February Newsletter

Whether you are "holed up" riding out a big storm, or down at your favorite fishing hole, we have something just right for you. We are taking an inventory of items we have an abundance of and are marking down prices to move them out. Be sure to check out the many new sale prices on items on our website.

"Grandpapa Alan" Written by Alan Liere

My son, Matt, informed me recently that I'm going to be a grandfather. I asked him how come.
"Well," Matt said, "it seems Leahlyn is pregnant."
"Pregnant!" I screamed. "You've barely been married 13 years! I turn my back on you for a few minutes and...what's the hurry?"
"Well, " Matt said again, "Leahlyn felt her biological clock might be..."
"Nonsense!" I roared. "What about my biological clock?"
"What about your biological clock?" Matt asked.
"I'm not ready to be a grandpa!" I said. "I was just getting used to being a father. Why, lookee here--my knuckles are barely hairy and my lap isn't nearly wide enough. I can't stand gray button-down sweaters, and I still like to chase Lacey around the dining room table now and then."
"How come?" Matt asked with a grin.
"I forget," I said.
"Well, I think you're more ready to be a grandpa than you think," Matt quipped. "A young grandpa," he added. "What do you want to be called?"
"Called?"
"Yeah--what do you want your first grandchild to call you? Leahlyn was thinking maybe 'Papa Alan' or 'Grandpapa Alan' would be sort of cute."
"I think I like 'Big Al, King of the Universe,' better," I said. "Or maybe 'Most Exalted and Punctilious Nabob.'"
"That's a lot to remember," Matt said.
"Well, then, what's the matter with 'Grandpa'?" I asked. "I knew some very fine gentlemen who went by 'Grandpa.' Yours, for example. And mine, too. What's with this cutesy name thing all of a sudden? And as long as we're talking and I'm complaining, what other expectations do you have for me as a grandparent?"
"Well...," Matt began.
"On second thought," I interrupted, "I have some very strong thoughts of my own about grandparenting. I don't, for example, think I should feel obligated to buy any toy made of plastic--especially blue or orange plastic. Cane, more likely. Graphite at the very least. I don't think I should have to wear sweatshirts that say, 'World's Greatest Grandpa,' but would consider 'World's Greatest Fly Fisherman.' I don't think I should be expected to keep a cupboard full of candy to bribe the little tyke when he comes to visit. And I never, ever, want him messing with my fly vise.
"I do think I should be allowed to keep the kid supplied with Lincoln Logs, books, and peacock herl, and when he gets older I'll get him a library card and a fly rod. When he gets a lot older, I'll give him a good fly rod. If he misbehaves, I'll give him a swat, and if he turns into a teenager, I'll lock him in his room."
"That sounds reasonable," Matt said. "But Leahlyn has already had an ultrasound. The doctor says we're having a girl."
"What's your point?"
"You said, 'He.'"
"Do you prefer 'It'? Boy or girl--it makes no difference to me. My expectations are the same. Little girls like Lincoln Logs and soft peacock herl, too."
"So, you don't like 'Papa Alan'?" Matt said.
"That is correct."
"And you don't plan on investing your nest egg at Toys R Us?"
"More likely The Rainbow Fly Shop."
"And there'll be some discipline mixed in with books and feathers and fishing rods and love?"
"Yup."
"Dad?"
"What?"
"That's pretty much the way you raised me."
"You can't argue with success, son," I said. "You can't argue with success."

Alan Liere
Fish Tales: A Collection of Humorous Fishing Stories
Item #14AB1272 $19.95

Save now on Jewelry for Valentines Day

This artistic jewelry is created from the cases of caddis flies! The artist supplies the caddis flies with semi-precious stones and Swarovski crystals then she carefully collects the cases and treats them with an epoxy to preserve them and make them crush-proof. She designs earrings and necklaces, accented with sterling silver or 14k gold-filled findings and additional Swarovski crystals and semi-precious stones. Each piece of jewelry is guaranteed for life and is as original as it is beautiful. The case on these necklaces are made from beautiful garnet stones. The jewelry is accented with gold and pearls. Be sure to check out the matching earrings.

Sale on Leaping Trout Glasses

Etched Beer Steins A superior etching process gives these steins the striking image of a leaping trout. Very husky and with a 16 ounce capacity, these steins will withstand years of bar service. Made in the USA.
Item #38DM1002
Regular Price $21.95
Leaping Trout Stein Sale Priced 20% off
Just $ 17.50 (each)
Our popular 15-ounce stemless glassware with the Leaping Trout image make a wonderful valentine gift at 20% off our regular price. That's only $40 for a boxed set of four of these elegant, beautiful glasses, which are made especially for The Rogue Angler! We've carried the streamer fly design, sand-etched by hand into high-quality glass, for some time. But now, you can add the leaping trout design to your collection.
Item # 38DM1007
Regular Price $49.95
Leaping Trout Set Sale 20% off
Just $ 39.95 (set of 4)

Item # 18HH1028
Available in sizes Medium to XX-Large
Regular Price $19.95 On Sale Now for just $14.95