About
About Me
First Fishing Experience
I was born and reared out here in Forks, Washington, and grew up hunting and fishing here. At somewhere about 6 years old (1947), on the Sol Duc at a place now called the "Sand Rock Hole", were were "plunkin" for steelhead. I had a 5 foot steel rod with four guides and a reel - before plastics came along, you know.
I was up there playing in the sand, my uncle came running down the beach, grabbed my pole and set the hook in the fish and then hollered over to me "Come on!" I ran down and got the pole from him and the line was running out, so I grabbed the line with my hand, put the rod over my shoulder and started running towards the brush.
I ran so fast with it that the fish was skiing on the water. There were lots of laughs and some of my family and friends still get a chuckle over this.
First Hunting Expedition
My dad took me down to get my first hunting license when I was seven, to Ruel and Vedders (hardware store). Vedder asked me how tall I was, I answered his question and he asked how much I weighed and I told him, then he asked me who my girlfriend was, and I answered that, too! (I thought I had to answer these questions to get the license!)
I made my first elk hunt with my dad when I was seven years old. My first deer hunt was at age seven, too, and got to use my first tag (but Dad shot the deer).
A ran into a fellow-guide earlier one day on the river and he called me a threat. I guess I am a theat - to the fish and game! I am a lonely man when it comes to a two-boat party, because the other guides are afraid and I will catch all of the fish. I guess that is just one of the hazards of having done this so long.
I have made between 8,000 - 10,000 trips down the Sol Duc River alone and have caught
more fish on hook and line (for my clients) from the Quillayute system than any man that has ever lived.
The Quillayute system includes these Western Washington Rivers: Calawah, Bogachiel, Sol Duc and Dickey. (My dad told me "Quyillayute" was an indian word that means "one of many". Makes sense.)
Small BB and a Big Butt
Well, I was 7 years old, a boy with a BB gun. My neighbors (husband and wife) were measuring a foundation for the house they were building. The wife was bent over, so, the target was clear, and I just couldn't resist.
Her husband was at the other end of the tape measure. When the BB hit its target, the wife quickly scolded her husband for "pinching" her. Im not sure how he could effectively do this so quickly from at least 20 feet away, but it kept the heat off of me, so I can't complain.
But I didn't have a Big Butt tag, so I guess this one doesn't count.
I Like To Cook and I'm Pretty Good at it
I was the chef in our home and my wife did the dishes. I have made so many, lifelong and trusted friends in my business and little town of Forks. Most of them have experienced my culinary offerings.
I believe that eating is one of life's greatest pleasures, so it should be done right. My method is simple, start with the best of products and use the simplist and correct ingredients to compliment your dish.
Friends Make the Difference
Where would we be without great friends? The deepest delight that I have received from this business is to have my clients become my true friends. Money is not where it is at, a successful life required meaningful relationships. I don't think I have these great friends because I a such a great guy. I am just me. Not someone I pretend to be - just a normal guy.
Providence (or luck if you like that better) has brought lots of great men my way, and each one of them has impacted my life for the good. Thank you, each one of you my real friends!
Nearest My Heart
The Lord blessed me with a wonderful woman! I married my teenage sweetheart in 1959. We had 3 great children, now have six grandchildren and one great grandchild.
My sweet wife went home to Jesus in 2005. She walked with the Lord and walked right into heaven to be with Him. The only man she loved more than me. I miss her every day but I will see her again!