Words of Wisdom...Be Pro-Active

mark raisler photo

This found on the sidewalk in Anacortes Washington. It is attached next to the road drain and drains directly to the Puget Sound.

A gentle reminder to never dump stuff into the ground that we need to get rid of. It will make it to the water and will kill something.

I know it's hard to always obey, just try to do the right thing. If we do this , good things will happen.

Who knows, maybe the fish gods will reward you with a GIANT BROWN this year. Or maybe not. But you will sleep better at night.

Thursdays...

Craig MT during the week are damn slow. This time of year is quiet. As China of Izaak's stated last night, "I like it when we get Craig back." Meaning, not all the folks around, it is quite nice...for a couple weeks...then it is just plain painfully boring.

B & E Ben tying Skykomish Sunrise @ Izaak's | 11/7/09

Although, it does give seasonal businesses time to mend and heal. Having operations that are open every day takes its toll on those who are involved. There are no weekends off, every day is a weekend. So, that aspect of this time of year is enjoyable. Sleeping in, reading the paper, catching up with those friends you have in town who you may not have talked to in 6 months...you know, the normal life kind of stuff. In Craig, you run hard for 210 days in a row.

Thursday night this year will be Fly Tying Night @ Izaak's. A great opportunity for the Craig local set to gather, tie, eat, drink, and kibitz. Last night was a free for all, with no theme set. Ben tied Steelhead flies, John tied Redfish Flies, Mark & Danielle tied Grizzly Hackle Peacock's, and the Kuhnert's tied Zebra Midges. Heckert made us a delightful plate of Beef Straganoff and Melanie a wonderful Choco Chip soft baked slice of heaven with a dollop of ice cream on top.

All locals are invited to this weekly event, or if you happen to be lost and in Craig on Thursdays and don't have anything better to do, stop in and whip one up! I believe there will be some potluck involved as the cold season progresses.

Ben and John Insulating the Floor | November '09
Headhunters stock photo

Scumliner Productions will be putting up fly tying videos of our favorite Missouri River Flies for those of you who tie at home and wish to prepare for your 2010 trip. I am excited about this, as we all can learn more about tying. Casting and tying alike, there is always more!

As the off season Blog moves along, SOL, and hopefully other Authors too, will be writing more instructional and informational style entries. If you would like to see us address any type of situation or discuss any fly fishing topic, or would like to pen an article for the Blog...please let us know.

We are open at the store this weekend for shuttles and a place to hide out of the wind. Saturday and Sunday promise to be very good with the wind going away and the clouds coming in. Get on out here to catch the last hoorah of Baetis before the Holiday Weekend coming.

MMmmm...Turkey...the most over-rated meal of the year.

Montana Style...

Young Severed Deer Leg | Joe's Parking Lot
photo mark raisler

Things you may see on the ground in Montana never cease to amaze me.

Here is a short Top 5 List:

1. Horse Head; Entire Head, stripped of any hair, eyes still in place, cut off at neckline
2. Small Birds; 2 Song Birds, posed next to the Horse Head
3. 6 Pack Rainer Pounders; Side of road, afraid to pickup based on region of MT
4. Dead Deer; any road in Montana, scattered like confetti at a Bday party
5. Readers Choice; If you've been here, you have an item for this list

Monday, and looking forward to Monday Night Football. I don't even like football, but Craig in the off-season, you learn to like football...or re-runs of I Love Lucy

Capt Carp: Thrashing a 2 Hander on the Clearwater

Scumliner: Back from the marshes of LA, bunches of Red's to hand w/ Lt Dan

SOL: Camel Free 4 weeks today, generally unhappy..but not cranky/pissed

B & E Ben: Planning the interior Re-Mod, insulation under the floors tomorrow

J the B: Reworking the IPod for winter, adding more Hip-Hop to keep Scumliner and SOL active

THE BOSS: In Napa CA with Skidmore for the winter. Sunshine is cool!!

FNG: Back in Boise for the winter. I wonder what's in Boise?

Adair: Living like a 5 yr old...Bliss every moment

The Might Mo: Attracting waterfowl, and wind, and a few anglers

You, the Reader: Planning your next Missouri River Adventure...that's right

Strides...

The Original Exterior Look | November 2007
Mark Raisler photo

...there have been many since our inception...

"Will you just look at that little, red and runty, building?!*#" That describes our initial thoughts about the Headhunters shack. We are still here after 2 years...looking at that little scrappy structure gives us the strength to move forward...ahead...improve...all that positive shit.

Headhunters has made great strides in our short existence in Craig Montana. The exterior has changed, the interior has changed...and both of these things will continue to change.

Interior Work | February 2008
John Arnold photo

What will remain the same is our unparalleled staff, products, and services.

Headhunters Fly Shop Staff will remain the same with maybe add'l cast members forthcoming. Andrew and Sara both plan to be back in the spring of 2010. They will continue to provide outstanding customer service and possess excellent product knowledge. Julie will of course be the anchor of Headhunters with John and Mark continuing to balance time between guiding and shop responsibilities. Ben will be back for his 3rd year with Headhunters guiding and working a limited amount in the store. I anticipate adding another key employee or two for 2010. We are focused daily on how to improve our already great customer service.

There are several Product changes and improvements for this upcoming year. We are changing about a 100 bins of flies. We have 816 fly choices in our Missouri River Specific Selection...that means that Headhunters will have approx. 100 new choices in 2010. Always improving and updating our fly selection is one concept John and Mark are committed to.

Stagnant fly selections
are like stagnant
Web Sites, Fishing Reports, & Blogs...
I hate stale shit!

Shuffling Flies | March 2009
Mark Raisler photo

All the new Super Techy Nymphs, Thingamabobber Attractors, a pile more Hi-Vis Dries, and even more Streamers will be available for your fishing pleasure when you visit this next summer.

We vow to never become the store that is relying solely on retail...we just have the actual stuff you need on the river. Our vision to keep a narrow focus and stay true to the most important facets of Headhunters while managing expectations of both ourselves as well as our clients is how we dictate what will come next. That's a big sentence; Damn True. What this all means to our valued guests is...Quality of Experience and Focus on Service.

We are so proud of our Services and are looking for ways to improve for 2010. All of the Guides that we have worked with will be around for 2010. Your outfitters here at Headhunters, Falls Outfitters MBO #5807 & Get the Drift Outfitters MBO #9031, only hire career guides who perform on a daily basis. They fish hard and we expect them to guide hard as well. Keep in mind that these fella's book a lot of their high season trips by February, and many a year in advance. If you wish to fish with specific guide..as the saying goes..."Book early for the good guides!"

We will have at least 3 Rental Boats this next year and they too are beginning to book earlier every year.

Rainbow & Brown Cabins | Summer
headhunters stock photo

Lodging at the Craig Trout Camp has become Extremely Popular. The Occupancy Rate for rainbow, Brown, and Sutton Place was better than 83% in 2009. If you wish to stay in Craig, next to Headhunters and Izaak's...a stones throw from the Missouri River...make your reservations sooner than later. The high seasons are nearly gone. This is NO BS! Contact us at the shop to hammer out your Craig MT Reservations.

Izaak's will open full time again and better than ever. We are fortunate to have a successful team at Izaak's and we would starve if they were not here. As for visitors...they are truly appreciative as well. Thanks Izaak's for providing high quality cuisine, beer, entertainment, cocktails, and wine selection.

Strides...we never look behind us, we only look forward...this allows us to make countless more strides and to enjoy and embrace the challenges ahead.

Remember: Information, Education, and Customer Service... our achievable goals.

Headhunters Summer Games

Wiffle Ball | Summer Game of Headhunters

Fishing and Friends...

John of Izaak's | Perfect Fall Day
photo mark raisler

Fishing is fun; even more when fishing with friends. As soon as you drift away from the boat ramp, all the worldly worries slip away. Then...

While upset at work, let your mind seek the enjoyable times of your last summer and reflect on the positive enlightening experiences of fishing with friends.

If that does not do it, sneak that bottle of Maker's Mark from the desk drawer and take a couple hits.


Happy Birthday to Captain Carp, he is 32 today. Guiding will age him rapidly. He is one of the young ones, still not afraid to work hard. He is booking well in advance for this upcoming season, so get on it if you want one of the best guides on the Missouri.

Capt. Carp with his 1st Permit. Spring 2009 with Captain Scott Yetter of Sight Fish Charters, Ramrod Key, FL.

November is...

...not bad at all my Blogger friends.

Here is Paul Feinberg with one of his Dry Fly Fish on a high and bright Montana Missouri River afternoon.

The dry fly game is still on. The high sun never helps, but there still are fish rising to the BWO.

The streamer bite was not all that hot yesterday, meaning pretty shitty, meaning no chases, touches, looks, sniffs, etc...

Nymphing not too bad, not on fire...wait for the sippers and be happy.

Capt. Carp Dead Song of the Day: Any bootleg on DAT.

Guide of the Week: Any guide who can get a paycheck this time of year.

Best Dip for Wheat Thins: Salmon Cream Cheese

Fly of the Week: Nymen's Cripple sz 18

Capt. Carp: Bought a new D90...looking forward to his cool shots in the future.

Scumliner: Getting on a Jet Airplane and Redfishing for the week with Lt. Dan.

FNG & THE BOSS: Off to greener pastures for the winter...both will be back in 2010

B & E Ben: Wrecking the Steelie's with his two-hander

SOL: Depressed and not smoking for 22 days, he loves to chain smoke Camel's

Brown Trout Release | Summer 2009
Headhunters Stock Photo

Time off...

Steelhead is the word for Headhunters Staff members this week. This photo of Andrew, THE BOSS, is from last year in the Meat Hole on the Grande Ronde. I don't know why we did not take any pictures of actual fish...it's a mystery. The FNG, B & E, Skidmore, and THE BOSS are Spey Thrashing on the Ronde and Snake for the week or more. Pic's and Hero stories forthcoming. B & E has landed a few fish already, hope the rest of the crew does as well.

Julie, John, and Mark are ordering all the new stuff that you all must have for 2010. It is not quite as exciting as swinging a fly for Ocean dwelling rainbows, or is it?

Monday...reflections, and RANTS!

The Cropdusters @ Izaak's Outfitters Ball
photo Mark Raisler

As Scumliner has said in the fishing report, this is the Secret Season.

Craig is a GHOST TOWN. The fish do not mind if there are not many folks around...they just rise all day long without interruption.

So, if you like that kind of action...

More pictures of the Outfitters Ball and the yahoo's that attended.

As for Rants...I will get a few things off my chest before they drive me into evil mental gymnastics all winter long.

Things that SOL Hates...

Casting behind the oar. Upstream while drift boat fishing. Why on earth would you limit your fish catching ability, not once, but all F****** day long, for days on end? Why would you do that to yourself. It is absolute insanity!! You are handcuffing the fella in the back seat partner. He never gets a drift, EVER. Because you are F***ing your buddy out of a drift, every time!!! And then you blame him for crossing your line. Are you this ignorant at work? I doubt it, because you would have been fired day one pal.

That felt great, I'm gonna try another one. This is helpful for me, good shit.

Hooking the Anchor Line, over, and over, and over, and over, and over...into perpetual madness! Scumliner hates this behavior. Get it out yourself. SOL will get one out for free, no more for Scumliner. Just do not do it, there will always be the anchor there.

Casting when you are tangled up...Why does the angler not know that he is tangled? Is he fishing? Is he in the game at all? Craziness. Curt Michels hates this, A LOT.

Stop Helping Me!! The nice, gracious client that insists on helping you at the boat ramp, get the boat ready. As if you don't do this everyday. I know is is politeness eeking out, but stand back sir and enjoy your vacation. I have had clients help me out of lots of stuff that I need at the completion of the day...like my anchor, anchor strap, boat strap, large fly boxes full of flies( meaning several hundred, yes it gets expensive) windstopper jackets, fleece gloves, reels, fly rods, etc, etc, etc. Just stop please. I got it!!

Your Bobber is the only bright orange item on the water! When your bobber is not moving, your flies are on the shore. When your bobber disappears, you have a fish on. When your bobber is attached to your fly rod, do not shake the SOB sir! When has that ever helped, shaking it. You would not shake a baby, would you? Think about it...hinge points with lead, flies etc. Don't do it again please. Every time your bobber moves, it is not always the bottom, please, come on! And it certainly not come off by itself. Why do people go into static mode when it is stuck on the bottom! Do something, be proactive!

Your Guide is on your team...he is your team captain. Yes, it is true. Guides want to catch fish even more than you want to. They are telling you the truth, trying to educate you, trying everything in their bag of tricks to help you into as many fish as is humanly possible. And you do not believe them. Why not? Guides are truly interested in positive outcomes, every day, all day long.

That is enough for now...maybe more later. In no way is this meant to insult or belittle any soul who has graced me with their presence. It is for me only. I will sleep better having said these simple things. Smart people will read a few of these and learn. Fishing is a life long learning sport...always room for improvement. The only loser who cannot come back in my boat is the fella who knows everything. I have not met a soul who cannot learn more about fishing. That fellow is one lonely, sad, SOB.

Photos...E Bitty as the Mexican Mayfly | aka San Juan Worm
Beezar as the Obnoxious Drunk Euro Rock Star | aka Brian drunk
All photos property of Headhunters Fly Shop

Halloween Hangover

Fun was had by all who attended last night's Outfitters Ball. Thanks to the Cropdusters from Bozeman for playing and entertaining the crowd.

Thanks to Izaak's for putting on a good spread with the Taco Bar, great brownies, and for hosting the party.

Chef Pat Comb's won the Pumpkin Carving Contest and Bob Lay won the Costume Contest Dressed as Mark Raisler. Wow, that's goofy, if I do say so myself. I will post that pic tomorrow...Bob also demonstrated that he could still un-do a bra with one hand in less than 2 seconds. He really is one talented fellow.

Thanks to all who dressed up for this great holiday. I will be posting them as the week progresses.

Father Dick Davis @ Outfitter's Ball | Izaak's Oct 31, 2009 | photo Mark Raisler

As for Headhunters Fly Shop and Guide Service...we are here to take care of any of your Missouri River needs. We have gone to Winter Hours 9-5. We will be here most every day until Thanksgiving. Then we will go to Fri -Sun weather permitting. We have lots to do during the off season and are already looking forward to 2010.

We will be in the shop fielding your phone calls, booking both lodging and guiding for the upcoming year. The Blog will be a good vehicle for you to keep up to date with Headhunters Happenings...with fewer fishing reports, or at least not as often. It is winter you know.

Elvis and SOL | Outfitters Ball 2009
photo Capt. Carp

Look for articles that lean more toward education and skills improvement, Scumliner's video seminars, and new product updates as they come. Feel free to email or call if you would like to see anything in particular on the Blog. We will accommodate

Much thanks to our customers for the tremendous support you have graced us with in 2009. Thank You!

Quiet in Craig

Craig MT | 10/26 | 10am

Quite Quiet.

It is kind of nice. Tumbleweeds and dogs roaming the streets. It is odd when the people and fishermen vanish. Poof, gone.

Busy at the store putting together the fly orders for the upcoming 2010 season. That is a daunting task. John, Mark, and Julie have nearly ordered everything that we can think of and are looking forward into the positive future.

As for the fishing...it is also a touch odd. Has it been good? Yes. Has it been great? No. Will it become great? Well, it should. This last week of October is one of my two favorites of the year. I love to cast at easy fish rising to BWO Crip's. Keep the bugs on the water and I can achieve happiness.

November is even quieter than this last week of October. And the fish are not bothered by many. Great fishing and no rush to get out there. Put on at Noon, lazily drift until you spot the one you desire...anchor, cast, hook, land. Repeat.

Snouts up...Rainbow Rise
photo Mark Raisler

The BIG BWO's, meaning sz 16, are here and ready for consumption. Mother Nature creating the right day for Utopia is always the question. Some years we get 5 perfect calm, overcast, moist, afternoons. Some years, none. But the streamer fishing is great, right? Average at best. The browns are still in the creek's screwing and fornicating. They will return and they will be happy!

Party @ Izaak's this Saturday Oct 31st. Come out and catch a few fish, entertain yourself with stupid guide tricks, and win some cool fly stuff at the party!

Never too early to book for 2010. June, July, September, October are actively booking. Keep that in mind and call if you have any questions.

Capt. Carp Dead Song of the Day: Dire Wolf

Dry Fly of the Month: Nymen's Cripple #18

Nymph of the Week: Pheasant Tail or any permutation thereof

Streamer of the Day: Anything Small and Black

Guide Performance of the Month: Ben Tyson of PRO backing his boat out of Monty Hall after witnessing a boat dry fly fishing in the upper channel. First Class Ben. Good on you my friend. Highly Respectful and Professional. Wish Recreational fisherman, and a cadre of other Guides will/would/should do the same. RULE: If you would be pissed, don't do it to others.

Speaking of Respect: Stay away from others...this time of year, think about it. Do not assume that there are two dudes just parked in a spot not fishing for any reason. They are probably waiting, sighting, resting fish, or some other fishing behavior. DO NOT CRUNCH THEM!! There is plenty of room, if you see somebody in your favorite spot...wait, or go to another spot. They beat you there...DO NOT RAIN ON THEIR PARADE BROTHER.

Can you believe it?

Just another bunch of complete BULLSHIT. I'm damn sure the customer service and knowledge base is second to none. Check it out, high quality everything.

Nice...

Vermont Bill...chucking upstream
Mark Raisler photo

Nice Cast Bill. Straight out of Vermont...his party caught more and larger trout than they ever have.

Famous last words..."We'll be back, if you want us or not!"

Wet, overcast...and perfect!

Yes, cancel work...tell your wife, and children you are leaving for...well just a week or two.

It's called tough love...take care of #1 for a change. It is healthy.

Trout Bums are here in force. Non-Local Locals Like Jim Hill are whackin' 'em on BWO dries.

Mike Ruppert & John McKittrick from Helena are into the "Art of Fly-Fishing."

Look for the Big Bug in the near future...meaning the sz 16 Baetis...Bring It!

Headhunters Ink.

That's what I'm talking about. A Headhunters tattoo? Really? And the best part is, it's not on a Headhunters owner, employee, guide, etc. This is on the wrist of a fly fishing industry person, however. Kinda brings a new deifinition to the term "Headhunter". We love it...

Fish First!

Dead Kokanee Salmon on the Missouri | September 2009
photo Mark Raisler

Seen on of these lately? We've all had fish on that fight like a big 'ol Salmon. But if your fish is fighting like this poor fellow, it might be a Whitefish. The infamous White Trout.

Also saw a dead duck floating down the river today...retrieve your downed birds hunters. I know that sometimes you cannot get them, but give it your best shot. It's a waste.

Yesterday saw a fella net a fish, lift it into the boat...I started counting, 1, 2...31, 32, 37...he releases fish by dropping him in the water. DEAD TROUT BOZO!!!

Again, we have all killed fish inadvertently...mishandling, dropping the trout into the boat while taking a photo. Dropping a fish 3 feet is like dropping a human from the 3rd story. Just be careful. We can all improve. SOL has done some stupid shit in his life, lots, but is trying his damnedest to improve all his skill sets. I'll get back to you with the slow results.

But keeping a fishy out of the water for that length of time is not ignorance or naivety, it is just plain stupid. Try jamming your head into the water for 37 seconds. It just don't make sense my friends.

Generally when I mention, in the kindest educational way, to the angler I want to crush like a grape, his inappropriate handling behaviors...I am the asshole when the conversation is complete. This time was different. He said, "You know, you're right. I should and will improve my handling skills." Wow, a breath of humility...a fellow willing to learn. A fellow who recognizes his mistakes and willing to improve. Very Nice Indeed.

The previous encounter with a similar situation, in July, ended in a much different manner. I merely said to an angler while drifting by him on the river, " Hey pardner, fish cannot breath our air." 42 seconds was my count for this occasion...and his reply, " It's not my first time to the Missouri." What? That is your response. As if that makes the dead fish an OK event? My retort, "Well, you're sure acting like it."

The long and short...do your best and protect the resource. Enjoy fishing and share it with the youth of the world. Perpetuate sporting behaviors, tread lightly, and all that other feel good Eco stuff. We will all be happier and enjoy the outdoor experience.

Always remember: It's the Journey, not the Destination.

Capt. Carp's Dead Song of the Day: Black Peter

Guide Performance of the Week: Ben Hardy...Why? Just because. He does Kick-Ass.

Client Performance of the Week: All of 'em. Enduring cold like this is truly admirable.

Rig of the Week: Short Line Nymphing in the afternoons.

Dry Fly of the Week: Any BWO Cripple

Nymph of the Week: Mercury RS2 sz 22

Suggestion of the Month: Book early for the Good Guides

Why this Blog Rules: No stagnant minds or philosophies...and writing for the right reasons, not just to keep up with the Neighbor's.

All you need to know...

Yes, it's time.

You got time? I got time.

Blanket hatch of Psuedo's.

A couple, meaning 2, Tricaudatus sightings.

Lt. Dan says, "Bald Kitty Rules!"

Dan, who comes several times a year, also says, "If you are not here, you must have a real job."

He is a pilot for some failing airline, used to work for Uncle Stupid, and claims he can fish. The jury is still out. I will say that Lt. Dan fishes more than you, major destinations every month...sometimes twice...and is not afraid of a pretentious little bitch of a saltwater flat with the wind blowing hard across his right shoulder. He actually catches a few of them.

Above; Lt. Dan enjoying yet another sip of Red Breast @ Headhunters Fly Shop

Having said that, let me remind you of the previous short, unimportant paragraph. " If you are not here, you must have some sort of job that does not allow you to fish 100 days a year. I am blessed and fortunate to have such a position. Not everybody can be me."

Remember, SOL did not say that. It is merely a quote that mirrors Dan's salty, crude, infectious demeanor.

Enough of that yahoo Dan. It is happening here on the Missouri. We are about ready to break on through to the other side.

We would be happy to see you and share stories about big trouts brother.

Capt. Carp's Dead Song of the Day: U. S. Blues

Dry Fly of the Week: Brook's Sprout, Baetis sz 16, Trad. Royal Wulff sz 16, or anything

Nymph of the Week: Mercury RS-2 Baetis

Streamer of the Day: Anything small and black...remind you of anyone mentioned in previous blogs? Product of the Week: Hand Warmers

Drink of the Week: Hot Toddy, not sure if I spelled that correctly.

Theme of the Month: Wait til' noon, then go hammer 'em.

As serious as SOL can be: Please come, you will not regret it. In the space of time, it is such an insignificant amount of time...a speck of sand.

If not this fall, certainly next.

October Fishing...

Baetis equals rising fish.

If you don't like the cold...don't come.

If you like rising trout...yes, come.

Real fishermen come in October...

Some even in November...nobody here.

If I was even sort of good at writing...I would have written a Haiku.

But I'm not.



There is snow here now. Great fishing from noon til four. It kick's ass.



Do not come if you like to catch fish with dry flies!

Rebirth of a River...

Craig looking Sth 10/3
photo Mark Raisler

Wow.

Takes my breath away and allows SOL to feel all close to the Mother Earth and Mother Missouri all at the same time.

Up early today snapping a few photos to overcome the guilt feelings I carried with me at least all of yesterday for sliding on my duties here at the shop...this is an uncommon emotion for me...today rebirth.

Rockin' CSNY @ the shop this AM and every soul that has passed through the hallowed doors of Headhunters is rejoicing...some of them have even busted out a little rebirth jig.

The river is in fantastic shape for an outstanding fall run. Water temps have dipped into the high 50's with today's temp at 59F. Saw a couple true Baetis yesterday and a pile of Pseudos. Fished dries all day and was able to find enough for a satisfying trip. Still a few weeds out there and some are sniveling. Deal with it or stay home fishing friends. What's a little weed when you have the opportunity of hooking a trophy brown on an Adams.

The inevitable BWO explosion is damn close. Rebirth is imminent.

If I've told you once I've told you a 1000 times...quit your desk job, at least for the month of October. Give yourself an opportunity to enjoy the fishing month of a lifetime. Break out of that cocoon and reconnect with your fishing passion.

Make the right choice...choose Rebirth.

Who are You?

Here is a quiz for those of you who do not know which camp you are in. Devised by many industry professionals. This is not a joke and should be taken very seriously. You may find yourself in the middle somewhere. Answering yes to both sides of the equation. This is normal and should not freak you out.

Old School: You always know where your fishing vest is and wear it frequently while fishing.
New School: Hemo's, fingernail clippers ($0.69 kind), 2 C & F Designs boxes overstuffed.

Old School: In bed @ 9pm, up @ 5am. Fishing @ daybreak.
New School: In bed @ 4:30am, fishing @ the crack on noon.

Old School: 1 Martini, maybe 2 if the fishing was good.
New School: 1 bottle of Martini's, maybe 2 if the fishing was shitty.

Old School: Fly box full of Quill Gordons and Mickey Finns
New School: Fly box full of CDC Cripples and Sculpzilla's

Old School: Still fishing with your Sage RPL. "This rod is as good as any new fangled rod."

New School: Stole your dad's RPL. "Well, it's a 9ft lever. It'll work."

Old School: Donated $500 to Trout Unlimited this year.
New School: Donated 42 hours of volunteer work with Trout Unlimited this year.

Old School: Fishes a WF line. Only DT left is still on Pfleuger Medalist.
New School: Fishes a DT line. Only WF is on hopper rod. Also on Pflueger Medalist.
Note: The Rio Gold is a line that both schools can agree on...shameless kick-ass product plug.

Old School: Buys a new high end reel every year. And an extra spool.
New School: Buys a new high end reel every year. "Another spool? New School just buys another entire reel.

Old School: Retrieves line on the right side of the reel.
New School: Retrieves line on the left side of the reel.

Old School: Your wife cannot believe how much time and money is invested in fly fishing.
New School: Cannot remember last girlfriend's name, but she hated that stupid sport too!

Old School: Can name 10 legends of fly fishing that New School has never heard of.
New School: Can name 10 yet to be legends...incidentally he may be one.

Old School: Respects the history of the sport. Recognizes the importance of casting upstream at rising fish.
New School: Recognizes the history of the sport. Respects casting upstream, but would rather cast down and across at rising fish.

Old School: Knows what the fish are eating & matches the hatch. Sz 22 Psuedo Emerger.
New School: Knows what they are eating & and tosses anything over sized and gaudy. Sz 12 Cinnamon Ant

Old School: Chats about fishing while drinking a well aged Scotch neat.
New School: Chats about potential girlfriends drinking PBR on tap.

Old School: Practices casting on guide trip in between spots.
New School: Takes casting lessons and practices in back yard.

Old School: Fantasizes about giant trout daily.
New School: Fantasizes about giant trout daily.

Old School: Fishes with guides for their experience, fever for trout, and their work ethic.
New School: Fishes with guides because they are in similar income brackets and can swap generational failure stories.

Old School: Pays with Credit Card to accrue Airline Miles.
New School: Pays with Credit Card because he has no cash.

Old School: Has dogs at home for hunting purposes.
New School: Has dogs with him/her because whatever pheromones puppies/dogs emit attract women like no other abject known to man. Dogs really are man's best friend.

Old School: Have a plethora of terrible off color jokes and are not afraid to tell them.
New School: Wish they were as wise as the Old School and really wish they knew as many off color jokes!

After taking the quiz, how do you score? If you are either 50% on either side...that is definitive. Are you in the middle? Are you where you want to be?

If you want to be on the other side, you can certainly book a trip with any counselors/coaches/guides @ Headhunters Fly Shop & Guide Service. The best in the business, damn straight!