Time To Suck It Up Buttercup And Stop Whining

True Story

One of the challenges I face is my physical age (70), which is getting in the way of my self-image (around 25). This was evident on a recent fly fishing trip to hunt trout at the Riverbound X-Stream in Lebanon, Virginia. This destination has over 10 miles of private water to fish. You have access to four different creeks and rivers. Jake Musick runs the place, and trout up to 20 lbs have been caught there. Rainbows are the dominant species, but the occasional brown can also be caught. All the trout come from Jake’s hatchery, and the streams are regularly stocked. These waters can be fished year-round, and some reach more than 30 inches in size. There are lodges on the property, and our group (Queen City Angles Guild) rented one. What a treat to start your day by gearing up, grab a cup of coffee, and walk 20 yards to the water.

One of the first things I noticed on this trip was my knot-tying was a little rusty. I had been spoiled by fishing for trout with guides and not having to tie my flies onto tippet. It had also been a long time since I had to work with 5X tippet. I struggled to see the fluorocarbon line. And when I finally saw it, my fat fingers were challenged to get it to go where I wanted it to.

I initially decided to start with a size 18 prince nymph suspended by an OROS strike indicator. First, I want to endorse the OROS indicator. I had never fished with one, and it was super simple to use (once you could see the tippet and get it situated in the indicator slot). The thing I loved about the OROS is how easy it was to reposition so you could get the fly into the feeding column. You loosen a smidge, slide it up or down, and tighten it. I used to use the Thingamabobber, but no more. OROS all the way now.

I was shocked at how challenging threading the eye on a size 18 hook was for me. I spent no less than 20 minutes tying the prince nymph on. It took me 5 minutes to get the tippet through the eye and another 15 minutes to get a tight knot. I chastised myself for not having an eye exam in over two years. My sight had changed since I never had problems like this before.

I started out trying to tie the prince nymph on with an improved clinch knot. This is a 90% knot and more secure than a regular clinch knot. It is also supposed to be one of the easier knots to tie. But I had trouble seeing well enough to pass the tag end back through the loops. It wasn’t that I didn’t know how to tie the knot. It was a combination of poor eyesight and fat fingers syndrome. Ultimately, I switched to a Palomar knot. For whatever reason, once I could thread the eye, I found this knot easier to tie.

I typically use the Palomar knot when tying bigger freshwater flies and almost always with saltwater flies. It is a 95% knot and extremely useful for heavy fish. It isn’t normally my go-to knot for anything as small as a size 18 fly. But, when your eyes are failing you, it can be a bit easier to tie. Emphasis on “a bit.”

Once I finally got rigged up, I headed to the bank and noticed it would be challenging to get to the water. Both of my knees have been bothering me. Stepping down or up was painful.  On a positive note, I had just had x-rays done for both of my knees, and there was no structural damage identified. I am simply in the “suck it up, buttercup” stage of life. Thankfully, between Voltaren and a wading staff, I could enter the stream and start fishing.

The rig was effective. I brought to hand five good-sized trout and lost three more that broke off my tippet. The trout were gorgeous in color and exceptional fighters. I had a great time.

After dinner with a bourbon in hand, the conversation with my fellow Club members turned to the physical challenges of fly fishing as you get older. Each had a story about an ache or pain they were dealing with. A couple had issues on the more serious side. However, all were enthusiastic about the sport and couldn’t imagine their life without the opportunity to feel the tug occasionally.

I learned that physical limitations shouldn’t get in the way of enjoying fly fishing. We all have our cross to bear in one way or another. But, there is typically a workaround that will get you to the water and in a position to catch fish. You just have to adapt and overcome.

Once I got home from the trip, the first thing I did was get my eyes examined. My prescription had indeed changed, and now I have new glasses on order. I was surprised at the cost of the glasses, but that is something I think everyone can relate to. I don’t have a quick fix for my knees. I am counting on walking to strengthen the muscles around them and help relieve some of the pain. The other thing I did was commit to an upcoming trout trip out West. I plan to follow the example of fly anglers more senior to me and not let physical challenges be a reason to avoid slapping the water. Time for me to “suck it up.”

If you ever get a chance to fish Riverbound X-Stream, don’t hesitate. When you get there, feel free to tell Jake I recommended his place to you.