This prose was written with names altered in order to protect the innocent. Although, it behooves me to think of anyone in this motley group or anyone that would associate with this group as innocent. Any similarities are on purpose or purely coincidental and not planned or the fault of the writer.
A couple of years ago an impromptu meeting, of challenged minds, finds us engaged in conversation at the public pull-off beside the Nantahala River near Bryson City NC. This whimsical group (Harry, Keith, Mike and yours truly) getting out of the vehicles, putting on our chest waders and lacing up our boots started considering our fly fishing options.
After a brief discussion, about where to begin fishing, I speak up and tell everyone an abbreviated story about a “Honey Hole” that was shown to me a coupled years ago. On a previous outing this location was revealed by a young guide from Cherokee. As it turned out this guide, all of 16, was a member of the US National Fly Fishing Team and quite astute in Euro Nymphing. A month later he could be found in Europe representing the US in the World Fly Fishing Youth Tournament. With no objections we get back into our vehicles and proceed to our first destination for the day.
Arriving, at the predetermined location, we jump out of our vehicles and start putting together our rods, seating the reels, stringing them up, and tying on our favorite flies in anticipation of a day on the water. Chattering about this and that, like some excited guinea birds, we see a truck pull over and park with two NC DNR Game Wardens getting out. After making small talk they finally get around to asking us for our fishing license. Checking mine, Keith’s and Mike’s documents everything was found to be in order however, afte