In New England Grouse Shooting, William Harnden Foster gave us the following unforgettable gem: “There is an old New England saying to the effect that if you give a man a shotgun, a bird dog and a violin, he won’t amount to a damn.” I’ve often chuckled about this.

But then I’ve also come to realize how close it hits to home. In fact, if you changed a few words, it would be right on the money: “If you give a man a shotgun, a bird dog and a fly rod, he won’t amount to a damn.”

Whether you call these addictions, “Trout Madness,” “Birdbrain,” or whatever, I’ve got ’em bad.  I guess I’m a hopeless case.  Oh well, I can think of a million things worse to be!  

My guess is that if you’re reading this, I am not alone.  Welcome Brothers and Sisters.  Remember the tug is the drug and the flush is the rush!