Practice

“The better we practice ourselves, the better we can make the game better for everybody else in life.” – Ryan Holiday

It makes sense, if everyone on the team is committed to doing their best, it lifts the whole team. No one feels like someone is a drag on the game. Win or lose the game feels better. There’s a flow to it. Same goes for being a fly-fishing guide.

I want my clients to have the best possible experience I can give them. The last thing I want to be is a drag on their trip. What that requires is doing what it takes to be the best I can be from the moment I meet the client to the final goodbye.

I enjoy working on my guiding skills. It adds to the experience of every fishing trip. Whether it’s fishing with a friend or on my own, I can’t help thinking like a guide. If the fishing is good then I focus on fishing. If the fishing is slow, then I’ll look for ways to practice a skill or try something new. Last time I went out I worked on roll casts and fishing streamers.

I’ve been guiding for Mossy Creek Fly Fishing with the same group of pirates for more than 10 years. They are like brothers to me. When we are together, I always learn from them. Because we share a common attitude of being the best we can be, I know it will be a good time, and I can count on them to make the fishing experience better for everyone else.