I picked up a fly rod for the first time in late July at the behest of my daughters Irish boyfriend who guides in Ireland. They were visiting us in Arkansas for a few days. After the first couple of lessons in the backyard, I was hooked. Realizing though that I bream and crappie fish more than trout fish, I emailed Dixieangler for some warmwater advice. He graciously answered that inquiry not only with words of encouragement, but tips, fly recipies, links...you name it, he shared it.

Since, I've not picked up at spinning rig. I've taken up tying all my own flies for trout, bream and crappie. I've had enormous success catching trout, and some of the largest bream ever and just recently bagged my first couple of crappie. I'm still expiermenting and working on my technique, but I have to tell you guys, catching even a small fish on a fly rod is a whole new experience...and I'm in my 50s and been fishing all my life. True, there's a lot to learn and you end up with some tangled messes that defy physics -- but like everything else, the more you do it, the easier it gets.

I just wanted to thank you, Robert, for so kindly opening the doors to a whole new and exciting experience in the love for fishing and, yes, the doors to a new expense stream. What the heck. Thank you. Keep up the good work.

J