"George Cleveland" wrote in message
...
On Sat, 12 Jun 2004 09:36:57 -0400, "snakefiddler"
wrote:

o.k., let me say a few things about my post.
first- i may have set a false tone by accidentally omitting my intended
question mark in the subject heading. i was "asking a question" purely
in
fun-related to joking around that took place at work.

secondly, i already have a feeling that this may be a sensitive subject,
even with the few responses i have seen thus far.
certainly it was not my intention to offend anyone, and i hope i haven't.

happy fly fishin-
snake

No we are not elitists. Elitists *think* they're better than other
people. Flyfishers *know* we're better than other fishermen.

Insufferable pricks is probably a more acurate description.


I'n not even sure what 'elitist' means in this context. I know that, when
I'm going flyfishing, and loading up my gear, I secretly hope someone seees
me and that they think "wow, he's a flyfisherman! That's something!" I
know that I feel that way when I'm loading up, and I feel it even more
when I'm gearing up. Putting on the vest with all those doo-dads that I know
the use of, assembling the rod and stringing it up the right way, tying on
a fly using one of those special knots that I had to learn. I posted once
about watching a salmon fisherman in northern Norway tying on his salmon
fly, and watching the care and pride he displayed as he tied on a surgeon's
knot, then cut it off because it wasn't *just perfect*...I know he was
feeling that 'special feeling' that I get when I'm fishing. I remember
feeling it in another context: when I'm rigging my raft in the Grand Canyon,
knowing where every single strap and buckle is, where every single orange,
bandaid, hex key, carabiner and raisin is in the boat. Knowing all the moves
in all the rapids, all the places to camp and hike, being able to accurately
predict the water levels the next day as well as the temperatures that
night. It's not elitism, its just a definate, warm, innate pride in knowing
how to do something a little bit technical, something that takes a touch of
skill, a touch of luck, and a touch of perseverence. It's not elitist,
because anyone is welcome to be there with me.

--riverman
(Heineken #3....)