WRITING ON THE FLY
By GEORGE LISET

    During this time of year, every good boy and girl is wondering if they made the list. That is Santa’s list for all those girls and boys who are wondering if they made the naughty or nice list.

    My parents would start reminding me about the list as soon as they could. “Remember, Santa is watching,” was always trotted out when needed, which felt like often, when you are a little boy. I always hoped that he only started watching when my parents started reminded me that he was watching.

    I never wanted to be on the naughty list and get a stocking full of coal.

Although there were times that I probably deserved it. There are times even now when my family would like to put me on the list. For instance, when yard work or housework is needed and I decide to go fly fishing because after all, some kind of chore is always going to be there. When I do that, I blame my 88-year-old neighbor Bob who gave me the idea.

    But there is another list if you are a fly fisher. The catalogue list.

You’ll know if you are on the list usually by October. That’s when the letter carrier starts giving you the “Evil Eye” because the catalogs come in bundles. You may not realize you are on the list immediately. During the spring and summer, you may get the stray or occasional catalog to browse.

You will not think anything of it because it will give you some rainy day or porch entertainment. Then October comes and the catalogs start to pile up and become overwhelming.

    You pick one up when you have a chance and start looking at all the wonderful fishing toys and gadgets that you might not be able to live without. Or sometimes you might have one but might need two. Fly rods and reels come to mind. Fly fishing rods and reels can be so specific that you might need more than two or three or more.

    I have my eyes on a 10-foot, 3 weight nymphing rod and reel combination that is calling me. Then of course you need line, leaders and tippets, and flies, lots of flies. Then you pick up another catalog and before you know it, the green-eyed fishing monster has got you.

    How do you get on the list? It is easy. Subscribe to a fishing magazine or two. That is a sure way to get on the list.

You can also order a fishing product online. I have ordered more fly fishing paraphernalia than I should admit. Ordering online is easy. Free shipping helps. I ordered a reel from a name brand fly fishing outfitter that I have received at least 10 catalogs from in the last two weeks.

    As I am writing this, I hear the front porch door open and I can see the letter carrier, and he doesn’t look happy.

 Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. Hoping you are on the good list and wishing you fly fishing success in the new year.

A writer from Dover, George Liset writes about all things Fly Fishing. George has worked as a lobsterman, lifeguard, wrangler, boat captain, fishing instructor, and has traveled in most of the lower 48 states. Upon graduation from Wheaton College, Illinois, George began his teaching career in Dover and has coached Track and Field most recently at UNH. Liset has been published nationally and internationally in the area of track and field and coaching.