A Fly Fisherman’s Oath by Josh Gallivan

To open up this season's blog posting I wanted to share a short read from one of our guides, Josh Gallivan. I think Josh is one of the more contagious individuals I know. Instead of a hand shake he prefers a giant hug and instead of sitting and watching he prefers doing, generally, like his hugs in giant way. I think many of us can relate to what Josh has to say here and in my opinion he has it right. I saw many of his characteristics in myself just a decade or two ago and even now I tend to fight off the pressures of society, life is in fact very short. I think it is very unfortunate that we as Americans of this modern era have totally embraced the rat race and largely ignore that a vast majority of our populous is bored, unhealthy and unhappy. Amidst a presidential election, not a single candidate has mentioned the overall mental state of our people, simply are we happy? Given our division, lagging education and rampant obesity it is no wonder we are failing in many areas. Much of the developed world puts a high level of importance on citizen happiness, why shouldn't we? Furthermore, it is proven that happiness can make a society more productive, a win win.

 With all that said, I am also a realist and understand there is no better satisfaction than a hard days work, for me the gratification of seeing a life's vision(guide, husband, father, outfitter & home owner) come to be is truly profound and I believe just as Josh does, that if you follow your dream combined with dedication and hard work nothing can stop you.

By the way... Josh is currently in New Zealand(5th trip down in 6 years) filming, blogging and hunting giant trout and even bigger adventure, read his personal blog here... www.joshgallivan.com

A Fly Fisherman's Oath- by Josh Gallivan

While working in the fly shop in my younger years under the guidance of Jeff Currier and Jack Dennis, I understood the importance of a lucrative and busy summer. I understood that for every busy hectic day selling flies, rods, and fishing advice during our short tourist season, there would be an equally slow day during the middle of winter. For every day of work during the busy months, there has to be an equally productive day during the slower months to compensate.

            I’ll always remember how Jack Dennis gave his fly tying demonstrations at Fly Fishing shows around the U.S and how Bruce James was his right hand man representing Jack Dennis Fishing Trips. Until recently, I didn’t like the idea of going to a convention center in the middle of a city, miles from the nearest trout stream, to stand around and talk about fly fishing in the middle of winter. This past weekend that changed for me when I attended my first fly fishing show in Denver. If you dream of fly fishing on a nightly basis like me, I suggest you make it to the next fly fishing show. While I didn’t walk away with an over abundance of fly fishing tackle knowledge or know how, I did enjoy my fly on the wall perspective that may have eluded to a new understanding on living a passionate life and finding purpose in my work.

            I often wonder what it is about fly fishing that is so intriguing? The questions for me remain the same year after year. Is it right to follow my passion? Should I question my self periodically? When I get that anxious feeling in my stomach about a thought or an idea, I know I must pursue it. Should I be spending all of my money on the next adventure or should I look for a 9-5 job with two weeks off a year and benefits? Should I live a more normal life? Should I buy a house, take on a huge mortgage and pay bills for the rest of my life until I die? Everyone else is doing it?

Following your passion or “the dream” has it’s uncertainties at times. As I get older will the pot holes in the road get bigger and less navigable? I know I am on the right path though, I have to be. I have to live close to fly fishing. For me there is no other option. It would feel wrong to stray from my path and my goals, because only I know them. What happened in society to make people give up and give in to a life they are not 100% satisfied with? The person who does not give up on their dreams, the person who wants to live their own life on their own terms, the person who smiles in the face of adversity, that person is a true hero. Conversely, the biggest tragedy of them all would be losing yourself and who you are and who you want to be, to the pace of the world.

Do not loose your self, stray from your normal routine once in a while but don’t loose your self. Don’t judge people too quickly. Accept that there are things you will not understand. Fish hard. Truly live in the moment. Live compassionately and love animals. Recycle. Learn Learn Learn something every day. Question lots of things, including yourself.