Len Rich – Author, Writer, Conservationist, Casts His Last Line

It wasn’t a sad affair; in fact the gathering was short on tears and long on stories of Len’s warmth, generosity and passion for the outdoors. Close to a hundred friends and family crammed into the small cabin at the Humber Springs Trout Club on April 18 for a final send off, and this was not even the formal memorial for Len. That will be held on April 25th in Clarenville Newfoundland.

You see Len, who was born and raised in Whitehall, a small town in upstate New York left for the rugged hills of Newfoundland after spending 8 years in the US military. There his love of the great outdoors took root and blossomed into a burning passion that culminated when he was presented the Canada Recreational Fisheries Award by the Governor General of Canada. He brought that love and passion to Ontario when he moved to Orangeville after the loss of his wife Ruby in 2004. Len happily shared the rest of his days with partner and writer Susan Buckle and had just moved to North Bay where they had planned to settle and explore Ontario’s northland.

Len had two driving passions in his life; writing and fly-fishing. How appropriate that the two usually became one. He was the author of several books and countless articles on the art of fly-fishing, and the winner of many writing awards to match. In the early 90’s he built and ran a premiere fly-in fishing lodge at Awesome Lake in Labrador. This too became a book “So you want to be an outfitter”.

I’ve only known Len for about 10 years but like many in the outdoors community quickly came to call him my friend. I was manning a booth for the Outdoor Writers of Canada when this large friendly man with a big belly, short white beard, and a smile like Santa came strolling over and picked up some literature. We exchanged a few pleasantries and he vanished into the crowd. A few weeks later Len sent in his application and within a year became our Eastern Director, a position he held for three years.

He not only loved to write but he loved to share his passion with other writers. He assumed the role of Chairman of OWC’s mentor program and guided many young writers as they took their first tentative steps into the world of outdoors writing. In recognition of his efforts he was presented with the Jack Davis Mentorship Award for his work with new writers.

Len was a quiet insightful man, but above all he was a doer. This never became more evident to me than in the late winter of 2008. OWC had gone through a few turbulent months where the very existence of the organization was in doubt. The worst was now over, but everyone was exhausted. This was not the time to organize a national convention. Len thought otherwise and insisted that we needed a convention to pull the organization together. As acting Executive Director at the time I was skeptical.

I have been around volunteer organizations long enough to realize that there are a lot of people that are long on rhetoric, but short on action and my guard is always up. I had no idea of the depth of his commitment to make this happen. I was elated as it soon became apparent that Len was one of the rare doers and he quickly pulled me and fellow outdoor writer Peter Wood on board. We were joined at the hip for the next three months as obstacles were overcome one by one. Len managed to pull of one of the most financially successful conventions in the history of OWC.

The bond we developed last spring endured and this summer we were to have spent some quieter time tickling the water with flies, but that was not to be as Len finally succumbed to his battle with pancreatic cancer.

As honoured as we were to be able to share in a celebration of Len’s life, Len would have been humbled and surprised by the outpouring of love and affection. You see, that’s just who Len was; a man who gave much and expected little in return. If there is a life lesson to be learned from Len it’s to give more than you get, and in return you’ll get much more than you expect.

Tight lines my friend; somehow I think you’ll be on the stream with me this summer after all.

©2009 Lloyd Fridenburg – All rights reserved click here for copyright permissions

5 Rules of Southern Ontario Steelhead Fishing Etiquette

When it comes to fishing there are two kinds of regulations to keep in mind. Those that are produced and regulated by the government and those that are unwritten and regulated by your peers.

Now, assuming you’ve read the formal regulations for your area and have purchased your fishing license, you can legally fish, but, there are also some unwritten laws; the ones that will get you into trouble with your fellow fishermen. Everyone is out for a good time and there is an air of respect and camaraderie amongst the fishing fraternity. Newcomers are quickly welcomed, but just as quickly shunned if basic rules of etiquette are not followed.

1. There is one all encompassing rule from which everything else flows: Show respect for others! There are few things more irritating than drift fishing a short run and having someone walk right in beside you and cast over your line. Or, to have someone treat a public lake or river like it is his or her personal domain.

2. Respect private property! The rule is simple; if you don't have permission, don't be there. Now I know it's always possible to stray onto a private portion of a stream by mistake, but if you're asked to leave simply apologize and leave. Who knows, perhaps your honesty and courtesy will gain you permission to a new fishing hole.

3. Don't litter! Whether you're on public or private land pick up your garbage and put it in a container or take it home with you. That includes discarded hooks, sinkers, and line; all of these are hazardous to waterfowl.

4. Don’t land, or attempt to land, someone else’s fish without being invited to do so. It is quite proper to offer, but you must remember that many fishermen consider landing their own fish an important part of the experience.

5. Make way for someone playing a fish. This seems like common sense but I’m always amazed at fishermen that simply won’t reel in their line or move to let someone play their fish properly.

Follow these simple rules and you’ll be welcome on any stream; ignore them and you may be in for a very unpleasant fishing experience.

Trout season opens April 25 throughout most of Southern Ontario. Good luck!

©2009 Lloyd Fridenburg – All rights reserved click here for copyright permissions