Many of you know that I have had a long standing love affair with the Austin series of fly tapers, formerly manufactured by AllStar Composites. Unfortunately, those tapers were taken off the market when AllStar was purchased by Shakespeare back in 2007. During the 6 years I was an AllStar distributor, I made several very good friends at that factory, one of whom was Sharon Johnson. Just about more than anyone, SHaron Johnsn was responsible for many of the opportunities that came my way during those years.

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I’ve been enjoying my Zoom coaching sessions. I have many this week and we are certainly in busy times. That 7am slot (my time) is definitely a favourite. I’m not sure how many more students I can handle. Not very many more that’s for sure. Really enjoyable however and lots of variety with so many students in long term coaching plans. I’m not sure what I’ll do when I’ve reached my student limit. I’ve been thinking about that coming-soon problem for some time now.

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Sometimes when writing these I feel ancient, dragged up from another age. A guileless troglodyte transposed blinkingly into modernity. Thus, serving as a cruel reminder of how long I’ve occupied this planet; and, of just what an unbearable little git I once was at times. Completely and utterly slapable!

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With Japan being in the middle of the golden week holidays, I wasn't expecting to do any fishing this week. On Monday though I was at a bit of a loose end after some early morning jobs and conditions were so good I decided to go and risk the crowds.

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Lot of short stories to tell, and not really ones I would prefer or you to hear! We all would love fish stories and kind of caught some but not those ones with catching yet. As they say it is all about happening.

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It’s my first full weekend off in over a month, but I’m not complaining (much). Since March I’ve had something in the calendar every weekend. Mostly casting demos, which I really enjoy, because I often cut them short and make time for some instruction as well. Sometimes a few, small, quick tips can make a difference for people. This morning has quiet, spring rain and no wind. My absolute favourite weather. I’m not fishing, which I’d love to be, but family time is needed - I’ve missed them. The door’s open, it’s still cold, but the sound of the rain and the fresh air. The view is a suburban garden, but it’s my garden, so I enjoy it

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