Jack Kerby: A Slice of Americana Pie

River Jack, the Dirt Dauber–you pick it, he’ll answer to all. Jack moved to the Little Red many years ago. He is a constant pursuer of trout. I kid with Jack often that he fishes 365 days a year. His answer is usually, “Naw, about 360.”

Over the years I have learned a tremendous amount from Jack. When I am fishing in the same area, he is my weather vane. Simply put, if he is not catching fish, you might as well go home–because you certainly won’t catch any.

This is not to say that Jack is not without his quirks. He eats pimento cheese with ham for lunch every day. His hat is his fly box. He wears two pairs of waders at the same time in the winter. And he refuses to fish out of a boat.

I can honestly say after many years of being around this sport, he is the best nymph fishermen I have ever seen. Being self taught, there are no terms or names for the way Jack can manipulate a rod and a fly line to achieve the perfect drift. When I have an opportunity to watch him fish as I float down the river, I am in awe of watching his fly line travel through the air. Jack’s pseudo underhand reach/mend/serpentine cast usually lands in perfect position followed by a fish on.

Jack has recently expressed an interest in guiding some trips with a couple of parameters: One angler only with a willingness to wade fish and eat ham and pimento cheese. So, if you want a big slice of Americana Pie, I’ll get you set up with River Jack.

–Jamie