So I had been already fly fishing for a couple years when I found out that my uncle's brother is actually an avid fly angler. Ties his own flies, and even builds his own rods. Well the last couple seasons we've been threatening to get out together, but seeing as he lives in Lacombe, we just haven't had a chance to make it happen yet. This past summer, we were talking amongst a crowd, and as he was walking away he turned back and said "oh, and by the way, you have a gift coming your way!" .. or at least that's what I thought I heard. Fast forward 7 months and this past week my uncle said to me, "hey Ryan, Bro is coming down to visit this weekend. He says he's bringing something for you..". Cool!
Seeing as I'm getting forgetful at the ripe old age of 28 though - I had kind of forgot about it already! So yesterday while we were out and about, he showed up for a visit.
Upon arriving home last night I found waiting for me probably the coolest gift I've ever been given!!...
Rod, Reel (spooled with backing/line/leader), and an assortment of flies:
I'm digging the grip! That groove fits my pinky finger perfectly.
My first inital and last name.. he had trouble with one letter but I ain't complainin!!
My cousin also fly fishes, and he had showed me a rod that uncle's bro had built for him a few years ago. So I kind of had a feeling that's what it would be. But I was NOT expecting this!! Needless to say, I'm absolutely blown away! So excited! And everything else in between. I believe uncle's brother has a Bow River float in store for him this summer as a big thank you!!
Wow.