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There will be a clean up going on on the Rockaway River this Saturday at 9:00am - 12:00pm. The meeting spot is 100 Princeton Ave Dover, NJ.
While this is not an official Hacklebarney Event, lets all try to get out and help this effort.
I'm going to try to be there, even though I have a very packed schedule on that day during those hours with my kids.
Any help, is still help.
See if you can make it.
No other way to say it, I got housed at the NJ Fly Fisherman of the Year One Fly contest. I picked a jig head San Juan worm. It didnt even get a look.
In fairness to me, one of my beats, the stone wall, was an absolute bust. There was about 8" of water in the beat, except one spot, which I repeatedly flogged.
The other beat I had, Poachers, had fish, they just werent buying what I was selling.
All excuses end with me though. I represented Hacklebarney, and came up short. I fished hard but didnt produce. I am less of a man now that I let the chapter down.
If you havent heard, we have the Raritan Inn stretch for Columbus Day. Plan on being there! They have some real pigs in that stretch (besides me).
If you plan to attend, please email me at Jimmy229oz@yahoo.com so we can get a head count for food.
Man I have a heavy heart today. Pete Romano, our Hacklebarney brother, was laid to rest this morning.
Pete was all business on the water! Success!
It seems that Pete passed away in his sleep last Thursday night from what was thought to be an aneurism. There are no positives here, but at least Pete went peacefully.
This was a great guy. He was a quirky and fun. He helped quite a few of us become better fishermen. I know for a fact that John Eng, Mike Russo and I all fished with Pete, and came away having learned new skills.
Pete was also a great tyer. At the one fly contest last year at the Raritan Inn, Pete tied a Hare's Ear faster than anyone. He did it under a minute, and took the top prize. An impressive feat for anyone.
Pete with Hacklebarney friends on the spring Beaverkill trip
Pete, you were a valued member of our chapter and we miss you already. I really cant think of anything more apropos than to use the following Grateful Dead quote from Brokedown Palace...
Going home, going home
By the waterside I will rest my bones
Listen to the river sing sweet songs
To rock my soul
Going to plant a weeping willow
On the banks green edge it will grow grow grow
Sing a lullaby beside the water
Lovers come and go, the river roll roll roll
Fare you well, fare you well
I love you more than words can tell
Listen to the river sing sweet songs
To rock my soul
Until we meet again Pete, may God hold you in the palm of his hand. You'll be missed.