front of several GREAT casters. Let’s just say that it was a great practice to gauge performance under duress. It still went ok. I had some ups and downs getting used to different rods, but that is all part of the adventure. It turns out that I’m not too shabby with a whippy stick and a string after all, or at least some of the teammates were kind with their words about it. Other than meeting so many amazing people, one of my favorite parts was the ever-present ability to nerd out about fly casting with anyone standing near by. Man, I love that. If only there were more fly fishers in the world.

It’s going to take me a little while to digest all the gear, theory, games, rules, ideas, tools, and so on, but I can take an antacid tablet along the way. You may not have realized this, but there are several ways to whip a stick, and when a string is involved, look out, it can get complicated. I knew about many of the games that were involved with the different competitions, but getting to pick up a rod and play some of those games on the hallowed ground of LBCC was an honor. “Hey, grab this rod and shooting head, and give it a rip.” “Well, I don’t mind if I do.” Practicing is always an enjoyable time for me. Push yourself, see what you can do, try to learn, and improve. It is what some of us live for, but the art side of fly casting can be as mesmerizing.

Speaking of art, I had the privilege of watching Whitney Gould swing around her two-handed long sword, and she is a force to be reckoned with. Whitney was practicing her demo distance cast, the one that she was going to be performing for the event (those silly spey casting people need some extra space to work), and she asked me if she was in the way of the other casters. It was hard for me not to laugh. I don’t know if you have kept up with her more recent accolades, but if she wants to practice, we can figure out a way to make sure she can any and every time she wants. So, I respond, “What do you mean? You are the Lady of the Lake. We are more than happy to give you space to swing around Excalibur.” Now, given my nature to make mediocre jokes, try to be sociable, and give people nicknames that they don’t ask for, I thought this was hilarious. I still chuckle when I think about it.

If she hates the nickname, I am happy to tell that story so it can also bother her in print. Maybe, people will even call her that from time to time so that she can be reminded of my silliness.

The bad part is you will have to ask her to find out.

I can’t say enough about the hospitality that I received, the new friends that were made, the stories that we will tell, and how much it meant to me to spend time with fly casting legends. I can say that I am thankful to be involved, and that I am inspired to practice, learn, and grow into a valuable member of the US Fly Casting Team. See you at the Worlds.