Good Guides We wanted to spend the time to learn what it is we needed to know as two neophytes. We had done our initial homework by conferring with our son Brian, an avid fly fisher for seventeen years with experience in both stream and saltwater fly fishing and fly-tying. We did our own reading on the equipment needed which, as you know, is totally different from that used in bait fishing. We came prepared to learn and get started on the stream with Tom. Tom asked for our objectives and we listed them. This question was very helpful because of all the many things one needs to know when fly fishing, you just really need to start somewhere. The question narrowed our field for this first outing. Patrick's objectives: forward casting, leader and line lengths, and nymphing techniques. Among other things, I needed instruction and time on the stream to learn to cast and techniques for landing/releasing the fish without injury. We also indicated that we were bringing two 4-weight rods; an 8'6'' and 7'3'' and noted the type of line, leader and tippet currently on each rod. Prior to the streamside instructional guiding we received, Tom checked our equipment and the flies that we brought with us. This gave us an opportunity to purchase some items at the fly shop to fill in our supplies. Tom gave us a view on why he selected specific fly fishing items. This was an extremely helpful component to this day as it gave us new information and the reasoning behind Tom's selections. Aside from the individual time on the stream with Tom, it is important to note that he is always aware of your level of learning and is willing to take the time to answer questions and explain areas that are extremely pertinent to the process. This can raise your notch of learning to new benchmarks with practice, practice, practice afterwards. He also made it interesting and absorbing to be on the stream. We saw the Yellow Breeches and what it offers, through his years of observation and work/love of the stream. We covered many fishing opportunities on the stream that required varying techniques due to the water presentation. The day was packed full. Patrick and I benefited from the guided experience with Tom. We are more than willing to take other guiding sessions because as Patrick and I both know-- a guide, especially the caliber of Tom, expands your fishing knowledge and the enjoyment of learning new skills. And lastly, through speaking with others, I learned later that not only is Tom an Orvis-endorsed guide but, also a recipient of the "Eastern Guide of the Year" award from tabulation of questionnaires returned to Orvis by Tom's clients. Needless to say, Patrick immediately sat down and completed the questionnaire and put it in the mail because he was very satisfied with this excellent experience, myself included. In addition, I learned that Tom writes for the Mid-Atlantic Fly Fishing Guide and is a four time champion in the professional division of the Pennsylvania State Fly Tying Competition. This all speaks well of a fly fishing guide that Patrick and I found to be not only technically skilled but, able to convey new information in a manner conducive to learning and replicating on the stream with practice, practice, practice. As a result of our guiding experience, Tom sent us a letter to describe a Nymph Fishing Clinic organized by Don Bastian, also a very capable Central Pennsylvania Fly Fishing Guide. This program would be held in October on Spring Creek, Benner Springs, and Fly Fisher's Paradise. The clinic would include streamside instructional sessions on aquatic entomology, nymphing techniques, and guiding services by Don and Tom. Although initially I wanted this experience, I had some doubts as to whether my rather newbie fly fishing status could meet the challenge or whether I should wait another year before taking this learning experience on. Believe me, after initial phone contacts with his very helpful and informed wife, and later with Don, I was moving forward on this trip. Don mailed an informative packet of information in plenty of advance time to be read and acted upon prior to the trip. There was no keeping me away from this fly-fishing opportunity. The Cliff note below is a glimpse of Don's thoroughness and the comprehensive manner with which he and Tom approached this learning experience for each client, whether they were the newest on the stream, as I was, or more experienced as many of the other clients were. The majority were repeat clients who indicated that they continued to even learn more on each trip. Don's informational packet outlined eleven nymphing techniques that would be demonstrated at streamside as well as providing maps, trip itinerary, and general food and lodging information. A copy of a comprehensive and informative article on nymphing that he authored entitled Nutshell Nymphing was very beneficial to getting me prepared for nymph fishing. Nutshell Nymphing is a direct guideline for preparing the fly fisher's equipment for nymphing on the stream and the reasoning behind the process/procedures outlined. Also, the general facts about nymph fishing included a list of imitative patterns to bring, other patterns worthwhile to have, as well as, a general list of equipment in order to be prepared and stream-ready. As a convenience, he made available items and flies for purchase that would be used in the streamside demonstration. This type of organized effort and his attention to detail was evident throughout the clinic and facilitated the hands on learning. It goes without saying that we caught fish on flies that Don and Tom had tied. Each session began with a streamside instructional and demonstration period filled with facts that I studiously journaled in my hand sized binder. I can't tell you how important those notes have become to me as I practice what I've learned from this clinic. Each day, the guided sessions were extremely beneficial as we traveled to multiple nearby locations. And, last but not least, I enjoyed and appreciated the opportunity to spend time with other fishermen who included everyone in their lively discussions of fishing experiences. They willingly shared techniques, as well as tips on the fishing equipment/vendors that brought success to their fishing/learning experiences. The informal fly-tying sessions at the end of the day gave us all time to share our knowledge and encourage our collective efforts on the stream for the following day. Both Don and Tom provided demonstrations on fly tying techniques and the opportunity for us to follow along on our vise. P.S. The logistics of being based in downtown Bellefonte, PA at the Bush House Hotel was great. According to a brochure entitled, "Historical Walking Tour of Bellefonte", the Bush House was built in 1868 and was one of the first hotels in the country to have electric lights. It's accessible to the Schnitzel House, a pleasant and canal side restaurant serving good German foods, the La Bella Trattoria serving wonderful Italian selections, and the Waffle Shoppe that serves plenty of good breakfast and steaming hot coffee. Don's ease with the proprietors and staff enabled the group to discuss at length a gamut of issues on stream management as well as the different fishing techniques and catches of the day. This clinic is a credit to the commitment and dedication of Don and Tom who encourage others in the joys of fishing with a focus on improving technique. In October, Don Bastian offered this three day instructional session on two consecutive weekends, and a Master Class Nymph Fishing Clinic for those more skilled at nymph fishing. P.P.S. I also enjoyed reading Don's contribution to the Reader's Mail section of the Autumn 2003 issue of FLY TYER magazine on the Catskill dry fly. It was like discovering new information on your instructor. I am sure there is more to share on Don's fly fishing accomplishments; an addendum to follow would be necessary. However, like Tom, he is not a bragging man rather he promotes in word, the successes of others and shares his knowledge to benefit his clients. Here is contact information for both Tom and Don: |