This past weekend, I spent all of my time away from home. Thursday and Friday I visited a college and stayed with a friend who goes there. Saturday, I attended the Indianapolis Boat, Sport, and Travel show for the second year in a row.
This is a massive show that attracts hundreds of people. I wouldn't have gone if not to see Jeff Currier, a legend in the sport of fly fishing. He is the only American to win an individual medal in the world fly fishing championships. He is a representative for Simms, Scientific Anglers, and Yellow Dog. Even more so, he is an incredible guy and something of a mentor to me. He gave talks this year about fishing photography, trout fishing in yellowstone national park, and fly fishing for carp. As usual, I was very impressed with his knowledge base and incredible life experiences in the sport. Jeff has helped me by answering my questions and helping me become a better fisherman for over two years.
I remember discovering his blog in late 2013, while he was on a tigerfish trip in Tanzania. His blog was the inspiration behind my writing of this one now. I still can't believe years later that I've been fortunate enough not only to meet him, but to hear his presentations, have him draw on a fly box, and assist me in my quest for fishing knowledge over the years. I can only say that Jeff has been a great help to me and I come back to this show as long as I know he'll be there. Jeff, if you read this blog, think of it as a thank you for everything you've done. I look forward to seeing you again next year for another great show!
Charles was grounded for something this year and was unable to attend. I ended up spending most of my time hanging out and talking with Jeff and the guys from Wildcat Creek Outfitters. We were going to go see the snake exhibit the DNR puts up, but unfortunately it only runs every other day. Apparently Kevin VanDam was there Friday, but I missed him. Gerald Swindle gave a great talk I wasn't expecting. His main message was positive thinking and hard work, something I think everybody can learn from. He preached about not searching out sponsorships but instead doing the fishing and letting your experience get your sponsorships for you. In a bass fishing world driven by large companies and anglers scrambling for sponsorship opportunities at younger and younger ages, I really liked hearing these words from a professional bass fisherman.
At the end of the day, I ended up coming back with more knowledge from Jeff and a new SA fly line. The guide told me it was a Streamer Express, but I can't seem to find a line that matches the description. It must be long discontinued, because I don't see and streamer express lines with a sinking tip and intermediate running line. Either way, this like should serve me well if I ever get to catch lakers in Yellowstone like Jeff spoke about. I might use it to strip streamers in Eagle Creek reservoir for bass. We'll just have to see.
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