I met 87Flyfisher about a year and half ago thru TA's and found out we live close to one another. Anybody who has spent any time on the OB knows of his expertise in fly fishing and overall great knowledge on lots of OB topics.

The preacher at our church has a daughter who had a husband that was a LEO. A couple of years back her husband was killed in the line of duty while making a call to a residence that was known to be manufacturing and trafficking drugs. As they knocked on the door the criminal opened fire with a full auto and struck him in the neck, killing him instantly.

They had a son who just turned 11 and the little boy much enjoyed going hunting and fishing with his dad. He was coming to stay for a week with his grandparents (Our preacher and his wife.) the little boy wanted to go fishing somewhere so I had a conversation with 87Flyfisher and he graciously offered to take him.
So yesterday we took him to Dry Run Creek in Norfork, Ark. It is a very special fisheries that is limited to children under the age of 16. 87Fly spent basically all day with him teaching him how to fly-fish (the little guy had never held a fly rod in his life).
The kindness and patience of 87Fly can not be adequately expressed in words. He was focused on nothing but teaching this little boy to handle a fly rod and to catch fish. It was a very heartwarming and memorable experience for this little boy and his grandpa and me.
I would also add that 87Fly would not let us pay him a dime for this.
I want to just say how blessed we are on the OB to have the privilege of knowing 87Flyfisher.
There are not words to express my thanks and gratitude to you 87Flyfisher!

Is it time yet to collect funds to get him rigged for future fishing trips? I'm in.

There's something special about taking kids out to experience the outdoors for the first time, and something special about those that get to take them. Good on you.

I remember and am indebted to anyone who ever took me hunting/fishing or ever let me go on their place....Im pushing 50 and still trying to pay em back or at least pass it on to someone else

good stuff

Awesome job to both of you. That kid will remember this fishing experience forever!

Ummm. How big was the fish he caught....

I can testify to both Gunny and 87FlyFishers generosity and kindness. They arranged for a similar experience for my son.

And while his patience with Alex was exemplary - it was really tested when he was coaching me and shined just as brightly then too.

Gunny456 said:

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I met 87Flyfisher about a year and half ago thru TA's and found out we live close to one another. Anybody who has spent any time on the OB knows of his expertise in fly fishing and overall great knowledge on lots of OB topics.

The preacher at our church has a daughter who had a husband that was a LEO. A couple of years back her husband was killed in the line of duty while making a call to a residence that was known to be manufacturing and trafficking drugs. As they knocked on the door the criminal opened fire with a full auto and struck him in the neck, killing him instantly.

They had a son who just turned 11 and the little boy much enjoyed going hunting and fishing with his dad. He was coming to stay for a week with his grandparents (Our preacher and his wife.) the little boy wanted to go fishing somewhere so I had a conversation with 87Flyfisher and he graciously offered to take him.
So yesterday we took him to Dry Run Creek in Norfork, Ark. It is a very special fisheries that is limited to children under the age of 16. 87Fly spent basically all day with him teaching him how to fly-fish (the little guy had never held a fly rod in his life).
The kindness and patience of 87Fly can not be adequately expressed in words. He was focused on nothing but teaching this little boy to handle a fly rod and to catch fish. It was a very heartwarming and memorable experience for this little boy and his grandpa and me.
I would also add that 87Fly would not let us pay him a dime for this.
I want to just say how blessed we are on the OB to have the privilege of knowing 87Flyfisher.
There are not words to express my thanks and gratitude to you 87Flyfisher!

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GOOD BULL!!

Thanks for sharing and 87Fly, we appreciate you upholding the Aggie Spirit, although I'm suspecting you were raised with those values long before campus days...

I guess I need to quit trying to be more productive and go back to wasting more time on the Outdoor Board. I didn't see this until now.

Gunny- it was a pleasure to spend time with that nice young man, see his joy (especially with the tragedy he had already experienced in his young life) and know by his questions and improvements in technique that he "was getting it".

Dry Run Creek is truly unique and I'm glad it is a mile from my house. What was already a creek with year round cold water, unlimited food and big trout was enhanced by the fly fishing genius Dave Whitlock for maximum habitat and angler access.

Unlike taking a kid to an over stocked trout park, where they may catch a trout every other cast, the trout in there aren't easy and only reward good presentations so it is a real fly fishing experience. I don't hook the trout and then hand the rod to kids I take. There are trout over 24" and seasonally over 30" in there so it offers the opportunity to land a true "fish of a lifetime".

I'm thankful I've gotten to take your preacher's grandson, Alex and Trip Jr. from this group fishing there. Jenny and I are always happy to take Aggie kids, grandkids, etc. under 16 fishing there if they are visiting The Ozarks.

One Eyed Rev.- He landed 6, all on his own and the largest was a fat 18" Rainbow. I'll get Gunny to see if he can get some pics from Grandpa.

Does the young man need a fly rod of his own and gear?

I'd be happy to contribute to getting him his own gear.