I'm already looking forward to the 2012 musky fly fishing season. I recall being out in the Oakland Hills this time last year - wondering what 2011 would bring across my bow...
As I sit on the frozen banks of the mighty Chippewa River this year contemplating the same thoughts I'll take some time to share images and remembrances of the past campaign...it was a memorable one!
For me 2011 was the year of The Tribe. My 'boys' - Porter, Fischer, Thue and Willen all came into their own this past season. Being the old man is sort of strange. I look in the mirror and wonder where all the grey hairs and character lines came from! Musky do that to ya you know;)
I must admit though - I'd not trade places with anyone...no, I have earned my stripes and one of my true joys is in mentoring and teaching. My philosophy has always been to Pass It On...
I was fortunate enough to be mentored by a couple of the best - Nick Holmes of Whitehall, MT and Bob Mitchell OF Lake Elmo, MN being two of the finest anywhere!
Nick Holmes (L) about to take a young Afton Angler floating down the Jefferson River near Whitehall, MT circa 1980 (Grandpa Bob Zietlow and Father Jim Bohen also!)
Bob Mitchell's Fly Shop winter fly tying class Lake Elmo, MN circa 1979 - Bob is second from left...other fellows unknown...
Now don't get me wrong...the Musky Tribe are all very accomplished anglers on their own merits! I'm not taking credit for all of their fishy ways...you don't make the varsity squad without having some really MAJOR fish_mojo mind you;)
Here are some images I quickly snagged off Facebook for the fellows...Tim, Brian, Erik and Chris top to bottom...
Chris Willen came to Musky Country Outfitters with LOTS of conventional warmwater wisdom and parleyed that into one of the most remarkable rookie seasons any fly angler could hope for!
The 2011 edition of Musky Country Outfitters minus Erik Thue...at The Musky Lab - photo by Keith Kaneko (www.anglingonthefly.com)
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