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Hey Guys!

Welcome to the 54th Issue of Guys Fishing Weekly!

We first want to highlight the devastation that has occurred from Hurricane Helene across the east coast. Many in the GFW Community were affected by the storm, and many more have risen to the call of helping out where they can, with sending supplies and donations to these areas.

As you receive this, Hurricane Milton will have made landfall in Florida. Described as one of the strongest storms on record for the Atlantic side of the globe, it presumably will do even more damage than its predecessor. To the extent you are able, please find ways to help Florida and the east coast. Information on how to donate time and money to FEMA is provided below, and we will keep featuring other organizations in the upcoming weeks. Do not hesitate to reach out if you need further information on how to help out.

Thanks for spending even just a little of your week with us. We are grateful for you!

Stay Legendary,

- The GFW Boys

In Memoriam: John Gierach

One of our great American writers has moved on to the trout stream in the sky this past week. John Gierach, with his thoughtful prose and timeless wit, inspired countless anglers and readers alike to embrace the art of fly fishing and the natural world around them. His writing didn’t just celebrate fishing but the entire experience of being connected to nature - the stillness, the challenges, the camaraderie, and the moments of pure joy that often come unexpectedly.

Gierach had an uncanny ability to capture the beauty in the ordinary, weaving stories that resonated with anyone who had ever felt the pull of the wild. Whether you were a seasoned angler or someone simply curious about the sport, his words could make you feel as though you were standing knee-deep in a stream, listening to the water rush by.

While John may no longer be casting his line in earthly waters, his legacy lives on in the stories he shared, the lives he touched, and the countless anglers who continue to explore the waters he so vividly brought to life. He left with us with so many quotable lines that keep us inspired on the water and longing to take in the great outdoors. Here are 10 of our favorites:

• “We didn’t fish, we just looked; something every fisherman should take the time to do now and then. Leave the rods in the car for once and just take it all in like a tourist.”

   Take a minute and lift your head up every now and then.

• “Big fish are what we want, but they’re like true love, success, lots of money, or maybe public office: we don’t know why we want them, but we figure that will take care of itself if we ever connect.”

   The ego is a hell of a drug.

• “However the evening goes, someone is required to mention how great it is to be sitting around in camp, even it it’s raining and we haven’t caught any fish yet.”

   We love a good campfire chat.

• “Fishermen must travel, it’s part of the game, and when you go on the road you point your headlights to the direction of larger, rather than smaller, fish.”

   Sense of adventure.

• “A 12-inch trout caught on a dry fly is four inches longer that a 12-inch trout caught on a nymph or streamer. It’s something many fly fishermen believe, or feel in their hearts.”

   #facts

• "If people don't occasionally walk away from you shaking their heads, you're doing something wrong."

   We should all strive to be a little truer to ourselves and a little weirder to others.

• "The solution to any problem - work, love, money, whatever - is to go fishing, and the worse the problem, the longer the trip should be."

   Scientifically proven direct correlation. Nature solves shit.

• “There are very few things in life that are dead center. Three of them are 1955 Ford pickups, B. B. King, and dry fly fishing.”

   Love a man with opinions.

• "The best fisherman I know try not to make the same mistakes over and over again; instead, they strive to make new and interesting mistakes and to remember what they learned from them."

   #ThisIsNotAboutFishing

• “Taking trout on dry flies in flowing water is supreme if only because it’s one of the loveliest things you’ll ever have a hand in.”

   We agree, John. May your river be forever filled with top-water eats.

Rest in peace, John Gierach - your words will continue to ripple through our lives like the waters you so loved.

Episode 32 of the Podcast is Out Now!

Listen on:

Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube

Quote of the Week

Trip We are Dreaming About

High Mountain Lake fishing for Cutties

So many incredible things come from fishing High Mountain Lakes in the Rocky Mountains. From the hikes in to the views along the way, the gin clear water offers challenging conditions that takes patience and grit to find willing fish. But the payoff is well worth it all when you get one to the net…if you bring one.

What We Are Watching

The Wild Wild East

Ever wonder what it would be like to float and fish an unknown river on your own? As we are advocates of adventure, especially fishing adventure, this cool little film from @verygoodflyfishing gets at the heart of what adventure is all about. From planning to gear to using the resources at your disposal, David and Addison take us through every aspect of planning and executing a multi-day fly fishing adventure through the Adirondacks. On unknown water, they absolutely crushed this awesome adventure!

What We Are Reading

Man’s Search for Meaning

This is one of those books that when read, changes your entire perspective on something about life. The first half of the book is a dark recount of a man’s story in the Holocaust, which sets up one of the most profound pieces of wisdom on life. If you feel lost, start here.

Fish of the Week

An Awesome Tiger from @benji_loser!

Yes, that is a beautiful fish, but the excitement on the face of the fisherman is even more beautiful! This is truly what it’s all about.

Strike of the Week

Third Times a Charm for @catchmydriftblog

Spicer De Villiers takes us through the joys of fishing dry flies and the perseverance it sometimes takes to hook up! Way to stick with it!

One Fly Pattern

A Baby Bass streamer from @pghflyco

We love the creativity in tying flies, and this one is beauty from Kurt Shaffer. We also love what @pghflyco is doing to help the people affected by hurricane Helene. Check out this link to help.

One Cause to Learn About

Federal Emergency Management Agency

Hurricane Helene (and now Hurricane Milton) caused more damage than most people thought. Communities across the southeast have been devastated by the damage caused by Helene. Lives have been changed forever by this storm.

As part of the fishing community, fisheries and local fishing businesses have been affected by the damage caused by this storm. As strong advocates for community, the best way to help those in need is to donate money or time. Use the links below to help in any way you can, as communities begin the healing process.

For more info: Website | Donate

Nuggets for Nibblin’

How the Las Vegas Sphere Works

Where does punctuation come from?

The Best Fly Fishing: East vs. West

Turn your old iPhone into a retro game machine

#River Thoughts

• It doesn't matter if a glass is half full or half empty, it matters what's in it. (Source: Reddit)

• You’re the most predictable person you know. (Source: Reddit)

• People who believe fake stuff is real are often the same ones who believe real stuff is fake. (Source: Reddit)

• There might be more kids who have done the floss dance then actually floss in the last week. (Source: Reddit)

Any Fish In There?

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