The Good Samaritan

The Good Samaritan

Having worked the past two months at Picabo Angler I have had the distinct pleasure of meeting some wonderful people.  As a young college kid it was nerve racking starting here because I knew that people would come in with questions that I would not be able to understand and I did not want to upset someone for not being able to answer. As expected a few times I have been unable to answer a question yet instead of them becoming upset they instead taught me. While I have learned a lot from my bosses (and I have many), and from being out fishing as much as I can. I have learned the most from the kind people that come in and share their knowledge. Not only have I learned about fishing from these people but I have also learned things about life.

For example, this weekend a gentlemen came into the shop from a morning of fishing. I could clearly tell it had not been the best day from the look on his face and the beer in his hand. After asking how he was doing I learned he had been trying to avoid some bulls and fell into the river ruining his phone before he could even put out a cast. He was unsure if he wanted to go out again after such a rough morning...

In came a father of two small children. He had just purchased two spin rods for his kids and wanted to teach them how to fish, even though he had no idea how to fish himself. A fly rod was put into my hands from a young age instead of a spin rod, so I knew very little about rigging a rod with a bobber and weight. In came the previous gentlemen, who offered to help him rig up. Not only did he help the father rig up but he also gave him some pointers to on what to do. This man could have minded his own business and just of gone on with his day. Yet instead he chose to help a dad teach the joys of fishing to his children, even though he was having a bad day.

After he helped the dad he decided to go out and go fish. This man was completely self-less and have help to a stranger in need. In the process not only did he help and teach the dad, but me as well. He reminded me that fishing isn’t just about catching fish. It is about going out and being at one with nature and spreading the joy of fishing to others.  People like that make me proud to be a part of the fly-fishing community and remind me why I love fishing.

So I would just like to thank everyone that has come in and been so kind and patient with me. I can’t wait to see you next time you stop in!

Nathan Nelson