I fished below Whitney dam yesterday and noticed a couple of other fly fishermen. My natural reticence to walk up to strangers and introduce myself - along with a high degree of not wanting to invade a fisherman's privacy - kept me from meeting what I assume to be some very fine people. People that I apparently have a lot in common with.

I like people, most people. I've liked every fly fisherman I've ever met so far. So here's the deal.

If you see an older looking fella with a gray beard and gray hair and wearing a tan colored pith helmet out fly fishing - please feel free to holler at me and let's visit for a bit. I won't intrude on anyone, but I sure like it when other fishermen strike up a conversation. I wear the pith helmet during the hot weather. I generally also wear a tan fly fishing vest and will be in shorts and a tee shirt of some kind. If it's cold enough for waders then it's too cold for these warm blooded fish - or so it's been my experience - so I'll either be bare legged or not in the water at all.

Just for general interest, how do you feel about being approached by another fishermen when you're out fishing? I like it - but I don't feel like I should bug other people...

Thanks Lloyd, I'll look out for you.

I'm generally fishing below the 2114 bridge and before the next big bend in the river - or within a mile or so of the bridge but downstream of it. Typically on weekends/holidays and almost never early in the morning but sometimes up to dark. Hope to see you!

I talk to everyone fishing. It is very infrequent that I meet someone who isn't interested in a brief discussion. Their body language and short answers give those people away very quickly. I just keep moving and give them their space.

I'm always up for a good chat. I've never believed in being stingy or secretive with my fishing spots, bait, or technique. The way I see it, if I help you catch a fish, I made your trip awesome.

Jamie well said lol. I could talk enough about fishing to hold a conversation with a person that was deaf and dumb. Very few people you encounter like that but they give their self away very fast most of the time. Give them an old good luck and keep on trucking:)

When I went to the Aquilla spillway the other day I ended up chatting with someone and he gave me 1 of his fish for the tank here. Usually it's not an issue talking with someone and they want to know about fly fishing, if I am.

I fish that section almost weekly from my kayak.
You can stop and talk to me any time.



This is me.

I'll keep an eye out!

I enjoy talking for a bit to other fly guy/gals. Fly fisherman seem more apt to talk than any other fisherman.

ditto

I don't live your area but if you are ever down in the San Antonio area and see a person usually wearing an Astro baseball cap fishing for Bluegill that will be me. Come on over anytime. Would love to meet ya.

You got it!

I've always found that if you stop at a respectable distance and initiate conversation, most anglers will welcome you. And if they don't, no harm done. I've made many friends that way.

It's been my experience that, if you strike up a conversation with another fly fisherman, you do more talking than fishing - which is fine by me. Most fly fisherman ( if not all of them ) are very interesting and courteous people with a story to tell.
If you ever come across a guy fly fishing out of an old center console Jon boat on Ray Roberts, wave me down. I'm always up for a fish story.