Troop 55

This past Saturday, Lowell and I had the opportunity to conduct a Fly Fishing class for Boy Scout Troop 55 of Memphis, TN. We meet the group of 13 scouts at their campground atop the mountain overlooking the Norfork Dam. After the scouts finished cleaning up from the morning breakfast, Lowell and I had a chance to introduce ourselves and go over the game plan for the day. From there we moved the entire troop down to Dry Run Creek.

We started our class with fly rod assembly and rigging. From there we covered knots and then on to everyone’s favorite, casting. After casting basics, the boys’ faces made it obvious it was time to catch some fish, so we headed down to the Creek to get the angling started. Having some helpful fathers sure helped Lowell and I accommodate rigging and teaching for 13 scouts! The entire troop showed a knack for learning as it was obvious the lessons were being picked up on. After the day was done I am happy to say that all the scouts caught their first trout on a fly rod and earned there Fly Fishing merit badges! I think it’s safe to say we left having helped create a few new fly rod addicts!

I would like to give a big thanks to Troop 55 for allowing Lowell and I to come share in such a fun and special day for them. And thank you to all the troop fathers who helped. Keep up the great fishing, guys!! —Tony