Such was not the case. As it turns out, being a famed fly
fisherman is not a lucrative career. Many of the famous fishermen I
have met since lived very simply, but got to fish a lot and in many
fancy places. It is the tradeoff of a certain lifestyle for money.

So I had a lovely visit with the man. His walls were covered with
artifacts, many from other well-known fishermen.

This was quite true of the folks that were "in the trade" in the past...
many of the bigger names in the present day have made quite a lucrative
career out of it though, mainly because of landing good sized
endorsements and getting sponsored by the larger tackle manufacturers.

That said, a large number of them still remain simple folks that are
easy to approach, if you approach them with a modicum of respect. I've
been very fortunate to have enjoyed sitting down with the late Polly
Rosborough, as well as Jack Dennis, AK Best, Syl Nemes, Fran Betters, Al
and Gretchen Beatty, Randall Kaufmann, Randy Johnson, Harry Mason, Ken
Hanley, Jay Murakoshi, Jay Fair and many others...and my all time
favorite tyer, Andre Puyans for HOURS at a time and learning more than I
can recall.

I suggest hat if you ever get the opportunity to sit an watch, or tie
with or even "break a seal" and sit and talk over a drink or two with a
known tyer, you should and ask the questions that you've really wanted
to know the answers to... most of them are more than willing to share
their secrets.

Some of them they may swear you to secrecy over, and Andy, don't worry,
I'll never divulge the secret about getting true black when dyeing
materials to ANYONE... =)

Larry Medina